How manufacturers can collaborate throughout the construction phases
An easy, comprehensive guide to BIM.
Get into the phases of BIM
Would you describe yourself as a manufacturer with a finger on the pulse? Then you’ve probably heard of BIM: Building Information Modeling.
While you might understand that designer adoption is accelerating: do you know what it is? Why it matters for manufacturers? Or how you can collaborate through the phases of a digital building process? If you’re unsure of questions 1, 2, or 3: this comprehensive, easy guide is made for you.
The BIM basics
BIM collaboration runs deeper than design
As a manufacturer, you are aware of how important the design phase is for getting your product specified in designs. If not: now you know. But… Building Information Modeling runs far deeper than design. It branches out into every stage of the construction phase and throughout the building’s lifespan. But what are the phases, and why do they matter to you?
This e-book gives you a deeper understanding of:
- Why BIM makes collaboration easier
- What architects, engineers, contractors, and owners need
- How to build a relationship lasting from design to demolition
The construction phases
Cement your place in the construction phases
A building’s designed. It’s built. It’s maintained. And it’s demolished. That’s the concrete picture we tend to paint. But as with all oversimplifications, it strips away the valuable nuances. This e-book gives you, as a manufacturer, a quick understanding of:
- The design phase
- The building phase
- The maintenance phase
- Demolition
And most importantly: How to collaborate through points 1-4.
Your fast-track to BIM
At this point, you might be thinking, “Uh-oh, is this another piece on BIM that’ll leave me with more questions than answers?”. We sympathize – the internet is filled to the brim with BIM complexities.
But don’t worry: this guide doesn’t include overly technical jargon or nitty-gritty details. Just easily digestible information to get you up to speed and get you speaking the same language as architects, engineers, and contractors.
This is your fast-track guide into the BIM basics.
Frequently asked questions about BIM and collaboration for manufacturers
BIM helps manufacturers make their products easier to find, evaluate, and specify in digital building projects. With accurate BIM objects and product data, manufacturers can support architects, engineers, and contractors across the full construction process.
Download the guide to learn how BIM creates value from design to maintenance.
A BIM object is a digital version of a real product, including geometry, technical properties, and other information specifiers need to assess and use it in a project. For manufacturers, BIM objects are no longer just a “nice to have” — they can help expand reach, support product selection, and create new routes to market.
Ready to create BIM objects for your products? Explore our BIM object creation service.
BIM objects are often used during the design phase, when architects and engineers are searching for products and building the model. If your product data is easy to find and accurate, your products are more likely to be considered and selected. The ebook notes that the design phase is a critical moment for manufacturers because it is where product discovery and selection often begin.
BIM gives project teams access to product information earlier and in a more structured way. For manufacturers, this can help reduce issues caused by poor installation documentation, uncoordinated deliveries, or missing product data. The ebook explains how open access to project information supports smoother construction logistics, coordinated deliveries, and installation.
Yes. BIM can support maintenance teams with information such as manufacturer details, installation dates, maintenance requirements, lifespan, and performance instructions. This means manufacturers can continue to provide value after handover, for example, through updates, add-ons, or replacement solutions. Download the ebook to learn how BIM supports the full journey from design to maintenance.
A BIM project brings together several stakeholders across the construction process, including architects, engineers, contractors, BIM managers, manufacturers, facility managers, and building owners. Each role depends on accurate, structured information to design, build, and manage projects more efficiently.
Want to understand the key roles in BIM? Download our guide to the BIM stakeholders.