In just a few months the UK government procurement mandate will come into force and all public sector projects will require the supply chain to use BIM. Also, an increasing number of designers, contractors and project managers are adopting BIM in their projects. Although many manufacturers of construction products have started to offer BIM data, a large number of companies still seem reluctant to take the plunge. However, as 2016 approaches fast, they will have to bite the bullet and make a decision.
There is a staggering amount of discussion and column inches dedicated to the subject – so much that it’s easy to be overwhelmed by this information overload. As a specialist contractor as well as a manufacturer, we at Colt need to be able to work on a project in a BIM environment, so we took the decision early on to invest in a software platform and create our own BIM content, which has been available on our website for some time now.
If you are in the process of making a decision about engaging with BIM, we can offer some guidance to help you decide and get started:
- In our previous blog article ‘BIM: what are you waiting for?’ you can find a first introduction to BIM, the different approaches you can take (employ a consultant, create Revit content from Inventor, invest in a software platform to create your own content), and the benefits of embracing BIM.
- A second blog article, ‘BIM: what are the issues?’ explains what BIM content is for the manufacturer and talks you through the main issues you will have to consider.
- Another very useful resource is provided by the BIM for Manufacturers and Manufacturing (BIM4M2) group:
- Highlights and slide decks from its recent seminar “Help with the journey” are available on their website.
- Support and advice to guide you through the process, also on their website.
- Highlights and slide decks from its recent seminar “Help with the journey” are available on their website.
Conor Logan is a Technical Manager of Colt UK, Smoke and Climate Control Division. Conor designs innovative smoke control and HVAC systems and is also Chairman of the Smoke Control Association.
