In early 2014, with the support of the CPA, the BIM for Manufacturers and Manufacturing Group (BIM4M2) was launched with a brief which includes helping manufacturers with the implementation of BIM. A major step forward was recently taken when BIM4M2 ran its first seminar entitled “BIM for Manufacturers – Help with the Journey”. The seminar was supported by the Construction Products Association and the Chartered Institute of Marketing Construction Industry Group.
Almost 90 people representing 71 organisations attended the seminar which provided an impartial guide to BIM. The day started with a welcome by David Philp, Head of the Government BIM Task Group. Presentations demonstrated how BIM can play a part in future information management with the potential to help companies to promote their products in an integrated way, as well as providing a virtual procurement hub. Client and manufacturer case studies were used to provide examples. Other presentations demonstrated how manufacturers can gain competitive advantage with BIM.
The seminar marked the launch of a series of free tools called The Curve developed by BIM4M2 to help manufacturers decide if they need to implement BIM, and if they do, give guidance and advice on doing so. Having introduced this, the seminar split in two providing advice for those who are considering adoption of BIM and sharing practical experience with those already offering BIM. This highlighted how we are all still learning. If you would like to view the presentations they are posted both on Slideshare.
Development of The Curve was informed by last year’s research BIM Adoption by Product Managers which CPA members contributed to. BIM4M2 is now repeating the research and would welcome your feedback.
If you missed the seminar, The Curve is available online to help you. It comprises three elements:
- The Compass tool which gives an indication of the likely impact of BIM on your business
- How do I do it? This resource guides you through the process of creating a justification for your company to invest in BIM; and helps with the key considerations to create, implement and measure a BIM business plan for your company.
- There is also an information resource to help you learn more with links into Mandatory, Useful and Nice to Know information.
You can also join our LinkedIn group BIM for Manufacturers and Manufacturing which is where we will be posting news and information to help manufactures as well as providing a forum to share views and opinions.
[Chris Ashworth is Chair of the BIM4M2 Promotional Group and Managing Director of research and training consultancy Competitive Advantage, an Associate Member of the CPA. Chris can be reached here.]
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