The new BSI Kitemark™ for BIM Objects allows manufacturers to demonstrate the accuracy of their digital products within BIM project compliance. Andrew Butterfield, Director of Built Environment, Product Certification at BSI, takes a look
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a key element of the built environment sector being transformed through digital technology. The benefits of BIM are clear: By collating accurate information, from drawings and specifications to materials and measurements, problems can be avoided throughout the supply chain, driving up the efficiency of the construction and asset management processes.
In the UK, the Government has been leading the way with BIM adoption, setting a clear condition of contracts that construction companies demonstrate BIM Level 2 capability or be excluded from public sector tenders. It estimates that it has already saved £840m through the use of BIM, representing average project savings of 20%.
BSI has been taking a lead in helping organisations to meet the compliance challenge. For example, we have been running workshops, finding out about contractors’ ‘pain points’ and developing potential solutions, not just for the UK market but also for other global markets where BIM is now being implemented and regulated.
In response to the industry’s pain points, the BSI Kitemark for BIM Objects was recently launched. The new Kitemark validates that the digital version of a manufacturer’s product, for example a window, is an accurate representation of the physical object.
Manufacturers face a significant challenge in this new era of construction. However, regardless of where they are on their BIM journey, the new Kitemark has been designed to help them demonstrate their commitment to BIM project compliance. The mark of quality demonstrates that the dimensional, performance and specification data related to the product has been validated and that this is presented and structured correctly, using standardised templates. One such template or tool is the Construction Product Association’s (CPA) LEXiCON, which is currently in development and will be supported by the BSI Kitemark.
Peter Caplehorn, Chief Executive and Policy Director of the CPA, said: “The development of the BSI Kitemark for BIM Objects is a welcome addition to this process and we will be collaborating with BSI to ensure that the Kitemark aligns with and complements the LEXiCON platform.
“While LEXiCON creates a plain language dictionary for consistent sharing of product data, the Kitemark will focus on the accuracy of the data to ensure the digital object truly represents the actual product.
“When combined, LEXiCON and the Kitemark for BIM Objects will provide accurate digital data in a consistent and accessible format, which can only be a good thing for the industry.”
The BSI Kitemark also proves that the manufacturer’s processes meet the requirements of BIM project compliance and that the object will function properly when placed within a digital model. In addition, the Kitemark will help designers and specifiers to quickly identify accurate digital objects that are found and searched for within BIM libraries and on manufacturer’s websites.
By verifying the BIM object beforehand, the accuracy of the design and installation can be improved, significantly reducing the cost and time associated with returning and replacing products that don’t fit the original specification, as well as time spent sourcing and validating data.
This was a key consideration for Legrand Electric, one of the first organisations to achieve the Kitemark, when integrating its products into the BIM environment.
“As part of Legrand’s ongoing commitment to supporting construction, we have integrated a number of our ranges into the Building Information Modelling environment to assist all areas of project activity, from design and construction through to facilities management and beyond, enabling project teams to utilise our systems to produce accurate and efficient plans, cable routing and procurement lists as a fully integrated part of an overall BIM project,” said CEO Tony Greig.
“Achieving the BIM Object Kitemark demonstrates that Legrand has a robust set of processes in place for the production and management of BIM objects, meeting the requirements of BS8541 parts one, three and four.”
The manufacturing industry is highly competitive. Therefore, it’s really important that manufacturers can differentiate their construction products when tendering for BIM projects and to gain access to new markets.
Steve Skeldon, Product Manager at Wavin, explains why being one of the first to achieve the Kitemark was crucial to staying ahead of the competition: “Meeting and exceeding customer expectations for BIM has required significant investment and commitment over the last few years.
“With so many providers of BIM services in the market often giving different advice, this new Kitemark represents a real watershed for the industry by bringing into play a robust, consistent and objective set of BIM parameters for product data.”
In order to achieve the BSI Kitemark for BIM Objects, manufacturers will be independently assessed against the requirements of BS 8541 Library objects for architecture, engineering and construction (parts one, three and four) by BSI’s technical BIM experts. As with other Kitemarks, organisations holding the Kitemark will be routinely assessed.
For more information, please visit www.bsigroup.com/BIM-UK
Andrew Butterfield
Director of Built Environment,
Product Certification
BSI Group
Tel: +44 (0)345 080 9000
Twitter: @BSI_UK
