BSI has launched a new Kitemark to help construction manufacturers demonstrate that they have embedded BIM into their manufacturing processes and are delivering high quality BIM objects.
The BSI Kitemark for BIM Objects will validate that the digital version of a manufacturer’s product, for example a window, is an accurate representation of the physical object. There is currently no third party BIM certification for manufacturers, although specifiers now require them to provide BIM objects for construction projects.
The first organisations to achieve the Kitemark are Legrand, a global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures, and Wavin, a leading supplier of plastic piping systems for drainage and water in Europe.
Manufacturers face a significant challenge in this new era of construction, specifically around the digitisation of their products. For example, understanding what information should be provided about their products.
The new Kitemark 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.
It also proves that the manufacturer’s processes meet the requirements of BIM 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 which are found and searched for within BIM libraries and on manufacturer’s websites. Designers and specifiers will typically use generic objects as placeholders in their designs – however, generic objects do not always produce realistic or dimensionally accurate designs, compared to the use of manufacturer’s objects.
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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.
Tony Greig, CEO at Legrand Electric, said: “As part of Legrand’s ongoing commitment to supporting construction, we have integrated a number of our ranges into the BIM 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.
“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 BS 8541 parts 1, 3 and 4.”
Steve Skeldon, product manager at Wavin, said: “Wavin is delighted to be one of the first construction product manufacturers to be awarded the new BIM Kitemark. 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.”
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 1, 3 and 4*) by BSI’s technical BIM experts.
As with other Kitemarks, organisations holding the Kitemark will be routinely assessed.
The BSI Kitemark for BIM Objects is available to all manufacturers that have a quality management system equivalent to ISO 9001, the Quality Management Systems standard.
BS 8541 provides recommendations for defining format and content for library objects to support project briefing, design, tendering, construction and management of built assets.
The Kitemark for BIM Objects builds on the BSI Kitemark for PAS 1192-2 Information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects, which launched in December 2016.
The BSI Kitemark for PAS 1192-2 provides the most robust measurement of a company’s delivery of BIM projects, certifying businesses for their diligence in design and construction, supply chain management and delivery of customer service excellence.
For more information, please visit www.bsigroup.com/BIM-UK
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.– Steve Skeldon, Wavin
