A total of 80% construction product manufacturers are not confident about BIM, according to a new report.
The NBS National BIM Report for Manufacturers 2017 found that while many manufacturers agree that BIM information will be increasingly required by specifiers in the future, only a minority – 21% – said they are confident when it comes to BIM knowledge and skills.
The study also found that even those who are progressing well are relying on collaboration from those outside their own organisations to help overcome barriers to BIM.
The report, which includes a survey from 173 respondents across the industry, has been produced alongside the Construction Products Association (CPA) and aims to find out what impact BIM is having on the product manufacturing industry.
Other findings from the research are that manufacturers believe that BIM will deliver real benefits, including reducing costs and creating time efficiencies through the design, build and maintenance lifecycle.
More half of those who responded also believe that the government BIM mandate has not been successful due to a lack of rigorous enforcement. However, just under half of respondents still believe that the government is “on the right track”.
Peter Caplehorn, CPA deputy chief executive and policy director, said: “Whilst still far from the norm, there is no doubt the UK construction industry is on the cusp of a technological advancement.
“Currently we are in a situation where the supply chain is not as well coordinated as it could be, but through digitalisation our industry will find more efficient, cost-effective and smarter ways to do things.
“It is not surprising the majority of construction product manufacturers are already taking steps to adopt the use of BIM, but what is needed now is to ensure that they feel confident to do so.
“Surveys like this are useful in highlighting the gaps where industry must work together to encourage adoption, particularly with issues around standardisation and Product Data Templates.”
