What is BIM?
The digital standard of the construction industry
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is no longer a trend, it has become the digital standard of building design and construction. In this overview, we dive into the concept of BIM, and shed light on its significance for building product manufacturers.
Building information modeling (BIM) is a method for building smarter, faster, greener
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become the go-to method for working digitally in construction, bringing a fresh wave of innovation to the industry. It is a collaborative process that involves creating and managing 3D models of buildings or infrastructure. It extends beyond visual representation by integrating details about a project's physical and functional aspects, supporting the entire building lifecycle.
Simplified, BIM helps people who build and take care of buildings understand everything about them, from how they look to how they work.
What is a BIM object
BIM objects are digital counterparts of physical products, and serve as the vital connection between AECs and manufacturers, providing a streamlined pathway for exchanging product information.
During the 3D modeling of a projects' design, the architects need access to relevant “building blocks” to visualize and test their options.
Providing BIM objects easily accessible, at the right moment, at the right place, is crucial for building product manufacturers who wish to be considered in these early design decisions.
Past the tipping point
According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, we’ll build 230 billion square meters of new construction by 2060. That’s equivalent to one Paris every week, one New York City every 34 days, or roughly one Tokyo each quarter.
BIM challenges outdated procedures and helps address the demand for new construction. Digitalization is the only way to manage the increasing complexity of building projects, which is why BIM is now used by the majority of architects in the developed world.
Sources: USP Market Research & BIMobject 2025 specifier survey.
Current percentage of BIM users
What professionals do after downloading a BIM object
Most downloads lead to read use: 66% of professionals place BIM objects into their workflows. That's where visibility meets real project intent.
Use it in a project project model
Share it with colleagues
Visit the manufacturer's website
Just browsing
Request pricing and availability
Most used channels
Get the Full Picture: BIM for Building Product Manufacturers
Curious how BIM can help you get your products specified, and win more projects?
Our free guide, “BIM for Manufacturers: From Creation to Specification”, takes you through everything from creating BIM objects to reaching architects and engineers at the right time.
Download the guide to explore how digitizing your product data can lead to smarter decisions, better collaboration, and a stronger presence in the construction value chain.
BIM means business for building product manufacturers
We are on a mission to digitalize construction and build a sustainable future and BIM is the bridge that will take us there.
For Building product manufacturers, BIM offers unmissable business opportunities, and a sure way to stay relevant to your target group.
Ready to get your BIM objects in front of the people who specify them?
Already have product data ready to go? See how publishing, promotion, and performance tracking come together in our solutions to get you discovered by milions of architects and engineers.
Don't have BIM content yet? Our BIM content development team builds it for you, from your first file to formats ready for Revit, Archicad, and more.