The combination of BIM and AI could lead to the creation of autonomous construction systems that could be programmed to perform specific tasks, such as detecting construction defects, optimizing the use of materials, or reducing construction times.

The future of BIM modeling
In a rapidly evolving construction sector, BIM has become a necessary requirement in many projects. What are the emerging digital trends related to BIM? And which ones should your company adopt to stay ahead? We tell you about it in this article.

BIM, Building Information Modeling, is transforming the construction sector. From improving collaboration to increasing efficiency, the benefits of BIM are undeniable. But what does the future hold for us? And what emerging BIM-related trends and technologies should manufacturers be aware of? Let's take a look at some of the latest developments in the world of BIM.

Trend 1: BIM Mandates

Can manufacturers neglect compliance with BIM mandates in these times? The answer is no. BIM mandates are becoming a requirement rather than an option for public construction projects in the construction sector due to the advantages this methodology offers, such as improved project outcomes and increased efficiency.

This trend is not only driven by technological advances, but also by political efforts to improve a country's competitiveness, productivity, and social and environmental well-being. Manufacturers can gain a strategic advantage by meeting BIM mandates and creating BIM content to improve their product offerings and better meet customer needs. To remain competitive in the market, it is being able to provide the BIM objects that professionals need to design their projects.

Trend 2: BIM Adoption

BIM has become crucial as more private clients, businesses and government entities recognize its value. According to USP's Architectural Barometer Q2 2021 report, 44% of European architects used BIM in 2021. That number is expected to rise to 61% in 2025. But what is the fuel driving mass adoption of BIM? According to 3,000 respondents to our February 2023 Architects, Engineers and Builders (AEC) study on bimobject.com, the top motivations are:

• Improve project quality: 28%
• Save time on the project: 22%
• Detect mismatches, limit errors and omissions: 12%
• Obtain a competitive advantage: 8%.
• Increase profitability: 8%.
• Win new business opportunities: 8%
• Adapt to regulations or legislation: 4%
• Respond to a request/call for tender: 4%
• Others: 6%

Architects, interior designers and engineers are adapting their practices to incorporate BIM technology into their work. To accurately assess the environmental impact of their designs, these professionals rely on BIM objects provided by manufacturers, as well as environmental product declarations. BIM adoption is therefore essential for manufacturers to remain competitive and meet the growing demand for BIM objects in construction projects.

Trend 3: BIM in the cloud

Working in the cloud with BIM offers many advantages, such as greater collaboration, accessibility and real-time updates. Its main advantage is information management, in which BIM objects play a fundamental role. With this technology, parties involved in construction projects can access and update BIM models from anywhere in the world, making it easier to collaborate on projects and work together seamlessly.

Manufacturers can take advantage of this trend by ensuring their products are available on cloud-based BIM platforms, making it easier for stakeholders to integrate their products into BIM models. Working with BIM in the cloud also allows you to track project updates in real time, which can help teams stay on top of project changes and progress. On the contrary, working locally means that the different project agents have to wait to receive updates from the rest of the team. Different parties may be unknowingly working with outdated information, which will undoubtedly lead to delays and errors.

Instead, cloud-based BIM allows stakeholders to access the latest project information and collaborate in real time. This trend is likely to continue as the use of cloud-based technology becomes more widespread across all sectors. As more stakeholders adopt cloud-based BIM, we can expect greater collaboration and accessibility, transforming the construction sector.

Trend 4: Digital twins

With the rise of digital twins, the construction sector enters a new dimension of design and simulation. Digital twins are replicas of physical assets such as buildings or machinery, allowing stakeholders to see and analyze how their structures behave in different scenarios. By providing real-time data, digital twins allow you to make better decisions, optimize performance, and even predict maintenance needs before they arise.

Digital twins have the ability to accurately simulate and predict the operational and behavioral aspects of a product based on real-world conditions. This allows manufacturers to make informed decisions about maintenance and support needs, optimizing product performance.

This reduces waste and rework, speeds up the design process, and improves the overall quality of the final product. One of its main advantages is the identification of possible bottlenecks before they occur.

Trend 5: BIM and prefabrication, the perfect marriage

You've probably already heard about the growing trend toward prefabrication. BIM and prefabrication are like two drops of water. Prefabrication is the process of constructing building components off-site and then assembling them on site. BIM plays a critical role in this process, allowing manufacturers to create digital models of their components that can be easily integrated into the overall building model.

Using BIM in prefabrication has many advantages for manufacturers, such as increased efficiency, accuracy, and better collaboration with other stakeholders. This allows for faster and more efficient assembly of components on site. When manufacturers combine prefabrication with BIM, they can create components that fit seamlessly into the building model.

If you've already downloaded our guide to BIM mandates, you'll know that prefabrication is especially popular in the Netherlands, and for good reason! The Dutch have perfected the art of prefabrication through its widespread use, resulting in faster and more efficient construction processes.

Trend 6: Automation and BIM

Automation is another emerging trend that is transforming the world of BIM. At its core, automation in construction is about using digital processes, apps, and robots to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. Automation has many advantages, one of them is that it is more profitable in construction, but it also reduces safety risks.

By automating the BIM model generation process, manufacturers can collaborate more effectively with architects, engineers, and other stakeholders in the construction process.

Automation in BIM can help the manufacturing process. Automation technologies such as robotics, sensors and AI can help manufacturers streamline production and improve product quality. These processes can also lead to greater flexibility and adaptability to changing product requirements, allowing manufacturers to better meet the needs of construction professionals using BIM.

Trend 7: The Internet of Things (IoT)

BIM is about building better, faster and greener. With the help of IoT and sensors, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into the functioning of their construction projects. IoT in construction can be used to monitor and control building systems, automate maintenance and repair tasks, and improve workplace safety.

By incorporating IoT sensors, manufacturers can collect real-time data on the performance and maintenance needs of their products. This data can be used to improve product design, optimize product performance and predict maintenance needs, which can help manufacturers better serve their customers.

IoT data can be integrated with BIM software to provide construction professionals with more accurate and detailed information about the performance of building systems, including HVAC, lighting, and other equipment. IoT can enable manufacturers to better understand the needs of construction professionals and end users by allowing them to create better products that meet the competitive needs of their customers.

Trend 8: Artificial intelligence

With its promising benefits, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the construction sector and manufacturers are one of the main stakeholders that may be affected by this trend. By using AI algorithms, manufacturers can analyze project data and gain insights into the performance of their products and make data-driven decisions on how to improve them.

In the construction sector, AI can help monitor performance and detect problems before they occur. It can also help improve quality control and be used to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that help optimize the design and construction process.

For example, AI can be used to examine data and predict potential delays in construction timelines. AI-powered tools such as chatbots can also help customers and other stakeholders get quick answers to their questions, improving overall customer satisfaction and reducing the workload on customer service teams.

If that were not enough, AI can also be excellent for analyzing data on construction materials and components to identify areas for improvement in terms of cost, efficiency and sustainability. Ricardo Piazzai talks more in this interview about understanding the need for sustainable design and BIM and the importance of collaborating with manufacturers who share the same vision.

Trend 9: Virtual and augmented reality

BIM processes are being affected by the emergence of virtual and augmented reality technologies. They are increasingly integrated into the construction sector and offer new ways to visualize and interact with BIM data. These technologies can be used to visualize and simulate construction projects, allowing stakeholders to better understand them before they are built.

Virtual and augmented reality also make it possible to more quickly and easily examine large-scale 3D models, providing a complete and clear picture of the design and development process. In the future, augmented virtual reality is expected to improve the BIM modeling process by offering a detailed view of each step of the design process.

It can be an impressive way to showcase products and designs to customers, allowing them to get a better idea of what they'll get before they commit to purchasing. Virtual and augmented reality can also help visualize product designs and improve collaboration with project teams. It can help reduce errors and improve overall project quality by allowing problems to be detected and resolved before construction begins.

BIM - Possible future

The future of BIM is full of possibilities. Manufacturers have a host of new tools and technologies at their disposal. But to take advantage of these opportunities, manufacturers must be willing to invest in the necessary training and tools, and stay up to date with the latest developments in this field.

BIM objects are becoming more common in the construction sector and it is essential that manufacturers prepare for these changes by ensuring their products are BIM compatible. By adopting these technologies, manufacturers can unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency and innovation. It's time to start exploring the possibilities of BIM. The future is exciting and the possibilities are endless.