Electrical Installers' Expectations towards Manufacturers regarding BIM

Amongst European electrical installers, a gradual but perceptible shift is taking place as electrical installers increasingly embrace Building Information Modeling (BIM). Despite the slow growth rate and the current low overall penetration of BIM in the sector, there is a noteworthy expectation that the share of electrical installers will that incorporate BIM into their projects will continue to grow in the future.

But Electrical installers frequently have to rely on collaboration with various parties to navigate the complexities of BIM-related projects. Among these collaborators are specialized engineering companies, but notably, manufacturers also play a significant role in supporting electrical installers in their BIM projects.

According to insights gathered from the European Electrical Installation Monitor report on BIM, a crucial question was posed to electrical installers regarding their expectations from manufacturers of electrical products in the context of BIM. The responses shed light on the key areas where installers seek support and collaboration.

1. 3D BIM Object Information: The top expectation voiced by electrical installers is for manufacturers to provide comprehensive 3D BIM object information for their product assortments, along with accessible BIM files. This indicates a growing demand for detailed digital representations that can seamlessly integrate into BIM projects.
2. Open Source Libraries: Closely following the need for 3D BIM object information, the second most common expectation is for manufacturers to make their BIM product information available in open source libraries. This signifies a desire for readily accessible and shareable resources within the industry.
3. Support for Engineering in BIM: The third and fourth most common expectations pivot towards support needs, emphasizing the installer’s desire for assistance in engineering within the BIM environment. This includes the need for manufacturers to facilitate the integration of their products into BIM projects and provide technical product information to streamline the process.
4. Support and Training: Rounding up the top five expectations is the demand for support and training. Electrical installers are seeking assistance from manufacturers in gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement BIM in their projects.

The notable aspect of these expectations is their proximity, with a mere 3% difference between the top-ranking expectation and the fifth.