Guiding a Global Manufacturer Into The Fast-Growing Building Information Modeling Space

The Project

Our client, a prominent global supplier of paints, decorative coatings, and powder coatings, has presences in over 100 countries. Central to their future growth was acting on the growing importance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in specifying new building projects (and retaining their market position). As BIM and related digital tools have quickly become essential technologies in the AEC sector, our task was to understand, evaluate, and recommend a strategic approach to engaging with these new technologies.

The Strategy

As BIM becomes increasingly accepted and mandated within the AEC industry, several competitors have gained an advantage by adapting their product catalogues for BIM software integration. With governmental mandates and industry trends leaning heavily towards BIM adoption, suppliers are now expected to provide digital tools and content that can be seamlessly incorporated into BIM models. Our client sought expert guidance to navigate this digital transformation and secure a competitive edge in the market.

Our Approach

A phased approach was adopted to develop comprehensive recommendations and a robust implementation plan. The process began with a discovery phase that involved extensive industry research, resulting in a detailed report on market trends and a competitive analysis. This groundwork enabled us to build deep expertise in BIM, its uses, challenges, and opportunities.

Next, we conducted primary research that included one-on-one interviews and a carefully designed survey. This research targeted various stakeholders such as owners, architects, consultants, engineers, contractors, specifiers, and fabricators. The goal was to fully understand the impact of BIM and related technologies on decision-making processes within the industry.

The Solution

Our research revealed that a vast majority of architects, designers, and engineers value having product information available in the form of BIM models. In response, we developed a detailed customer journey map and provided targeted technology and implementation recommendations. These insights were designed to help the company effectively participate in the BIM ecosystem and capitalize on the emerging opportunities.

We advised that by extending beyond basic object libraries and truly embracing the full capabilities of BIM, manufacturers and suppliers can achieve a first-mover advantage. As BIM adoption continues to grow, the ease of use and availability of comprehensive BIM content will increasingly drive purchasing decisions, positioning the company as a leader and innovator in the space.