The project is producing a Plain Language Guide for manufacturers setting out why digital product data is important and how manufacturers can benefit by taking simple low-cost steps. The project is supported by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Construction Products Europe and the UK BIM Alliance.
The risks to manufacturers of analogue methods of handling data are considerable, Patricia Massey of Electrium explains. “The Grenfell tragedy has showed our industry that knowing where your products are is essential to public safety, but it also protects manufacturers.”
“The new Building Safety Bill requires building owners to certify their buildings are safe - and that requires knowing what is in them. We are also seeing increasing instances of construction companies being prosecuted for product related failure. Manufacturers will need to conform to the market need for standardised, traceable product information soon, if only to protect their business interests.”
John Parsons, director digital, BEAMA, said: “BEAMA welcomes the launch of this series of blogs. Making digital product data available is an increasingly urgent topic and industry needs to understand what to do.'
New International Standards published this year make it possible for information to be provided in a standardised, interoperable way, and the project team believes that a simple process will allow manufacturers to make their products traceable and protect against fraud and incompatible product substitution.
The first discussion group will be held on Zoom on 11 September. Manufacturers who want to participate can read the article and sign up to join the call here: https://bit.ly/ManufacturersPLG_1