DrivingDigital transformation has been part of our everyday lives for some time now. In addition to processes and products, services are also moving into the virtual space with increasing frequency, in the construction industry, too. Wilo, the Dortmund-based technology specialist, is now going online with its new Building Information Modelling (BIM) Portal, in order to virtually design projects in building services and water management.

Building Information Modelling (BIM), which is used as a precise method for displaying the functional properties of a building and associated technical building equipment, is now pretty much part of standard design activities. By setting up a so-called digital, three-dimensional twin, which mirrors the planned building in every detail, design processes can be optimised and more time and cost-effective project management can be achieved.

Reduced construction times and costs

“Many countries already require architects and consultants to work with BIM when tendering for public contracts, especially when it comes to large and complex construction projects,” explains Eva Kerstholt. Here, there are often additional challenges associated with the designs, which can be overcome more quickly if you use a detailed BIM design. The advantages are clear for all to see: “Mistakes can already be avoided in the concept phase by having an accurate design to hand; in addition, all project stakeholders have access to the current digital twin so that work can be carried out in parallel.” The error rate can also be kept to a minimum thanks to greatly reduced construction time and costs.

Wilo sets benchmarks in building services and water management

BIM design in building and facility technology becomes child’s play with Wilo. “We’re now offering a new portal for BIM data. 70,000 data records relating to our pump solutions form the initial basis for the design. Together with our strategic partner Cadenas from Augsburg, we made user-friendliness and efficiency in application a top priority when designing and developing the platform,” explains Project Manager Dr Guido Rudolph. “It’s ultimately about making everyday design activities easier for our customers and partners. The BIM portal will be further expanded in the coming months and additional product ranges from commercial building services will be added.”It’s very easy to use: Specialist consultants can either download the model of the relevant pump directly from the Wilo home page or – assuming they are using Autodesk Revit – select the model directly using a plug-in without having to leave the Revit software. The plug-in can be installed directly in Revit. “The Revit plug-in for BIM is part of a comprehensive service that supports installers, consultants, wholesalers, maintenance services and OEM partners in their day-to-day design activities in an efficient and intuitive way,” adds Andreas Bauerle.

ETIM-classified BIM models

Numerous analyses, expert discussions and interviews with Wilo customers in advance served as a basis for the now pending relaunch. The result is a platform that offers optimum support to consultants and provides BIM models in the local language of all ETIM member states. “The BIM models contain the metadata record for the respective ETIM pump class (EC) in the local language of all ETIM member states, and are also geometrically standardised if there is an existing ETIM Modelling Class (MC),” says Daniel Starke. “The big advantage is that this ETIM classification makes technical, geometric and linguistic misinterpretations almost impossible for the consultant. In addition, it also enables our consultant to make quick and neutral comparisons between our products and those of our competitors.” digitalisation forward