Investigation of BIM object development processes of product manufacturers: a multi-case study

Purpose This paper investigates how product manufacturers adopt BIM for object development, identifies the challenges they encounter and highlights lessons learned. It aims to provide a framework for BIM object development from the manufacturers’ perspective. Design/methodology/approach A multi-case study was conducted to investigate BIM object development processes of six product manufacturers through semi-structured interviews, document investigation and observations. The results of the study were obtained by triangulation of the findings and cross-case synthesis. The developed framework was validated using feedback from experts that participated in the study. Findings Findings present the challenges and lessons learned in adopting BIM for object development by product manufacturers and a framework for BIM object development outlining key questions, related decisions and main options. Research limitations/implications Given that this study focused on architectural and mechanical product manufacturers, future research could involve additional case studies with electrical product manufacturers or other architectural product manufacturers that produce different types of products to explore potential similarities and differences. Originality/value Although BIM adoption processes of various parties were widely investigated in the literature, a significant gap for product manufacturers remains to be addressed. This study specifically investigated the product manufacturers’ adoption of BIM for object development, addressing unique challenges, lessons learned and developed a framework for the process.