Framework for Digital Development in Industrialized Housebuilding

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is claimed to transform the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, whereas current research has argued that diffusion of BIM use proceeds at a slower rate than the optimistic predictions. Despite that potential of BIM is higher in industrialized housebuilding, the trade express similar characteristics as traditional construction both in terms of BIM sue but also organization of assets. The aim of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for digital development in industrialized timber housing. Data were gathered from eight industrialized housebuilding companies in a mixed approach with interviews, focus groups and a survey. The analysis presents the current use of BIM and digital tools and prioritized development areas within this domain. By adding a theoretical overview of current research for industrialized housebuilding with focus on platform strategies and digital development a framework is drawn. Problems with transfer in the interfaces between software were emphasized. Current research on developing a system for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) in industrialized housebuilding indicate a path forward. A PLM system facilitates the development of digital developments such as digital twins and smart products, which possess the potentials to generate crucial feedback, which is crucial for the competitiveness and efficiency of industrialized housebuilding. Thus, for a trade with high levels of complexity, a move towards a fully functional PLM system might not only be desirable but decisive.

Mitigating product data management challenges in the wooden single-family house industry

“…IHB usually utilizes two different CAD/BIM-tools for product data management, one for 2D and one for 3D modeling, the latter usually a BIM-tool (Lennartsson et al, 2020;Popovic et al, 2019). Recent research indicates that BIM-tools, for example BIM, Bentley, and ArchiCAD, are utilized differently in IHB and functions have been developed with plug-ins to better fit the needs of the industry (Yin et al, 2019).…”

“…In terms of product data management, a common challenge for IHB is a lack of systems integration between information and communication technology tools (ICT tools) i.e., product data exists in isolated systems (Lennartsson et al, 2020;Popovic et al, 2019). System integration implies integration of existing, often different, systems.…”

“…is particularly challenging due to the lack of integration between building information modelling (BIM) tool and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Usually, a BIM model is searched for all purchasing items which is extracted to spreadsheets and after that the retrieved product data is rewritten into an ERP-system (Lennartsson et al, 2020;. The challenges related to product data management have negative effects on productivity, efficiency and quality.…”

“…The challenges related to product data management have negative effects on productivity, efficiency and quality. For example, issues with input of product data and tedious and time-consuming administration (Lennartsson et al, 2023;Lennartsson et al, 2020;Malmgren, 2014;Persson et al, 2009;Popovic et al, 2019;.…”

“…Previous research suggests that IHB should support the product and process strategy, more often seen in the discrete manufacturing industries, using ICT tools with functions to manage product data efficiently (Johnsson et al, 2006;Lennartsson et al, 2023;Lennartsson et al, 2020;Malmgren, 2014). IHB is using ICT tools for product data management, such as BIM, which is developed for the traditional construction industry (Johnsson et al, 2007;Johnsson et al, 2006).…”