Steel frame builder makes digitization move

Digitization is indispensable to distinguish yourself structurally. Thanks to smart innovations, you simultaneously ensure increased efficiency and reduced error margins. In order to achieve this, M-frame Staalframebouw recently started using BIM4Production®. Peter van Gent, director of the company explains why they are making this step right now, what impact he expects in the long run and what this means for M-frame's customers.

The collaboration between M-frame and BIM4Production® arose from a shared vision of digitization and robotization. "Digitalization is necessary for our sustainable growth," says Peter. "We are already far along with 3D BIM, but our production is still in 2D. That's inefficient and at the same time the risk of errors is high. That's why I started looking for a solution where we could seamlessly connect our 3D BIM to our production processes. That's what I found in BIM4Production®."

Growing with the organization

The choice of BIM4Production® came largely from the team's technical expertise, but the human connection also played an important role for Peter: "The click with Henk Jan Nieuwenhuis and his team in Rijssen was good from the beginning. They have a solution that suits us and help us integrate it into our business operations. What I particularly appreciate is that BIM4Production® grows with us. We start with small changes that already have a big impact in the short term. Thus, the solution grows with our business."

Added value

For M-frame, the main added value of BIM4Production® lies in increasing efficiency and reducing production errors. Peter: "By automating and digitizing smarter, we always deliver very high quality products to our customers. Moreover, steel frame construction is currently emerging in the Netherlands. By using BIM4Production®, we hope that we can further increase our production capacity and thus play a leading role in this emerging market." In an emerging market, you have to gather a lot of knowledge yourself. Peter notices that this can sometimes get in the way of innovation. "This is why I welcome the knowledge that BIM4Production® already has of timber frame construction. Despite working with different machines and materials there, the production processes are very similar."

Building smarter and faster

Peter has ambitious plans for M-frame Steelframe Construction. "The integration of BIM4Production® is just the beginning. When we are a year away, our production process will be much more efficient. Steel frame construction is on the rise in the Netherlands, but it is already much bigger in our neighboring countries. We want to accelerate the Dutch market by embracing innovations and sharing knowledge. An open attitude and cooperation is therefore important. We want to share our knowledge and be an example to others. Through this open attitude, we hope that the entire sector will benefit from technological advances."

Customers benefit

The impact of BIM4Production® will be noticeable at M-frame, customers also benefit. "The digitization ensures tighter planning and thus even better expectation management towards customers," says Peter. "In addition, the production time of elements will decrease due to more efficiency in the production process. This of course has an impact on the cost price of such an element." Finally, BIM4Production® ensures maximum grip on quality controls. "It is now very easy for us to optimize our Wkb processes and share the results of all quality checks with our customers. Combined with our KOMO certificate and product certificate, we can now prove our quality both quantitatively and qualitatively."

According to Peter, a digitization drive is indispensable for companies in the precast sector that want to grow, work more efficiently and make fewer mistakes. "The platform of BIM4Production® exudes simplicity, and that is very clever for a software package. It makes our daily work easier, supports us where necessary, and all in all feels like a sustainable partnership that will benefit us greatly in the long run."  

Efficient flow
BIM4Production focuses on creating an optimal flow, from planning to logistics. Based on 3D BIM models (IFC), the software generates the most efficient flow for all connected chain partners. BIM4Production® starts with transport planning and works backwards from there. Prefab elements must arrive at the construction site at the right time. The software cleverly controls the production of the elements based on the desired delivery time. This coordination between transport and production guarantees an optimal flow on the construction site and provides constant insight into all facets of the process.