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It can be challenging to make a decision about what BIM content to use in a project. As the MEP engineer you might sometimes be pulled in several directions by the project owner, the architect and other parties taking part in the project.

There are actually two ways to approach this decision:

1. Make your decision based on previous experience with manufacturer items and input from stakeholders -> search for content on trusted platforms -> download and place files


2. Regularly review the content published on trusted platforms -> research product specific information and reviews from peers -> make your decision based on your knowledge and project specifications -> download and place files

As you can see, you can either base your decision on previous experience or on newly acquired knowledge. The construction industry is changing fast, just like all industries out there, and it is essential that you stay up to date with the latest developments in order to provide the best solutions for your design, no matter if you have tried it before or not.

Admittedly, the second path requires a bit more effort than the first. Instead of relying on what you already know, you have to do research, tests and comparisons, and all of it for what?

Well, in some cases, the extra knowledge can prove invaluable. For instance, instead of choosing a traditional fuel-based energy source, such as a gas boiler, you can go for a newer system for generating energy, such as a heat pump. This way, you will reduce resources spent while considerably increasing efficiency. New solutions for MEP systems are constantly being developed and introduced to the market and in order to maintain yourself ahead of the game, you need to be aware of all of them.

How to gain knowledge and review articles fast

So what are the best ways to actually review manufacturer content and decide on your best options, without spending hours browsing online for answers? Don’t worry, we made things easy for you!

1. Every week, look for the MEPcontent newsletter in your inbox

In the weekly newsletter we include the most important updates about new manufacturers joining the MEPcontent platform or new items being published. If you click on the button below each article, you will be directed to a page where you will find valuable information about the item such as best conditions in which to use it, strengths and weaknesses or background information about the manufacturing company. You can additionally visit the website of the manufacturer itself for more technical and detailed information on the product. Even if you don’t download the items straight away, at least you know what your options are.

2. Set yourself a goal to check the platform regularly and commit to it

Emails can get buried in your inbox before you get the time to read them, but there are always ways around that, since time is one of the biggest challenges today for everybody. Create a task for yourself to visit MEPcontent.com to check for the latest content updates. The latest content added will always appear on the top of the BIM overview page. Don’t forget to select the country of your choice to view the localizations available for your region. The frequency of the reminder can be daily, weekly, every few days, or as often as you think necessary. You can use this Google Chrome extension to be sure you don’t forget the commitment you made to yourself.

3. Use bookmarks to stay organized

In order to be sure that the content you are using is up-to-date, it is actually not such a good idea to download and store files locally. When there are changes made to an item, your local library will not sync automatically with the one available online, which means that you run the risk of using outdated content. In order to avoid that, but still keep yourself organized, you can use Internet bookmarks. We recommend creating a general “MEPcontent” folder that contains several sub folders named after the manufacturers that are of most interest to you. Alternatively, you can organize your folders according to categories. For instance, the general folder ”Mechanical” can contain the sub folders “Pipes”, “Valves”, “Pumps” where you store product pages from items that you would like to use for future projects. View all the categories available on MEPcontent here. Bookmarks are a great way to keep yourself organized and to make sure that you always check for the latest content updates.

4. Follow manufacturers on MEPcontent

What many MEPcontent users don’t know yet is that you can actually follow manufacturers and get personalized notifications by email when new content from them is published. It’s just like following friends on Facebook or other social platforms to get notified about their activity. You can find the “Follow” on each product page, such as this one for a Mitsubishi Electric heat pump. Look under the manufacturer information on the right side of the screen.

5. Automatically get notified when relevant updates are published

In the news section on MEPcontent we regularly publish closely verified information about BIM and MEP to help designers gain knowledge and practical information about the industry. Some of these news items end up in the newsletter, but not all of them. In order to be sure you don't miss important updates, or if you are not a big fan of email because your inbox gets cluttered too fast, you can choose to receive these updates as browser notifications. Just do a hard refresh of the MEPcontent website (Ctrl + F5 for Windows or ⇧ Shift and Reload for MAC) to clear the cookies and click "Allow" in the window that will appear next. You can switch off your notifications at any time from your browser's settings.

6. Browse and filter articles with the MEPcontent Browser

If you want to work at the highest speed, you may want to try the MEPcontent Browser plugin. It allows you to filter on several important criteria and to select the desired items from the list of results. All of it happens right within your project environment, so you never have to switch windows while working and risk losing concentration.

Go ahead and make a pledge to yourself that you will try at least 3 of these actions in order to start choosing better BIM content for your projects!

Why do we need BIM content?

BIM content is essential for your project. BIM articles equipped with the correct technical and geometric parameters can be an invaluable asset in the processes of forecasting, calculating and ordering. It can potentially save a lot of time and extra costs. Here you can find out more about why MEP engineers need BIM content.

There are several aspects that come into discussion when talking about BIM content. How do you make the information is correct? And do you avoid overloading your project by using large size article files? Moreover, how will you make sure that the content you use is up-to-date with the latest changes announced by the manufacturer? Taken separately, all of these issues have their solution. Which doesn’t mean that solving them separately will be fast, nor easy.

The MEPcontent Browser

The MEPcontent Browser is a plugin that can be used both in Revit and AutoCAD to easily browse, filter and insert 3D BIM content in your projects. It is a gateway to MEPcontent.com, the largest BIM library for MEP engineers, directly from within your project environment. The plugin is free to download and to use from the MEPcontent App Store.

Uniform and high quality content

In order to provide MEP engineers with reliable 3D content, we work in close collaboration with over 300 building product manufacturers worldwide. That is how we make sure that the content we make available on the MEPcontent platform and in the MEPcontent Browser is always up-to-date, uniformly build and evaluated according to the EMCS Standard and ready to be used in your projects.

Quick access to your files

You can access the BIM library directly from within your project. No need to switch to an external window or download files locally. Using the advanced filtering options such as category, manufacturers, or availability you can find the articles that you need within seconds. If you have to take some time to decide what item you want to use, you can visit the manufacturer URL included in the article description to consult the documentation provided.

A source of BIM news

The Communication Channel available in the plugin is your constant source of information about new content releases, new manufacturers joining the platform, product updates, news from the BIM industry and a lot of valuable information to help you realize better building installations.

Download the MEPcontent Browser straight away and start working faster with BIM content!

Image: CityLife Milano, by Deerns

Levels of BIM adoption vary across the world. However, no country remains unaffected by the new way of working. Italy is no different. In fact, according to the latest figures the value of BIM projects in the public sector reached over 2,6 billion in 2016, with a 30% increase in comparison to the year before. Kim Smit, business development specialist at MEPcontent, talks about the latest BIM developments in Italy and gives an insight into the changing industry.

How does Italy compare to other countries when it comes to BIM?

Although Italy has not been at the forefront of BIM adoption in Europe, we have seen a very significant growth in 2018. Italian manufacturers who recently started with the BIM implementation in their organization have learned from the challenges of (competing) early adopters and are using this to their advantage. Now it’s the right time for manufacturers in Italy to get BIM ready. More importantly, manufacturers can profit now from the latest, most innovative BIM solutions available on the market, which go far beyond the - let’s say – traditional content creation. Engineers will of course benefit from these solutions in their daily workflows and manufacturers are increasingly considering this when it comes to their BIM strategy.

See what your country is doing in terms of BIM adoption.

So, BIM adoption seems to be increasing, right?

If we look at the the number of Italian users of our platform we see a significant growth of 48.5% in 2018, bringing Italy to the top 10 of both number of visitors and of downloads of the MEPcontent platform. We also see leading Italian engineering firms that are willing to test our apps for Revit. So BIM is definitely gaining ground in Italy.

Additionally, BIM maturity varies a lot across regions. Especially in cities in the northern regions of Italy, like Milano, Bergamo and Brescia, firms are already operating at a high BIM maturity level similar to advanced BIM countries. We’ll see that first large and international projects are being realized with BIM, and later the smaller projects will follow.

What challenges are there when it comes to BIM adoption?

First, the Italian MEP landscape is quite dispersed: there are many small engineering firms scattered widely across the country. It will take some time for everyone to invest in the knowledge and education and the software required for BIM. Also, software incompatibility and bureaucracy can be issues to get started with BIM. These are a few things that slow the adoption of BIM down, but there’s no doubt BIM is the future, also in Italy.

What is the government’s approach to BIM?

The government is definitely supporting the development of BIM. A decree has been issued with a multi-year plan stating that all public projects have to be realized with BIM in 2022. From January 2019 this will be a requirement for all projects worth more than 100 million euros; in 2021 for the more complex projects, and in 2022 for all public projects. This will give the smaller firms some time to prepare themselves for BIM. Additionally, an Italian norm is being developed: the UNI 11337 (Normativa UNI 11337). Different parts of this standard have already been published, providing guidelines and a framework for managing digital information processes.

Are there other ways to accelerate the BIM adoption?

What will help is the drive of manufacturers to keep a competitive position. Increasingly, MEP engineering firms are taking the quality of BIM objects into consideration when selecting a manufacturer. Therefore internationally oriented Italian manufacturers have been working with BIM for quite some time as part of their strategy. Manufacturers that are in business with countries like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom or Australia, have already embraced BIM to meet the demand for BIM content. Who wants to be part of big international projects, can’t stay behind. Furthermore, we see that these manufacturers are also investing time in educating MEP engineers on working with Revit and BIM, which helps the BIM adoption increase.

What can other countries learn from the Italians when it comes to BIM?

In Italy, quality is not just a word. In my experience, everything is done with passion and with eye for detail and quality. On the one hand, this can delay processes. On the other hand, it also ensures the quality that Italian products are known for across the world. Therefore Italians typically will take more time, evaluate potential issues and all options before making a decision. However, this also means that the results are likely to be impressive too. This becomes clear when looking at the remarkable BIM projects that have already been realized in Italy, such as the Brennero Tunnel, the Scala theater and the Citylife Building in Milano.

The pursuit of quality is also reflected in the interest in the Extended MEP Content Standard, which is matched to multiple international standards. When we talk to Italian manufacturers we hear that they are looking for a BIM standard that guarantees the quality of the content in Italy as well as on a more global scale.

We also get positive feedback from Italian engineers who use the BIM objects from MEPcontent, as they have experienced the quality of the content guaranteed from the EMCS.

Any final tips for starting with BIM?

Content is very important to the quality of your BIM project. So if you’re an engineer; make sure you work with high quality content. If you are a manufacturer, keep in mind that the BIM solution(s) you offer are primarily for the benefit of the engineer.

Also, it’s easy to find a software supplier able to create BIM models, but it’s more important to find an innovative, MEP specialized BIM partner who knows what manufacturers and engineers need; now and in the future.

The ABB series of consumer units "System pro E comfort" is designed to reduce cabling times as well as allow the total integration of several kind of devices for DIN-rail and also devices to be installed on mounting plates or on blind front panels.

• Protection class: II
• IP protectionn class: IP41 and IP65
• Rated current: from 63 A up to 125 A

Download Revit families for System pro E comfort from MEPcontent!

Emergency Lighting Fixtures, Sensor for Ventilation and Induction Ventilator

Manufacturer ExcelAir has joined the MEPcontent platform! The first ExcelAir content is published in the categories emergency lighting fixtures, CO sensors/gas sensors and induction ventilators.

About ExcelAir

ExcelAir offers complete solutions in the field of parking garage ventilation systems, gas detection / and fire detection systems; from advice to delivery and from installation to maintenance.

"In order to optimally serve customers in the transformation to 3D modeling, ExcelAir has chosen to work with MEPcontent" says Bert Bron, Director for ExcelAir.

"MEPcontent and Stabicad are number one when it comes to design software for electrical and mechanical installation technology in which standards are laid down. This collaboration has enabled ExcelAir to process its most common components as Revit families. The complete package of ExcelAir products can now be downloaded here as Revit families, CAD and IFC files, so that you always work with the most recent content. ExcelAir is proud to publish this content on the website."

More information about ExcelAir products and services can be found at www.excelair.nl.

When it comes to flexibility, usability and design ABB’s MISTRAL series of consumer units can convince installers as well as end users in any kind of electrical distribution system in residential, commercial and industrial environments.

Additionally, MISTRAL65 is suitable for outdoor applications and MISTRAL65H even for harsh environments. In order to meet the requirements of smart homes-/smart offices-applications MISTRAL Multimedia provides the very best to realize all your installation ideas efficiently – now or in the future.

The City Multi Air Conditioning series just keeps on getting better. This HVRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) is the World’s First HYBRID R32 VRF solution. And it’s all done on two pipe technology . No need for expensive leak detection in occupied spaces. No need for large footprint space for condensers. No need for third party controls as the clever M-Net with its range of intelligent controllers does it all. No problems with phase ability or indeed flexibility allowing easy CAT A to CAT B fit outs.

Reduced footprint

The City Multi system maximises the space available for plant by reducing the area required for outdoor units.

Sound

Potential noise issues with the outdoor plant are reduced with City Multi, thanks to an improved compressor and fan design, reducing sound power levels.

Reduce installation and maintenance time

The two-pipe design allows for phased installation, meaning that the cooling and heating system can be installed around a project build, with individual sections commissioned as required.

High efficiency

City Multi provides a very low installation cost, running cost and CO2 emissions.

The PURY-EM R32 and PURY-M R32 condensors and the CMB-WM R32 branch controller from the first items to be published on MEPcontent. More items from the series will follow. Download the Revit families, CAD and IFC files now!

Standards shape the world we live in. Shoes come in recognized sizes, foods need to adhere to certain safety standards, electrical outlets come in certain types, and so on. By agreeing on how things should be, standards facilitate our day to day life. In construction, this is no different.

Standards allow users in the construction industry to work together. ISO defines them as “documents that provide requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.” When exchanging files, standards ensure that all parties understand the data the same way. They ensure that when information is passed on, the next party can work with it as well. They ensure a consistent performance, build confidence and enhance the productivity in collaboration processes.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Since they enable successful collaboration, it’s no wonder that standards have received a great deal of attention with BIM on the rise. In BIM projects, there needs to be a common understanding of naming conventions and properties that elements should have. By making sure BIM objects in 3D models are up to standard, files can be interpreted quickly and clearly by all parties, and everyone knows what they can expect from each other.

The need for a common understanding and uniformity in BIM projects has led to a myriad of public and private initiatives in different countries around the world. The challenge that comes with this however, is making sure that everyone is working with the same ones - and can still collaborate. This is where the Extended MEPcontent Standard comes in.

Uniformity and quality

EMCS is an international, platform-independent standard that meets the need for high quality and uniform content. With the release of EMCS 4.0, the scope has been extended to a global level and is applicable to more types of BIM software than Revit only. Because it is developed in close cooperation with leading MEP contractors and is matched to existing international standards, the EMCS allows MEP engineers across the world to collaborate efficiently in BIM projects with high-quality content.

Download the EMCS 4.0 here.

At MEPcontent, we use the EMCS when creating content for our BIM library. Together with our community of 50.000 MEP engineers and leading manufacturers, we are setting the new global standard for BIM content. Ensuring that MEP engineers have access to high quality and uniform content, to be used in BIM projects all over the world.

To find the latest content with the EMCS 4.0 quality stamp, go to the BIM files overview page and browse already in over 2000 families which have the 4.0 label.

Many manufacturers ask themselves the question: why is it so time-consuming and complicated to create high-quality BIM content? And once created, why does the content seem to become instantly outdated or obsolete? Wouldn’t it be easiest if everyone just creates content and stores it in one single place? A place in the cloud for example?

Why the cloud isn’t the (full) answer

Admittedly, it sounds great: having one place where all data is kept and can be retrieved from. But the main BIM goal of a manufacturer is to deliver accurate and high-quality content, readily available for use by engineers and designers globally. And for this, simply storing the content in the cloud is not enough. Here’s why:

1. Content is susceptible to change
2. The manufacturer holds the truth
3. Content is always a representation
4. Specialized knowledge is required
5. Manufacturers need feedback

Read the full article on the Constructible platform where we go into detail about these points >>>

The communication channel is the newly added feature to the Henco Product Line Placer for Piping App. This feature opens up a direct and accessible information path between manufacturer Henco and you, the Revit professional. Regularly, the manufacturer publishes relevant product news, knowledge articles about how to best use their featured products and real use cases of projects in which Henco content was used. For instance, this article about a project undertaken by a Belgian company is such an example of good practice.

To access the communication channel, first gain free access to the Henco App. Download it for free from the MEPcontent App store, install it on your computer and open it from the Revit MEPcontent plugins ribbon. Click the menu in the top right corner of the App and choose the communication channel.

You can now view a selection of Important information that can give you a boost in your projects when designing Henco piping systems. Click on the news items and read through!

To be able to improve your future experience, please let us know what types of news would interest you most:

1. App updates
2. New content available in the App
3. New products launched by Henco
4. Upcoming events
5. Other

Mitsubishi content for Ecodan heat pumps is now available to be downloaded for free from MEPcontent. Here you can find Revit families and CAD content available immediately. Whether you work in Revit or AutoCAD, you can download the content you need straight away.

Mitsubishi Ecodan Central Heating Systems

The Ecodan heat pump series is suitable for domestic environments as well as for small commercial applications. The units only require electricity as an energy source to provide hot water and space heating. There is no need to set up a ventilation system or a gas supply.

Because they use electricity which can be generated from renewable generators, they do not consume fossil fuel to provide heating or hot water. The Ecodan heat pumps require low maintenance and operate quietly with the New AA chassis being suitable for even the strictest planning regulations regarding noise in built-up locations. This provides comfort for the user with lots of hot water, controllable space heating, low noise for neighbours, increased overall efficiency and reduces the toxic emissions by using clean electrical energy.

The Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pumps have the ability to cascade up to six units of the same output and they are designed to provide high performance with outside temperatures as low as -25ºC.