How to influence material and product choices already in the design phase – and why it matters
Crucial decisions in construction projects are increasingly made at the early design stage. Product selection no longer happens solely during procurement – often, key decisions are already made when designers build their models digitally. If your product isn’t available in the software the designer uses, it’s likely to be left out.
Through ProdLib, you can reach over 42,000 architects, designers, and engineers across the Nordics. In this article, we explain why manufacturers should invest in the quality and visibility of design materials – and how this can directly impact sales.
Design decisions shape the entire project
Although final procurement decisions are made later, many product selections happen during the design phase. Designers look for solutions that are easily accessible, technically accurate, and well-documented.
According to the NBS (National Building Specification), up to 70% of designers consider easily available BIM objects an important selection criterion.
(Source: NBS National BIM Report 2023)
If your product isn’t present in the designer’s modeling tool, it can easily be overshadowed by other options. That’s why being present where designers work is critical.
A chance to influence directly at the drawing board
Well-built BIM and CAD models do more than increase visibility – they become part of the designer’s workflow. When your product is technically accurate and easy to use, it’s more likely to be chosen again and again.
You can include EPD documents, dimensions, installation guides, and other technical data in one complete package. ProdLib makes managing all of this simple and effective.
And if you don’t yet have ready-made BIM models, ProdLib can create them for you – tailored to both the product’s features and the needs of designers.
Customer example: Peikko featured in thousands of projects
One of ProdLib’s long-time clients is Peikko Group, which provides solutions for concrete structures. Peikko’s goal has been to ensure that their products are always available when designers need them.
"Having Peikko products available in ProdLib means that thousands of designers already have access to the right components. This lowers the threshold and speeds up usage," says Janne Virtanen from ProdLib.
Peikko’s objects are available for download directly into Revit and Archicad, complete with language versions and technical data.
Read the full customer storyLong-term value and the importance of sustainability
Being digitally present in the tools designers use brings long-term value. It’s not just about individual leads – it’s about ensuring your product is part of the project from the very beginning.
At the same time, you strengthen your brand and support sustainable building. When your BIM objects include EPDs and CO2 data, designers can make informed, responsible choices – especially important in public projects with strict environmental criteria.
According to the World Green Building Council, the built environment is responsible for around 37% of global energy-related carbon emissions.
(Source: World Green Building Council – Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront)
ProdLib – reach over 42,000 Nordic designers
ProdLib is an efficient and cost-effective way to make your product a natural part of the design process. With more than 42,000 registered users in the Nordics, the number continues to grow.
When your product is part of a designer’s toolkit, it becomes part of their natural workflow and is more likely to be used in real projects. Visibility, selection rate, and customer relationships grow through real-world usage.
Interested?
Book a free meeting and let’s discuss how we can help make your product stand out and get included in the right projects. ProdLib is your channel to high-quality BIM models and direct access to designers across the Nordics.
Book a meetingSources:
- NBS, National BIM Report 2023
- McGraw-Hill Construction SmartMarket Report – The Business Value of BIM
- World Green Building Council – Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront