BIM IT Reference

For a Leading Timber Construction Company (2022–2023)

Digitalization Consulting for a CDE-Based Project Management System for a Leading Timber Construction Company (2022–2023)

In 2022 to 2023, we provided strategic digitalization consulting to a well-known timber construction company with the aim of developing a centralized project management platform (Common Data Environment – CDE) that could integrate and support their diverse operational processes. The engagement focused on aligning digital workflows, improving cross-disciplinary collaboration and establishing a scalable foundation for connected project delivery across planning, production and execution. Particular emphasis was placed on creating a future-oriented digital framework that combines process efficiency, transparency and interoperability. The consulting approach included both strategic process analysis and the conception of integrated digital solutions to support sustainable growth and increasing project complexity. This created the basis for a more connected, scalable and resilient digital project environment.

Initial Goals and Requirements

The client’s vision was ambitious: they wanted a single platform that could manage and coordinate processes across the entire value chain, including:

Sales & Customer Acquisition
Model Onboarding and Coordination
Model Services in Archicad
Cadwork Integration for Manufacturing
Production Line Management
Procurement
Transport and Logistics
Subcontractor & On-Site Construction Management
Model and Documentation Handover for Facility Management

However, the existing software landscape was already highly specialized and deeply integrated into the company’s production-optimized workflows. These workflows were characterized by a high level of standardization and detail, typical for industrialized timber construction. Every process step was precisely defined and tightly sequenced.

Approach: Analysis, Not Replacement

It quickly became apparent that a single all-in-one software solution would not be feasible or efficient. Instead, we advised enhancing the existing ecosystem through:

Selective implementation of additional tools
Process optimization within departments
Improved transparency and control in process monitoring and documentation

Each system was optimized for specific needs and replacing them would have been counterproductive.

IFC Workflow Challenges

One key example involved the import and validation of IFC models. External models often failed to meet the internal requirements. Close collaboration with design teams was needed—but ultimately, the company had to recreate the model in-house using Archicad. This allowed:

Full control over object properties
Usage of in-house object libraries with custom identifiers
Seamless integration into the company’s digital fabrication and ERP systems

Implemented Optimizations:

Assessment of the current processes and delivery of process overviews
Archicad application optimization
Optimization and creation of Archicad objects/libraries
Development and improvement of master layer templates
Establishment of BIM Workflows and lifting the BIM Maturity Level
Optimization of IFC models
Optimization of IFC processing workflows
Enhancement of model checks

Key Jira Use Cases and Functions

We collaborated with an implementation partner specialized in Jira. We supported the system rollout primarily by project coordination, creating setups, content for databases and the Wiki and defining the workflow processes. Jira proved to be the ideal backbone for managing and visualizing project workflows, especially for cross-department collaboration. The following features and use cases were particularly valuable:

Centralized Project Tracking
- All tasks, statuses, responsibilities, and deadlines are now visible in real time.
- Complex project phases (planning, production, logistics, handover) are organized in structured boards.
Custom Workflows and Automationsg
- Tailored workflows allow full alignment with the company’s strict process requirements.
- Automations (e.g. triggering follow-up tasks, sending notifications, changing statuses) reduce manual overhead.
Integration with External Systems via API
- Jira was integrated with the ERP and databases using REST API interfaces to facilitate communication between the systems and common databases
Issue Management and Model Coordination
- A dedicated issue tracking system was created.
- IFC/BCF files, screenshots, and communication logs can be attached to tasks, providing a full coordination history and connected to projects and models.
Linked Documentation in Confluence
- Project-related instructions, data sheets, and handover guidelines are stored in Confluence.
- Clients and stakeholders can be given read-only or limited edit access, enabling transparent collaboration.
Dashboarding and Reporting
- Custom dashboards were developed to show live project progress, bottlenecks, and KPIs for management.
Structured Handovers and Archiving
- Final project documentation—including models, BCF reports, contracts, and issue logs—is exported and archived.
- Handover packages are digitally compiled and linked to Confluence pages.
Template-Based Task Creation
- For recurring processes (e.g. transport planning, subcontractor onboarding), predefined Jira task templates reduce setup time.

Results and Added Value

The implemented system brought significant benefits:

Improved cross-department collaboration
Greater transparency and standardization of workflows
Reduced friction in communication and documentation
Flexible extensions for future digitalization steps

By leaving core BIM and manufacturing systems untouched and instead focusing on a neutral, modular project layer, the company gained clarity, control, and expandability—without compromising its specialized workflows.

This project demonstrated how digital transformation in construction and manufacturing does not always require replacing existing tools. Rather, by connecting, structuring, and enhancing processes with the right modular solutions, companies can achieve real impact. Our role as a digitalization partner was to identify bottlenecks, support decision-making on software selection, coordinate implementation partners, and ensure sustainable knowledge transfer into the teams.