Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digital planning methodology that supports the design, construction and operation of buildings throughout their entire lifecycle. Relevant building and equipment data are digitally captured in a structured manner, intelligently linked and made accessible through software solutions. This significantly improves project efficiency, particularly with regard to cost control, scheduling reliability and sustainability.
BIM also forms the basis for the development of digital twins, as all relevant information relating to a building and the equipment installed within it can be digitally represented and mirrored in a virtual environment. This creates new opportunities for optimisation, transparency and long-term operational efficiency.
In the Department of Catering Equipment, BIM has established itself as an increasingly important planning method for commercial kitchens. Manufacturers of catering equipment as well as specialist planners are therefore required to engage with BIM in order to remain capable of planning, competitive and future-ready.
The HKI Association works closely with international partner associations to develop specifications for uniform and standardised BIM content for commercial kitchens. In addition, the association actively contributes to the further development of the IFSE¹ Parameter Data Dictionary, which defines the parameters and data structures required for the creation of BIM families in the catering equipment sector.
Through this commitment, the HKI Association provides its members with a strong foundation for successful BIM implementation and positions both departments for sustainable growth in an increasingly digital construction environment. Further information on BIM in commercial kitchen planning can be found on the IFSEBIM information platform (https://de.ifsebim.org/).
