Introduction to ETIM in BIM: Why use this data standardization in the construction industry?

How does the ETIM standard work? Examples of product data

ETIM in product data, builds descriptions based on classes, characteristics and values:

• Class: EC001593 — Room thermostat — groups products with similar function.
• Feature: EF003586 — Power Type — describes a specific parameter.
• Value: EV008891 — 230 V AC — gives the exact specification of the feature.

Another example for cable:

• Class: EC000001 — Cable or cord.
• Feature: EF000007 — Conductor material.
• Value: EV000227 — Copper.

This structure provides uniform and precise descriptions that eliminate inaccuracies in specifications. Thanks to this application of ETIM in products, we can, among other things, compare values more efficiently and better manage information about products.

5 reasons why construction manufacturers should use the ETIM classification

1. ETIM in product data as a convenience for customers
   ETIM organizes information, e.g. for an electrical outlet (class EC000109, feature EF000124 — Rated current: 16 A). The wholesaler will quickly verify that the product meets the requirements, without the risk of misunderstandings. In addition, thanks to the ETIM classification, the customer receives unambiguous and comparable data, regardless of the manufacturer or supplier. This means that when choosing a product, you do not have to search catalogs, interpret various designations or ask for technical details.
2. Easier entry to e-commerce platforms
   Data in ETIM format, e.g. room thermostat (class EC001593, feature EF000010 — Colour: EV000080 — White), can be imported directly into online stores, increasing visibility and sales opportunities. Thanks to this, the customer can search for, for example, all white, flush-mounted and battery-powered thermostats — regardless of the manufacturer. Without ETIM in products, everyone would describe these characteristics differently, which would prevent accurate filtering.
3. Fewer errors in orders
   Uniform descriptions minimize mistakes, e.g. with an electrical cable (class EC000001, characteristic EF000007 — Conductor material: EV000227 — Copper), the customer orders exactly what he needs. In this way, not only the wholesaler avoids the costs of returns and exchanges, but also increases customer satisfaction because the fulfillment process is faster.
4. Support for international markets
   ETIM offers ready-made translations of features in many languages. For the heat pump (class EC001040, characteristic EF000124 — Rated power: 7 kW) the descriptions are automatically available in the language versions, facilitating export without additional translation.
5. Less work on data preparation
   ETIM data, e.g. for electrical switchgear (class EC000006, feature EF000002 — Colour: EV000154 — Grey), are prepared once and used in multiple systems. Without ETIM, customers can request different formats, which multiplies the work.

As you can see, ETIM in products simplifies the search, comparison and ordering of goods. Data standardization minimizes errors, shortens the purchasing process and facilitates sales both locally and internationally. All this makes construction manufacturers increasingly use ETIM in data for PIM BIM.

Why do users prefer manufacturers supporting ETIM?

ETIM standardization makes products more attractive to wholesalers, designers and installers. Below you will find the most important benefits for each of these target groups:

• For wholesalers: Efficient catalog management
  ETIM allows filtering by characteristics, e.g. cables with conductor material (EV000227 — Copper). A unified ETIM hierarchy ensures that products from different manufacturers get to the right place in the e-commerce data structure, even with automatic import. If the manufacturer changes its own hierarchy, this will not disrupt the structure of the catalog, saving time and eliminating errors in the import.
• For designers: Easily compare products
  ETIM makes it easier for designers to choose products, such as thermostats with a temperature range of 5-30°C or cables with different wire diameters. This standardization allows you to compare parameters between brands, speeding up the selection in CAD/BIM projects. ETIM data also supports calculations, such as device power selection, and integration into system simulations, making products ready for use in design tools.
• For installers: Fewer mistakes on site
  Clear ETIM descriptions reflecting product specifications, e.g. sockets with rated current (16 A), prevent assembly errors. Easy comparison, for example, of cables for conductor material, helps to choose the right product, increasing the efficiency of installation work.

Manufacturers using the ETIM classification are preferred because their data is transparent and immediately complies with the established information structure. This allows wholesalers to automatically import products into e-commerce — without manually mapping the attributes of each manufacturer. Designers gain the ability to easily compare product technical data between brands, which speeds up CAD/BIM projects. Installers avoid mistakes with consistent technical descriptions and can choose the right products faster.

Introduction to ETIM Modelling Classes e.g. ETIM for BIM models

ETIM MC (Modelling Classes) is an extension of this standard, adding product modeling information such as geometric dimensions, connection points or shapes. They were created to support product integration in BIM (Building Information Modeling) models, accelerating the digital transformation of the industry. ETIM Modelling Classes are not just a specification (e.g. in PDF), but standardized parameters and blueprints that allow you to generate BIM models independently of the software.

The main benefits for construction manufacturers

• Integration with BIM: Data according to ETIM MC, e.g. for panel radiator (class MC000173 - Panel heatsink), are used to create parametric BIM objects that can be inserted into 3D models in different tools, increasing the chances of selection in projects.
• Building customer loyalty: By providing standardized data, you facilitate the work of designers, which has a positive effect on the promotion of your brand.
• Savings on models: manufacturers do not have to commission so-called BIM modelers to create libraries from scratch — they can rely on universal ETIM MC objects offered by different suppliers. It is enough to provide ETIM data (e.g. height, width, depth of elements) that appropriately control the geometry of the library, transforming a universal BIM object into a manufacturer-specific model. This approach eliminates the need for costly custom object modeling and allows you to generate models in formats supported by many tools (e.g. Revit, ArchiCAD via IFC).
• Lower costs with templates: Manufacturers can use ready-made ETIM MC templates, e.g. for circulating pump (MC000176 - Circulating pump), specifying only parameters (e.g. flow, dimensions). This allows multiple manufacturers to use the same blueprints, reducing the cost of creating BIM libraries from scratch.
• Fast deployment with customization option: If the ETIM MC standard does not reflect the unique features of the product, such as the innovative design of the switchboard (MC000007 - Distribution board), you can start with the ETIM Modelling Classes templates to quickly deliver BIM models to designers. Over time, you can replace or expand them to make your product stand out and convince designers to use your BIM libraries.

Benefits for users (wholesalers, designers, installers)

• For wholesalers: ETIM Modelling Classes, e.g. for the circulation pump (MC000176), facilitate the presentation of products in online catalogs, increasing sales.
• For designers: 3D models of ETIM Modelling Classes, e.g. with connection points for a panel radiator (MC000173), accelerate design and reduce BIM errors.
• For installers: Visualizations from ETIM Modelling Classes, e.g. showing the nozzles in the circulation pump, facilitate assembly planning, reducing working time.

The use of ETIM MC (Modelling Classes) distinguishes manufacturers from the competition, showing their readiness to work in modern industry standards. As a result, they build stronger relationships with wholesalers, designers and installers, who gain easier access to complete and compatible BIM models.

Managing ETIM and ETIM MC data in PIM systems

The most convenient way to manage ETIM data is through PIM (Product Information Management) systems that support this classification. Integration with PIM2BIM solutions, which we discussed in the article PIM to BIM, automates the transfer of ETIM data, the generation of multilingual BIM objects and the control of the geometry of BIM families based on ETIM MC templates. This streamlines manufacturers' processes and provides users with easy access to data.

Summary: ETIM as the key to success

ETIM and ETIM MC organize product data, increasing sales through easier search and comparison, minimizing order and project errors, facilitating export with multilingual descriptions, and integration with BIM for faster digital transformation. Products in these standards become more accessible to wholesalers, designers and installers, which builds long-term customer loyalty.

If you want to automate these processes, you can use the BIMStreamer technology combining PIM with BIM, automatically generating BIM/CAD objects in various formats — including based on ETIM MC templates — as well as 3D objects (e.g. in OBJ format for WebGL), which wholesalers and e-commerce platforms can easily display on websites. In addition, thanks to integration with e-commerce systems, it allows you to automate sales, making the entire supply chain more efficient. Contact us and start benefiting from the ETIM classification!