Standardization as a Key Component for Successful Digitalization in the Construction Industry
To better understand the role of open standards in building a more efficient, collaborative, and future-ready industry, we spoke with Prof. Dr. Cornelius Preidel, chairman of buildingSMART Deutschland. In this interview, he shares his insights on the benefits of standardized data, the challenges of implementation, and how standards can drive sustainability, innovation, and long-term success in construction.
Why is standardization in construction today more important than ever?
Many people associate standards with bureaucracy or restrictions. But especially in the context of digitalization in construction, the opposite is true. Standards help create clarity – particularly in environments where many people work on a project using different software and workflows. Standards give us a shared language. And we desperately need that, because building today is complex: it involves large investments, sustainability goals, and many stakeholders who must collaborate effectively.
Standardization ensures that information can be passed on accurately – from planning to operation. This prevents errors, simplifies processes, and ensures everyone can access reliable data.
What are the key advantages of open standards like IFC and BCF for planners, clients, and operators?
Open standards simplify the exchange of information. For example, when an architect creates a digital building model, a structural engineer can use the relevant model data in their own software – thanks to a shared standard. This allows everyone to use the tools they know best, while still ensuring that all data fits together seamlessly in the end.
Clients or operators benefit as well. When building data is available in an open format, it can be accessed more easily later for repairs, renovations, or day-to-day operations. And even if the software changes, the data remains usable.
These open formats also help communicate changes clearly. For example, when corrections or checks are needed. Annotations can be made directly in the model and shared across different software platforms. This saves time, reduces misunderstandings, and creates greater transparency.
Where do we currently stand in Germany and Europe when it comes to standardization?
A lot of progress has been made in recent years. Open standards are already used in many projects, such as federal building programs or major infrastructure projects. At the European level, there’s strong support through programs, recommendations, and political initiatives promoting the development and use of shared standards.
However, there’s still a gap between intention and implementation in practice. One core issue: clients often struggle to define which information they need and in what structure. At the same time, contractors lack clarity on how to technically deliver on these requirements, especially when there are no clear guidelines. This leads to misunderstandings and media breaks, even though everyone is pursuing the same goals.
Standards provide a common foundation for expectations, content, and workflows. But more than technical formats are needed. Practical examples, good training programs, and simple tools that show how it’s done are essential. The question is no longer whether we should standardize, but how we can do it together in a way that delivers real value.
What challenges exist when implementing standards in the day-to-day work of planning and construction companies?
Many say: “We’re familiar with standards, we’ve tried them.” That’s good, but often it stays at a pilot phase. There’s a project that shows how it could work, but then things revert to business as usual.
The big challenge is: how can we make standards a true part of everyday work?
This requires clear goals. It helps to look closely at where standards make a real difference, such as quantity take-offs, coordination in the model, or documentation for the client. When these situations are identified and tackled together as a team, standardization becomes tangible.
At buildingSMART, we aim to contribute by creating open and practical exchange formats that go beyond company boundaries. Standardization isn’t just about technical alignment – it also promotes shared learning. Those who use standards lay the foundation for transferable experience. This idea of sharing knowledge – the “copy with pride” mindset – is a key driver of industry progress. If something works well, it shouldn’t remain hidden in one project but be passed on as a good example. That creates orientation and motivates others to take the next step.
People need space to explore and learn new things. It can be simple: brief sessions to look at a model together, share insights, or clarify questions. That builds trust. And if something works well, show it so others see that it’s worthwhile.
Also important: we can’t leave it to the pioneers alone. It’s not enough if only the same companies test standards while everyone else waits. We must take the next step now and bring standards into all projects gradually. That’s when they have a real impact not just in pilot programs, but in everyday practice.
What role does standardization play in renovation and building in existing structures?
The existing building stock is a huge asset, but often poorly documented. Many plans exist only on paper, and key information is missing. When renovations or conversions are planned, this creates a lot of extra work. That’s why standardization is especially important here: it helps capture and structure information so that it remains usable in the future.
An example: When a building is surveyed and captured as a digital model, it’s possible to define from the outset which information is important – such as details about materials, components, or utilities. This creates a model that’s useful not only for the current measure, but also for future operation or renovations.
It’s not about capturing everything perfectly and completely. More important is to start purposefully. Ask: what do we really need? What will the data be used for later? From there, data can be collected step-by-step, in a way that’s reusable for the next project. This turns existing stock into a digital, future-proof asset.
How can standards support sustainability and the circular economy in construction?
When we talk about sustainability, we often focus on energy and CO₂. But a large part of the environmental impact lies in the materials: how many raw materials are used? Can they be reused? What happens during demolition?
To answer these questions, we need reliable information about what materials were used, their condition, and where they were installed. That’s where standards help: they ensure that such data is captured and shared consistently.
For example, if a building is to be dismantled, a digital model with standardized data can help list which components can be reused or recycled. Or during new construction: if materials are clearly described, their climate impact can be better compared and selected more intentionally.
Again, it’s not about capturing everything at once. But it’s important to start consciously with the data relevant to the purpose. That’s what we as buildingSMART support through new data structures that are easy to use and integrate well into existing planning workflows.
What developments can we expect in the coming years? What role will new technologies like AI play?
We’re witnessing rapid change. It’s no longer just about having digital tools, but about connecting them effectively. In the future, we won’t search for information manually anymore. We’ll receive it automatically. For example: automatic alerts when a component doesn’t meet regulations, or suggestions for more sustainable alternatives.
Artificial intelligence will play a key role here. But for such systems to work effectively, they need well-structured data – information that is clear, complete, and understandable. And we can only achieve that through strong standards.
That’s why we’re working hard to evolve our data formats. It’s not about one big standard for everything anymore, but rather small, usable modules that fit specific needs – whether in planning, regulatory processes, or building operation.
The goal is clear: to create a digital environment that includes everyone – from large corporations to small offices. Standards are the connecting element. By investing in them today, we are building the foundation for a smoother tomorrow.
Prof. Dr. Cornelius Preidel is an expert in digital planning and construction at the University of Applied Sciences Munich, specializing in model-based collaboration and quality assurance. As a former product manager at Solibri, a leading provider of openBIM software, he has profound industry knowledge. A strong advocate of BIM standardization and open standards, he succeeded Prof. Rasso Steinmann as chair of buildingSMART Deutschland in May 2023.