The development of the BIMERR tools was driven by the functional and non-functional requirements which were elicited based on activities involving a variety of stakeholders. BIMERR delivered a number of tangible outcomes that were deployed and evaluated in two pilot test sites in Poland and Spain. The tangible outcomes include: (i) the BIMERR data models and ontologies, (ii) the BIMERR Middleware, (iii) tools for the as-is building information extraction and model population, namely, Scan-to-BIM and its tools, ARIBFA, PRUBS, BIM Management Platform, BICA, (iv) RenoDSS, (v) the Process and Workflow Modelling and Automation toolkit (renovation process modelling, simulation, PWMA for workers, PWMA for residents), and (vi) the BIMERR Interoperability Framework. Additionally to the software tools, the set of tangible outcomes includes the BIMERR evaluation methodology.
Taking into consideration: (i) the results from the tools’ evaluation in the project pilots, (ii) the BIMERR partner exploitation intentions as well as (iii) the market trends and characteristics of competitive offerings, the consortium identified steps towards further developing the BIMERR Integrated Solution into a market-ready state (TRL9). This is proposed to be achieved through the set-up and operation of a joint venture of key partners that shall try to seek further funding through various available mechanisms after the project ends, e.g. funding and financing options provided by the EC or private venture funds. In support of this, a preliminary estimation of the needed efforts and associated costs was compiled. Furthermore, a preliminary business plan was developed foreseeing the independent gradual offering of BIMERR tool bundles to customers as they become market ready until the entire BIMERR Solution can also be offered commercially. The tool bundles address needs of distinct end-users along the renovation pipeline and are consistent with the relevant tools used in the BIMERR validation Demo Scenarios. Integration of all tools under the BIMERR Interoperability Framework remains key point that supports the Unique Value Proposition of BIMERR. Future work of the BIMERR Joint Venture will prioritise extensive demonstration and validation of the integration of all tools towards commercialisation.
A preliminary financial plan was developed, covering a period of 9 years after the initiation of the Joint Venture and taking into consideration further development costs and efforts for all BIMERR tools. Using the model, a what-if analysis was executed and the minimum required sales figures for the perceived venture to become profitable were identified. Preliminary pricing of the future BIMERR offerings was identified based on comparable products already offered in the market. A preliminary definition of next steps, actions and milestones after the project ends was defined in order to guide the consortium in its next steps beyond the project duration.
Dissemination, exploitation and standardization activities were carried out in parallel to the technical activities throughout the whole project. BIMERR partners participated and organized approximately 77 different actions in the 45 months of the project, including the organization of 21 conferences and workshops, participation in 30 conferences and workshops, BIMERR presence on LinkedIn Groups and Twitter, newsletters and 5 flyers, 19 peer-reviewed articles - 5 journals, 14 conference papers, amongst others.
