Digital PIM and UK Construction Products:

The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) marks one of the most fundamental shifts in UK construction regulation in decades. Passed in response to the systemic failures revealed by the Grenfell disaster, the Act creates a more robust safety regime across the building lifecycle.

For product manufacturers, the BSA heralds significant new duties and oversight:

• A New Regulatory Regime for Products:

The Act established a dedicated National Regulator for Construction Products (within the Office for Product Safety and Standards) to police construction product safety and information. Work to set up this regulator began in 2021, and it has been empowered to remove unsafe products from the market and prosecute companies that flout safety rules.

Supplementary regulations expected under the Act will strengthen requirements for the marketing and supplying of construction products, ensuring that any product placed on the UK market is safe and that manufacturers provide adequate information.

• General Safety and Information Requirements:

All construction products are now subject to a general requirement to be safe and fit for their intended use. Manufacturers face heightened scrutiny for “safety-critical products” (those whose failure would risk safety, such as fire or structural components). Higher-risk building applications (e.g. high-rise residential buildings over 18m) also demand stricter compliance.

Manufacturers must ensure that product performance claims are truthful and evidence-backed, as false or misleading product information can have legal consequences. In fact, under the new Act, providing false or misleading information to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is a criminal offence punishable by up to two years imprisonment and unlimited fines. These sanctions apply to all parties, including manufacturers, and the liability can extend to company directors and managers.

Moreover, the window for enforcement has been extended to 10 years after a building’s completion, meaning manufacturers are accountable for their product information long after supply. This significantly raises the stakes for accuracy and honesty in product data.

• Liability and Cost of Non-Compliance:

The Building Safety Act introduces new liability provisions directly affecting product makers’ bottom line. Notably, the Secretary of State can issue cost contribution orders against construction product companies (manufacturers, importers, distributors) requiring them to pay remediation costs if their products have caused or contributed to an unsafe condition in dwellings.

If a product was used in a building and later found to make the building “unfit for habitation” (for example, combustible cladding), the manufacturer can be compelled to bear a share of the repair or replacement costs. This is a powerful financial deterrent against putting unsafe or misrepresented products on the market. The message is clear: manufacturers must “demonstrate you are doing the right thing and that [your product] is compliant, safe and ethical, or we will take action”, as regulators now have enhanced surveillance and enforcement powers. In this environment, transparency and rigour in product information are not optional – they are essential to avoid legal penalties and preserve reputation.

• Dutyholders and the ‘Golden Thread’ of Information:

The Act extends the concept of duty holders (already familiar from CDM Regulations) to ensure named individuals take responsibility for safety at each stage – design, construction, and occupation. Alongside this, one of the hallmark concepts introduced is the “golden thread” of building information. The golden thread is “the information that allows you to understand a building and the steps needed to keep it and the people in it safe, now and in the future”. In practice, the golden thread means that all critical building safety information, including product details, must be stored as structured digital data.

The government has made it explicit that golden thread information must be held digitally to specified standards, kept up-to-date, and easily accessible to those who need it. This is initially mandated for higher-risk buildings, with the golden thread requirement coming into force for new builds as of Spring 2023, but it signals a broader shift for the entire industry.

From a manufacturer’s perspective, product information must be digitised to feed into these digital building records. One guidance document succinctly states: “The new golden thread…will be required to be digitally traceable. This means that product information will have to be digitised, and manufacturers will have a legal requirement to comply. Manufacturers won't be regulatorily compliant if manufacturers don’t digitise their product information.” In short, paper brochures or PDF datasheets alone will no longer suffice, digital data is now a compliance issue.

The new regulatory landscape in the UK places manufacturers under unprecedented scrutiny regarding product data. However, it also provides a roadmap for compliance: those who invest in robust information management and embrace transparency will find that “collaborative teams that source construction data with effective information exchange and record keeping will have nothing to fear”. The following sections explore how industry standards and digital tools can help manufacturers overcome these challenges.

Given the regulatory and market pressures outlined above, how can manufacturers practically meet the high standards expected for product information? The answer lies in digitisation and structured data management.

A Product Information Management (PIM) platform is designed to centralise and control all the data related to a company’s products. Modern manufacturers in other sectors (retail, e-commerce, etc.) have long used PIM systems to manage product specifications, marketing content, and digital assets across multiple channels.

The construction products sector is rapidly adopting these tools as well, spurred on by the need for a “single source of truth” for product data that can feed into BIM models, websites, datasheets, and now the golden thread of building safety information.

A PIM system is the central hub for all product information and digital assets. Instead of technical details residing in one department’s spreadsheets, certification PDFs in another folder, and marketing brochures in yet another silo, the PIM provides a unified repository. This has several key benefits for ensuring consistency, accuracy, and accessibility of data:

• Consistency Across Stakeholders and Channels:

With a PIM, when a piece of product data is updated (say, the fire rating of a product after new tests or a change in model number), that update can be propagated everywhere, to the technical datasheet PDF, the website product page, the BIM object metadata, and any external data feeds such as industry databases.

This guarantees that all stakeholders, whether architects pulling data from a specification library, contractors reading an installation manual, or maintenance teams scanning a digital QR code on an installed product, access the same, most current information. It addresses one of the classic problems in construction: inconsistent information across different documents leading to confusion and errors.

By enforcing a single source of truth, PIM reduces the risk of discrepancies that could lead to safety issues or non-compliance.

• Accuracy and Auditability:

Digital PIM platforms often include built-in workflow controls such as approval processes, version history, and audit trails. This aligns perfectly with the CCPI’s requirements for documented sign-offs and version control on product information. For example, before a data sheet or product spec is published out of the PIM system, it can require a manager’s approval, and the system will log who approved it and when.

Any changes to product data are tracked, and an audit log is created. This means manufacturers can demonstrate the “rigorous processes” behind their information, evidence valuable for internal quality assurance and external verification (such as a CCPI audit or a regulator’s inspection). If a question arises about a product’s published performance claim, the company can trace back in the PIM to see when that data was entered, what source or test backed it, and who authorised it.

Such capabilities significantly reduce the chances of false or outdated information slipping through and provide a defence against allegations of negligence or misrepresentation. Indeed, as mentioned, providing false information can now lead to severe sanctions – a PIM with proper checks can be a critical tool in preventing such costly mistakes.

• Accessibility and Structured Data for Digital Use:

To meet the golden thread mandate, information must be digital and structured, meaning organised in a defined format that software can interpret. PIM systems enable structured data by organising product info into fields (for example, a fire rating field, a thermal conductivity value, a product dimension, etc.) rather than unstructured text.

This structured approach means data can be easily exported or connected to other digital systems, like BIM databases or digital building logs. Manufacturers can use PIM to publish machine-readable product data sheets, BIM object property sets, or integrations with specifier libraries.

A good PIM platform turns a manufacturer’s catalogue into a digital data feed that architects and contractors can reliably consume. This is incredibly important given the UK government’s direction, specifying digital standards for golden thread data and the general digitisation of construction.

Suppose your product data is only available in a PDF or a print brochure. In that case, it risks being ignored or mis-transcribed in an era where project teams expect data they can query and incorporate into the software. By contrast, a structured PIM database can directly support initiatives like the “digital O&M manuals” or BSI Identify (which assigns digital identifiers to products so one can scan a code and retrieve up-to-date info from a database).

In summary, PIM makes your product information “construction tech ready”, so it feeds seamlessly into the digital workflows that are becoming standard on projects.

• Efficiency and Continuous Improvement:

From an operational standpoint, implementing a PIM can drive efficiency and cost savings. Maintaining multiple sets of product information (marketing copy, technical specs, regulatory compliance data) in silos is labour-intensive and error-prone. A PIM allows a single update to populate everywhere, saving time and reducing mistakes. Moreover, many PIM adopters find that cleaning and structuring their data yields insights that help the business. For instance, it becomes easier to spot if specific product data is missing or inconsistent and to fill those gaps proactively (an aspect also recommended as a first step toward compliance – conducting an audit of all existing product information).

There’s even a business growth angle: by enriching product data (adding detailed performance attributes, sustainability data like Environmental Product Declarations, etc.), manufacturers can make their products more attractive to specifiers who often search for specific criteria. A study by IBM for a significant UK construction manufacturer projected that a robust digitisation of product data and processes could lead to a 1.5% increase in turnover in the first year and an additional 6-7% sales growth over three to five years, mainly due to better market reach and customer trust.

The same study indicated that about two-thirds of the benefit would come from increased revenue and margins (from being specified more often and winning more business), with the rest from cost reductions and brand improvement. These figures underscore that while compliance is a driver, PIM is also a wise business investment.

In the context of CCPI, digital PIM and the Code go hand-in-hand. The CCPI sets the goals (information must be accurate, up to date, etc.), and the PIM platform is a means to achieve and sustain those goals at scale. A CCPI assessor will want to see that a manufacturer has control over its information – and demonstrating a functioning digital PIM system with proper governance can be very persuasive evidence of that.

Manufacturers combining a robust PIM system with the rigorous standards of CCPI are finding they can meet specifiers’ demands for trustworthy data while reducing internal inefficiencies. It’s a classic win-win: quality information management leads to safer outcomes and stronger market performance.

Many forward-thinking UK manufacturers have already begun implementing digital PIM platforms and aligning with CCPI or legislative requirements to comply and thrive in this new environment. Below are a few examples that illustrate the tangible steps and benefits seen:

Knauf Insulation – Embracing CCPI for Trusted Data:

Knauf Insulation, a major insulation manufacturer, was among the first wave of companies to get products verified under the CCPI. In 2023, Knauf’s DriTherm® cavity insulation slabs were one of several products celebrated as the first in the UK to achieve CCPI verification. To reach this point, Knauf had to demonstrate robust product data management – documenting everything from fire and thermal performance claims to ensuring their website had up-to-date technical guides readily accessible.

By attaining the CCPI mark, Knauf signalled to specifiers that its product information meets the highest standards of clarity and accuracy. Indeed, at the CCPI launch event, Dame Judith Hackitt commended the manufacturers achieving verification as pioneers of the cultural shift towards better product information. For Knauf, a digital approach to PIM was key to meeting the CCPI requirements (such as having formal version control and evidentiary support for claims). The payoff is that their products can be confidently specified for high-profile, safety-critical projects. This also protects Knauf’s business – when regulations call for traceable product data through the building lifecycle, their digitally managed information can be readily integrated.

Sika – PIM and Product Verification as a Market Differentiator:

Sika UK, a global building products firm, invested early in enhancing its product information processes. Sika implemented a centralised digital system to manage product data for its various construction solutions, from roofing membranes to sealants. In September 2023, Sika’s effort culminated in being one of the first manufacturers to achieve CCPI verification for a complete product set (its single-ply roofing systems).

The company’s head of roofing noted that by committing to the Code, Sika provides “independent assurance and greater confidence” in the information associated with its products. Internally, Sika’s team had to align their PIM practices with CCPI’s clauses. For instance, it established a clear sign-off responsibility for product literature. It ensured all marketing claims about roofing system performance (like fire resistance or longevity) were backed by test reports available on request. They also trained their staff on the importance of data accuracy (echoing CCPI’s emphasis on leadership and culture).

Achieving the CCPI mark has set Sika apart as a leader in transparency. Clients on large projects – such as new schools or hospitals (which fall under higher-risk buildings) – are now more likely to shortlist Sika’s roofing solutions because they come with the CCPI “seal of approval.” Sika’s example shows that embracing a rigorous PIM and information governance system not only meets compliance goals but is also a marketing advantage in the eyes of specifiers concerned about safety and liability.

Pilkington UK – Digital Data for Fire Safety Glass:

Pilkington, a UK glass manufacturer, provides a compelling case of how structured product information adds value. In 2023, Pilkington became the first glass manufacturer to achieve the CCPI mark for its fire-resistant glazing products. Fire-resistant glass is a safety-critical product; architects and regulators need absolute certainty about its performance in a fire scenario. Pilkington had long provided datasheets and test evidence for products like Pyrostop® and Pyrodur®; aligning with CCPI meant elevating their info management further. Using a digital PIM system, Pilkington ensured that every product variant’s fire ratings, certifications (e.g., BS/EN test standards), and installation guidelines were meticulously up-to-date and accessible to specifiers.

The CCPI verification confirmed that Pilkington’s product information and marketing are independently assessed and regularly reviewed for accuracy and accessibility. It also involved a third-party evaluation of Pilkington’s “leadership, culture and ethics” in managing information – essentially auditing that they have a company-wide commitment to transparency.

The result for customers is tangible: Pilkington can guarantee that any data an architect finds on their fire glass (whether on Pilkington’s website or via a product directory) is trustworthy and current. Pilkington notes that achieving the CCPI Mark “reinforces its dedication to providing reliable, high-quality … solutions for architects, specifiers, and contractors.”

In practical terms, a specifier choosing a CCPI-marked glass knows that the product’s fire performance claims (integrity and insulation times, etc.) have been vetted and won’t later be contradicted by missing info or fine print. This reduces risk in building design and approvals.

For Pilkington, using a digital PIM and adhering to CCPI has helped maintain its reputation as a trusted supplier in an area where safety is non-negotiable.

Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE) – Pioneering Information Excellence in Structural Components:

DTE, a leading manufacturer of timber roof trusses and floor joists in the UK, undertook a significant digital overhaul to meet the new information standards. It became the first manufacturer in the timber structure sector to achieve the CCPI mark for its truss and joist products.

This was no small feat, as it required DTE to document every aspect of product performance (load capacities, timber grades, connectors, etc.) and ensure marketing materials precisely matched the engineering data. DTE used a PIM-like approach to centrally manage all product specs and their associated documentation (including third-party certificates like CE/UKCA markings, which, for structural products, are essential).

By conforming to CCPI, DTE provides specifiers assurance that its product information is “clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous,” which the company acknowledges is increasingly important to customers. The Managing Director of DTE highlighted that achieving CCPI assessed status signifies to customers that “the product information they’re receiving is trustworthy and adheres to the high standards” of the code. He also noted that it is a step toward “delivering manufacturing and supply chain excellence” and contributes to a culture change in the industry. An interesting aspect of DTE’s case is the influence on internal culture: going through CCPI assessment meant training their team and instilling an ethic that product data is as crucial as product quality.

Post-implementation, DTE can more confidently stand behind its products, knowing that anyone from an engineer to a site installer can get the correct information (like safe spans for a joist or bracing details for a truss) without delay or doubt. This reduces the risk of onsite errors and bolsters DTE’s relationships with contractors and designers who depend on their data.

These case studies demonstrate that UK manufacturers across various product categories – insulation, roofing, glazing, structural components, etc. proactively leverage digital PIM platforms and adhere to CCPI principles to meet new requirements. Common threads in their success include strong leadership support for data quality, investment in digital tools, and a recognition that better information is now a competitive asset. Each of these companies not only complied with the letter of new rules but went further to improve how they manage product information, yielding efficiency and client trust benefits.