Digital PIM and UK Construction Products:
Ensuring Compliant, Consistent Data in a New Regulatory Era
Introduction
In the wake of recent building safety reforms in the UK, product information management (PIM) has emerged as a critical priority for construction product manufacturers. Providing consistent, accurate, and accessible product data is no longer just good practice – it is fast becoming a legal and commercial necessity.
The tragic Grenfell Tower fire of 2017 exposed alarming gaps in the accuracy and transparency of construction product information. In response, the UK has overhauled its building safety regulations, placing new responsibilities on manufacturers to ensure the integrity of their product data. At the same time, industry initiatives like the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) are raising the bar for clarity and trustworthiness in product marketing. This white paper explores why digital PIM platforms are indispensable for manufacturers in the UK construction sector to meet these evolving requirements.
This page provides a summary of the white paper, make sure you download the full version via the short form at the bottom of the page.
The New Regulatory Landscape: Building Safety Act and Manufacturer Responsibilities
Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA):
- Established a National Regulator for Construction Products with powers to remove unsafe products and prosecute non-compliant companies
- Created new legal duties for manufacturers regarding product safety and information accuracy
- Introduced severe penalties including up to 2 years imprisonment and unlimited fines for providing false or misleading information
- Extended enforcement window to 10 years after building completion
- Introduced cost contribution orders requiring manufacturers to pay remediation costs if their products cause unsafe conditions
Golden Thread Requirement:
- Mandates that all critical building safety information must be stored as structured digital data
- Applies initially to higher-risk buildings but signals industry-wide shift
- Makes digital product information a legal compliance requirement, not just best practice
Raising the Bar: The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI)
The CCPI is a voluntary industry code launched in 2021 with five core principles that product information must be:
- Clear
- Accurate
- Up-to-date
- Accessible
- Unambiguous
The code requires manufacturers to implement documented approval processes, formal version control, plain language communication, evidence-backed claims, and staff competency training.
The Role of Digital PIM Platforms: Ensuring Consistent, Accurate Data
Digital PIM platforms are essential for meeting these new requirements by providing:
- Single source of truth for all product data across channels
- Workflow controls with approval processes and audit trails
- Structured data that can feed into BIM models and digital building records
- Operational efficiency through centralised data management
Business Benefits of a PIM system:
Beyond compliance, digital PIM and CCPI adherence provide competitive advantages including increased specifier confidence, market differentiation, and potential revenue growth of 1.5% in the first year with 6-7% additional growth over 3-5 years.
Specifiers and Contractors: The Need for High-Quality, Structured Information
From the perspective of architects, specifiers, designers, and contractors, the downstream users of product information, the changes in legislation and codes are also transforming expectations. These professionals are on the front lines of ensuring that the products incorporated into a building will result in a safe, compliant outcome.
Several factors underscore why high-quality, structured product information provided by manufacturers is critically needed:
- Accountability on Specifiers/Designers
- Ensuring Installation and Maintenance Compliance
- Golden Thread Requirements for Structured Data
- Safety and Decision-Making
Case Studies: UK Manufacturers Leading with PIM and Compliance
There are numerous examples of successful implementations by several UK manufacturers, including:
- Knauf Insulation - First to achieve CCPI verification for cavity insulation
- Sika UK - Achieved CCPI mark for complete roofing system product set
- Pilkington UK - First glass manufacturer to get CCPI verification for fire-resistant glazing
- Donaldson Timber Engineering - First timber structure manufacturer to achieve CCPI status
Conclusion
Product Information Management has become as critical as product quality itself in the post-Grenfell regulatory environment. Manufacturers who invest in digital PIM systems and align with standards like CCPI will not only ensure compliance but also build market trust and competitive advantage in an increasingly safety-conscious industry.
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