Roto and Kömmerling on MatBIM for Architects

Recently, Roto took the step of making our product information available to the construction sector in the MatBIM format. Now, systems manufacturer and Roto partner Profine has added its Kömmerling products to the list of premium items. These products are easily accessible to architects in a standardised format, allowing them to be inserted into BIM models.

We spoke to Roto data technician Fred van den Broek and Profine Belux product manager Pieter-Jan Declercq to find out more about why the companies are participating and making MatBIM data available.

For each product, users can access images, videos, brochures and technical data sheets. All of Roto’s main hardware products are represented, including Tilt&Turn, Sliding and Door. Some variants of products have their own individual category, such as the Roto NX Comfort window, designed for accessibility via a low handle, and the Roto NX TiltSafe window, which is burglar resistant in tilt ventilation mode. “These versions of Roto NX are used to make very specific types of windows that are very relevant for architects, so it makes sense to have them visible as individual product categories, instead of being hidden more deeply within the Roto NX category”, Fred explains.

“Architects can sign up for free access, so there is no barrier to them being able to obtain this information and include it in their BIM models”, Fred reminds us.

Pieter-Jan Declercq of Profine/Kömmerling also praises the ease of accessibility offered by the MatBIM format and Thorbiq platform. “Before now we had product data available in a BIM format, but it required a login and some level of knowledge of our products”, he explains. “An architect typically has a generalised knowledge of windows and doors but is not technically specialised. They need to know how a specific window works and its features, but they don’t need detailed data”.

Our software is designed for fabricators who have technical knowledge. It is too complex for an architect’s needs. In contrast, MatBIM is easy to use and gives an architect everything they need. They just link a technical brochure to the window element in the BIM model and it is there for everyone who needs to read it.

The MatBIM resource works as a single source of data for all the elements an architect needs to specify on a window or door. “All the information from different manufacturers is in one place, so architects don’t need to visit multiple websites or log into different platforms to get everything they need”.

Pieter-Jan also thinks the filter function is very well designed. “Even a child could use it”, he says. “You can’t expect architects to know all the products, all the ranges — there is too much on the market. This makes it easy to narrow down their search and quickly find the relevant products”.

When asked why Profine decided to put Kömmerling profile products onto MatBIM, Pieter-Jan explains, “A deciding factor is that we have some PVC profiles that look like aluminium and are a suitable alternative for aluminium on many projects that architects are working on. We want them to be aware of this option, so this is a very good way to put the products right in front of the target audience. To keep it simple, we focused on 12 core products most relevant to architects. Our approach is to keep it simple on MatBIM and if the architects need more information, the contact details are made clear so they can come to us”.

Subana Akhmedova of Roto Western Europe marketing department says, “Fred and Pieter-Jan have clearly shown us the advantages architects can get from using MatBIM to incorporate products into their designs. This is something we will be promoting from now on in our marketing campaigns towards the architectural and building design sector”.

Log into the Thorbiq portal here: Roto Frank BIM Application Suite