From custom ERP software to platform software for prefabricated production
The history of BIM4Production® began in 2003. Henk Jan Nieuwenhuis launched Profity, an ERP software solution for manufacturers of prefabricated components. Initially, the focus was solely on steel construction. Soon after (in 2006), facade construction was added (with a unique integration with Logikal). Following a company acquisition in 2016, we also expanded into the concrete industry. Profity Software became a well-known name in steel and concrete construction as a developer and supplier of a specialized ERP solution. For more than 20 years, we have been providing manufacturers of prefabricated elements with insight into and control over their projects and production processes.
Based on new insights and research, we are expanding our portfolio in 2021. In addition to ERP software, we developed software more focused on process and production control for prefabricated industrial construction. This opened up new markets such as timber-frame construction (HSB), modular construction, and building services engineering. During this period, BIM4Production® emerged as a software product.
At the end of 2023, the decision was made to merge the various company names into a single company and product name: BIM4Production®. Technically, this was followed by the integration of the Profity ERP and Profity Prefab products into BIM4Production®. This resulted in a software platform where functionalities (including the previous ERP functions) are and will remain available as separate modules.
With BIM4Production®, a complete, open, and independent platform has been developed. A platform that contributes to the industrialization of the construction sector in general, and specifically to the automation and optimization of the production process for prefabricated building elements.
From Profity Software to BIM4Production®
In recent years, we’ve seen the market change. ERP environments have evolved into comprehensive—(transaction-driven!)—business software for financial, project, and HR management. Naturally, keeping track of projects remains a key component of this. Nevertheless, we observed that the “P” (planning) in ERP was coming under pressure for prefab manufacturing companies. That observation piqued our curiosity.
Our discovery: for manufacturing companies, the focus isn’t on the transaction, but on the production flow. Based on experience, insights, and research, we started from scratch with BIM4Production®. This has led to a paradigm shift: planning and production are now “leading” processes that feed into an ERP environment. This is the very reason why, within our platform, we’ve renamed ERP to reflect what we believe it should be: business administration. That’s why we’re now known as BIM4Production®.
From this perspective, we take a holistic view of the possibilities for optimizing workflow within organizations. How do we do that? Preferably using 3D BIM models, as they provide a solid foundation for our work.
Curious about how we do that? Read about how we’ve integrated BIM4Production® into the business operations at Van Wijnen Smart Structures 1 (Heereveen) and at K&A (Groot-Ammers).
Van Wijnen Smart Structures 1 K&A7463 PJ Rijssen
BTW: NL811764916B01