Integrated Factory Model – IFM Consulting & Service

Core Definition

Integrated Factory Modeling (IFM)

"The Convergence of BIM and Digital Factory"

IFM is a methodology that connects various project stakeholders across all phases of a factory lifecycle for a better coordination by building and managing an up-to-date centrally stored digital representation of an entire factory with all related information from all suppliers. This includes all assets with relevance for a more valuable and sustainable manufacturing process in the future.

Detailed Explanation

The Integrated Factory Model in Detail

Integrated Factory Modeling (IFM) is a holistic methodology that brings together two previously largely separate worlds: Building Information Modeling (BIM) from construction, and the concept of the Digital Factory from manufacturing industry.

What is BIM – and what is the Digital Factory?

BIM describes the creation and management of a digital twin of buildings and structures. The Digital Factory describes the approach of planning, simulating and optimizing manufacturing processes, production facilities and factory layouts digitally. IFM unites both approaches – with a central, always up-to-date digital representation of the entire factory at its core.

IFM Overview – Integrated Factory Modeling

The central concept: A digital twin of the entire factory

At the heart of IFM is a centrally stored digital factory model – not just of one department, but of all stakeholders and all suppliers. This model is maintained and updated throughout the entire lifecycle of the factory.

The IFM model is not a static document, but a living, continuously updated digital representation – the single reliable source of truth for all stakeholders.

Connection across the entire factory lifecycle

A key aspect of IFM is the cross-phase networking of all project stakeholders: from initial planning and conceptualization through construction and commissioning to ongoing operation, optimization and finally conversion or decommissioning. IFM ensures that all these stakeholders work based on the same, always up-to-date information model.

Which assets are captured?

IFM takes into account all assets with relevance for a value-creating and sustainable production:

Buildings, building envelope and infrastructure facilities (electricity, compressed air, air conditioning, security systems)
Production plants, machines and robot systems with technical specifications
Conveyor technology, logistics systems and internal transport routes
IT and OT infrastructure: networks, control systems, sensors, SCADA systems
Tools, fixtures and operating equipment
Process and quality data, maintenance plans and documentation
Energy and resource consumption for sustainable factory planning

Why IFM for SMEs?

Especially for small and medium-sized companies with grown production sites, IFM offers enormous potential. Often extensive facilities already exist whose information is distributed across different departments or not available digitally at all. IFM creates transparency, reduces complexity and forms the foundation for all further digitalization measures.