The current status of the cladding sector and its opportunities for computer-integrated manufacture (CIM)

There is widespread agreement that the construction industry needs to review its business processes in order to be more efficient and to deliver construction projects that are on time, of better quality, cost-effective and that better satisfy the needs of the industry’s clients. The primary aim of the project is exploring the potential for CIM in a variety of cladding types and modelling paradigms to improve standardization of procedure, and achieve greater efficiency in the business processes of the cladding sector. Cladding can be broadly classified as six different types, which are rainscreen, metal and glass curtain wall, formed metal systems, precast concrete, structural sealant glazing, and structural glazing. The distinction between the claddings is clear for some, but vague for others, especially between curtain wall and other cladding types. A cladding project typically involves several participants (clients, designers, system suppliers, specialist sub-contractors (i.e. fabricators), installers, main contractors, etc.). CIM (Computer-Integrated Manufacture) could offer an effective means to enhance the integration of information flow across these participants and stages in a cladding project.