Building Efficiency

Transforming product data exchange

Building a trusted future for product data

Product data standardisation is the key to removing inefficiencies in the Building Materials industry because it brings consistency, providing structured and reliable data that can save time and effort when that data is shared throughout the £50bn+ building materials supply chain.

Data standardisation is about making sure that each data type has the same content and format, essential for tracking, comparing, searching, and selling products.

The BMF is driving product data standardisation though its product data template and the recently launched industry data pool – called the Data Yard.

The Data Yard is a centralised, structured data platform that enables every business in the supply chain to access, share, and trust the product information within it.

It is managed by Building Materials Digital Services Limited (BMDS Ltd), an entity equally owned by BMF and NMBS.

It will deliver a range of benefits, including:

• Centralised product data management for improved accuracy, consistency and accessibility
• Enhanced supply chain efficiency through seamless data exchange
• Increased regulatory compliance and transparency

The building materials product data template - members' can find out more The Data Yard - Members' can find out more

A lot of work and expertise has gone into producing the BMF Data Template, so for anyone using it, you have the confidence of knowing you're asking for the right set of data to cover all relevant aspects of your business. This is so valuable to us at Bradfords which is why we've integrated the template into our business processes and won't accept new products into the business that aren't in this format.

Additionally, having guidance on what's needed in certain more complicated areas of business like Timber and Sustainability are huge wins that allow us to be more proactive in getting important data when needed and staying ahead of the curve.

Ruth Rose
Commercial Content Manager, Bradfords Building Supplies Ltd

Our Work

Building Awareness

High profile programme to educate and raise awareness of the sector with job seekers, helping members compete harder for talent.

Building your voice

Influencing parliaments and governments to explain the value and importance of the sector and the role of our members.

Building health and safety

Providing education and advice to help members remain compliant and keep their people safe and well.

Building inclusivity

Providing clear guiding principles to help members to address equity, diversity and inclusion in their organisations through our partnership with the Construction Inclusion Coalition.