Digital Factory: Taking BIM to Industrial Manufacturing

Revolutionizing Factory Design with BIM Technology

Modern factories are intricate ecosystems of machines, conveyors, and utilities running in harmony. To simplify their design and management, Akkodis engineers are redefining industrial planning—adapting Building Information Modeling (BIM) to bring smarter, faster collaboration to manufacturing.

BIM Put to New Use: Introducing Simusi

“We are creating a 3D model and project management tool that facilitates the design and execution planning of complex industrial infrastructure,” says Filipe Barbosa, who developed the concept with Matheus Calado-Pereira. “Our method makes planning faster, reduces costs, and enhances collaboration.”

Both engineers specialize in production line design and have implemented the model—called Simusi—for a 60,000 m² car battery factory in Northern France. The name combines “simulation” and “usine” (French for factory) and brings all project stakeholders together on one digital platform.

From Sequential to Collaborative Execution

Simusi shifts industrial projects from sequential workflows to collaborative execution. Previously, information passed from supplier to project manager to installer—creating delays and communication gaps. With Simusi, all stakeholders collaborate in real time.

Previously, information passed from supplier to project manager to installer—creating delays and communication gaps.

During a virtual factory simulation, engineers discovered that a planned wall would block a machine’s installation route—an issue resolved instantly through Simusi’s 3D model, saving time and cost. The platform automatically detects component clashes, ensuring seamless integration of power, water, and air systems.

Simusi also streamlines on-site logistics by managing container storage, classifying equipment by supplier and installation sequence, and providing intuitive visualization dashboards for project and operations teams.

Streamlining Production and Operations

Beyond design and assembly, Simusi continues to deliver value after factories become operational. Traditionally, design and performance data existed in separate systems. Simusi merges these environments, providing transparency across design, operations, and maintenance.

Beyond design and assembly, Simusi continues to deliver value after factories become operational.

Connected to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), it collects sensor data, visualizes equipment performance, and flags anomalies—helping prevent downtime. Using the OPC-UA protocol, it’s compatible with systems from major OEMs such as Rockwell, Schneider, and Siemens.

We give production and maintenance teams a tool to monitor hundreds of machines in one dashboard,” says Barbosa.

Unlocking Predictive Maintenance with AI and Machine Learning

Simusi extends across the entire factory lifecycle—from digital design to real-time operations—making true predictive maintenance a reality. Powered by AI and machine learning, the platform detects anomalies early, helping manufacturers prevent costly downtime before failures occur.

The challenge lies in identifying the most valuable data signals. While analyzing a stamping machine, Akkodis engineers discovered that sound pattern analysis could accurately trigger maintenance alerts.

Every machine behaves differently, which is why Simusi enables continuous fine-tuning of data models—boosting predictive accuracy, equipment reliability, and manufacturing efficiency over time.

Building the Foundation for Smart, Data-Driven Factories

By uniting simulation, design, operations, and maintenance in one connected ecosystem, Simusi is paving the way for the next generation of intelligent, data-driven factories. This integrated approach transforms how manufacturers plan, monitor, and optimize every stage of production.

“We’re bringing together all the technology bricks,” says Filipe Barbosa. “There’s still work to be done, but Simusi is already establishing the foundation for a smarter, more connected, and predictive industrial future.”