Publication sets out guidance on developing product platforms

A new open-access guide has been published to help construction firms develop product platforms to meet demand.

The beta version of the Product Platform Rulebook, develop­ed by the Construction Innovation Hub, addresses the government’s ambitions for the sector, as set out in the Construction Playbook and TIP Roadmap.

The rulebook sets out a set of seven guiding rules as well as a product platform development framework, which provides detailed instructions for clients, consultants, contractors, manufacturers and product suppliers seeking to develop and deploy product platforms.

Lee Rowley

Construction minister Lee Rowley gave his backing to the new rulebook

Construction minister Lee Rowley MP said: “Platform-based approaches are an example of how we can use digital and offsite manufacturing technologies to drive the transformation of the construction industry in the UK, improving its performance and delivering better outcomes for clients.”

He added that the rulebook would help clients and firms in the supply chain adopt more standardised parts to deliver new builds.

The publication includes a range of case studies, including the Department for Education’s Gen Zero and Mace’s High-Rise Solutions.

A series of consultation sessions will now take place with a view to updating the rulebook in the summer.