Allplan Releases New E-Book “Understanding DfMA”
25.08.2025
Figure: Allplan
Allplan, a leading global provider of BIM solutions for the AEC industry and part of the Nemetschek Group, has long considered prefabrication a key component of its “Design to Build” philosophy. The strategic importance of integrated solutions for prefabrication and modular construction is also reflected in the recent acquisition of Manufacton. Allplan has aligned AEC workflows based on the principles of the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) approach. The new e-book explores the benefits and potential challenges of implementing DfMA and provides insights into the future of design and construction.
“One of the core elements of our ‘Design to Build’ philosophy is the continuous expansion of prefabrication capabilities. This is how we consistently support the DfMA approach, enabling our clients to consider buildability at the earliest stages of the design process,” emphasizes Eduardo Lazzarotto, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Allplan.
Why DfMA Is Becoming Increasingly Important
DfMA focuses on designing components so they can be manufactured and assembled as easily, efficiently, and cost-effectively as possible. The concept is based on three pillars: standardization of components, optimization for prefabrication, and early collaboration. These elements are the key to faster, more sustainable, and higher-quality construction projects.
Ongoing labor shortages, rising costs, and technological advancements are increasing the pressure to build faster and more efficiently. Since prefabrication offers an attractive solution to these challenges, current studies predict a 10% increase in the adoption of DfMA methods by 2027. However, this growth potential can only be realized if digital design tools effectively support the DfMA approach.
“Manufacton supports DfMA as a cloud-based platform specifically developed for offsite construction and modular manufacturing, enabling seamless management and monitoring of all processes across the value chain. The software provides contractors, general contractors, and modular builders with real-time transparency into planning, production, material management, and logistics—from the factory to the jobsite,” says Raghi Iyengar, Founder and Product Manager of Manufacton by Allplan.
In March 2025, Allplan announced the acquisition of Manufacton. With this move, the company has strengthened its expertise in industrialized construction and expanded its portfolio with cloud-based solutions for production management.
How Allplan Supports DfMA
The e-book covers the key components and benefits of DfMA across 26 pages. The first chapter introduces the core principles of “Design for Manufacturing and Assembly.” This is followed by an exploration of potential implementation challenges and how to overcome them. The next section outlines the requirements that AEC software must meet to fully support the DfMA concept.
The e-book then provides a detailed look at how Allplan actively supports the DfMA approach, followed by practical examples from prefabrication, steel construction, and manufacturing. It concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the future of construction and upcoming developments.
The e-book “Understanding DfMA: Design for Manufacturing and Assembly Explained” is available for free at: https://infos.allplan.com/de-ebook-dfma-verstehen.html
CONTACT:
Allplan GmbH
Janet Kästner
+49 89 927 93-1301
