Digital transformation means more than just changing the technology we use. It also means changing the roles and business models that underpin design and construction: in particular, the order in which we do things. There are three main kinds of role that the H4.0E platform relies upon.

Product Manufacturers / Maintainers

Who are they?

The designers and manufacturers (or licensors) of manufactured building systems, who are willing to receive orders.

What do they do?

• They break their building system into a library of 'modules'. These modules can vary in size from LEGO-like blocks, to whole house types. The modules must be countable, orthogonal and manufacturable to a reasonable level of precision. The modules must also be compliant with local building codes.
• They will upload outline 3D models of these modules into the back-end of the platform, and enter some key data about them, including the estimated cost of each module, its embodied carbon, and floor area in m².
• They will also set some general rules and settings about their product, for example, the maximum number of storeys it can go up to, and data about its thermal performance.
• They will define the region where their product is available to be purchased and delivered.
• They may also pre-create some 'house types' for users to get started with.

The Product Maintainer will have continuous access to update their data at any time if anything changes, or to extend or improve the range of modules or house types in their product. They own their data, and can take it down at any time.

Customers

Who are they?

Anyone with land who wants to build low-energy houses, or architects working for them. This might include self-builders, community groups, housing associations, local public authorities or developers.

What do they do?