Many mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors often have trouble creating and maintaining data for projects. Trimble's pricing and content service with Building Data's 3-D will help fix this problem, company officials said.

"With the addition of Building Data, Trimble continues to reinforce its commitment to providing data and analytics solutions to the construction industry,” said Pat Bohle, general manager of Trimble's MEP division. “Building Data's strength lies in its ability to provide structured and highly accurate 3-D content that will be connected to Trimble's existing product and pricing services. This wealth of content will enable MEP contractors and engineers to use their models to improve estimating, detailing, fabrication, purchasing, manufacturing and installation processes." 

Jim Reis, chief operating officer at Building Data, said the addition of his company to Trimble’s portfolio made sense.

"Building Data's solutions are dedicated to improving the productivity of the building contractor and engineer," Reis said. "We are already integrated with several of Trimble's industry-leading software solutions including their fabrication software, field layout solutions and pricing services. We are excited to provide an even greater integrated office workflow for the building contractor and engineer by joining with Trimble."

Trimble made the announcement Monday during the company’s Trimble Dimensions user conference in Las Vegas. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter.