Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)
Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) is a key pillar of Singapore’s Construction Industry Transformation Map (ITM). It is a game-changing method of construction which involves construction being designed for manufacturing off-site in a controlled environment, before being assembled on-site.
Last updated 4 March 2026
The adoption of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) methodologies can help to reduce our reliance on manual labour, and improve construction efficiency and productivity, with the goal of advancing towards standardisation and automation. The benefits of DfMA include:
Shorter construction period - As most work is completed off site, on-site construction time and manpower requirements are reduced.
Improved workmanship - Prefabrication in factories allows for stringent quality control.
Reduction in disamenities - Less on-site construction leads to fewer disruptions to surroundings.
Types of DfMA Methodologies
DfMA spans a range of approaches that enable off-site fabrication, from prefabricated components to fully integrated assemblies across structural, architectural, and MEP disciplines. Explore the types of DfMA methodologies below.
Advanced Precast Concrete System (APCS)
A construction method using precast concrete components and applies features under the ‘3S’
Mass Engineered Timber (MET)
A building material comprising engineered timber products formed by layering and bonding wood elements to create large structural panels and beams with greater strength and stability than conventional structural timber.
Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC)
A construction method whereby free-standing, 3-dimensional modules are completed with internal finishes, fixtures and fittings in an off-site fabrication facility, before they are delivered and installed on site.
Prefabricated Bathroom Units (PBU)
A bathroom module which is assembled off site, complete with finishes, fixtures and sanitary ware before it is delivered and installed on site.
Prefabricated Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) System
MEP components and equipment that are prefabricated and integrated into sub-assemblies off site and then installed on site.
Structural Steel
Structural steel is a type of steel used for making construction materials in a variety of shapes (eg. I-Sections, H-sections, Hollow sections).
Encouraging Adoption of DfMA
The adoption of DfMA is primarily driven through a suite of levers including regulatory requirements and incentive schemes such as the ones mentioned below. More information on our initiatives can be found at Growth & Transformation Productivity:
Generating Demand for DfMA projects
The Buildability Framework promotes collaboration between project team members to create designs that facilitate more efficient usage of manpower. This includes the adoption of labour-efficient construction methods and promotes greater use of prefabricated, modular and standardised building components. | |
The PGF provides Government Procuring Entities (GPEs) with a structured approach to drive fundamental changes towards greater productivity improvement and manpower reduction beyond the regulatory requirements. | |
State land is released for development through the GLS Programme every six months. Specific productive technologies are stipulated as land sales conditions for developments sold under the GLS Programme, to drive demand in DfMA adoption. | |
Built Environment Transformation Gross Floor Area Incentive Scheme (BETxGFA) | The incentive scheme encourages greater adoption of enhanced BE Industry Transformation Map (ITM) standards in areas of digitalisation, productivity and sustainability in private sector developments. Qualified developers can receive up to 3% bonus GFA, subject to planning approval. |
To support the Built Environment sector’s transformation and achieve higher levels of productivity, BCA has introduced the following schemes to encourage firms to adopt advanced methods such as DfMA:
Support Schemes
The BETC grant encourages firms to develop new capabilities across enterprise, technology, and manpower. This includes the adoption of advanced technologies such as robotics and automation to achieve productivity improvement. | |
The IAS supports Singapore’s construction firms in achieving higher levels of productivity with tax incentives for investing in productive equipment for construction-related works and manufacturing facilities. |