Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an approach for digital information management adopted by industries to improve building and infrastructure quality. It pays heed to the enhanced exchange and management of information. The generated data can be referred to as a trusted source for decision-making processes for the project. The digital representation of a building through BIM increases the productivity of engineers and designers.

But, to clarify the ambiguity and create awareness about the process of BIM, a globally accepted framework was required. It would formalize the procedure and rectify the conflict of choice between various accepted standards. For the BIM industry, no such fixed documentation existed until 2018.

Various stakeholders needed help choosing a definite set of methodologies, technologies, and standards aligned with the project, as many enlisted BIM guidelines worldwide exist. In 2018, ISO published ISO-19650 to encourage and support the use of BIM on a grand scale. It would articulate a mental model speculating the solution to the problems arising in the construction industry.

What is ISO-19650?

ISO-19650 is a standard document outlining information management specifications and principles. The provided framework applies to the entire life-cycle of the building, including initial designing, strategic planning, engineering, development, documentation, construction, day-to-day activities, maintenance, refurbishment, and repair. The standards adhere to projects of every scale and complexity, including infrastructure networks, large estates, individual built-forms, and the projects entitled to deliver them.

ISO 19650 is used by

• those involved in the procurement, design, construction, and commissioning of built assets; and
• those involved in delivering asset management activities, including operations and maintenance

It is based on the UK 1192 series that defines BIM level 2 in the UK. BIM level 2 is a series of national guidelines and publicly available specifications developed by the UK government in 2011. After this publication, many international asset owners realized the utility and efficiency of BIM and requested ISO to elevate the UK 1192 series to a globally acceptable level. The procedure to develop the documents was commenced by an international working group convened by Anne Kemp. The origin of ISO 19650 can be traced back to two British standards – BS 1192 and PAS 1192-1.

The international series ISO 19650 lays a leveled ground for related stakeholders to innovate, compete, and collaborate irrespective of location. When using BIM, it puts forward the concepts and principles required for various business processes. In addition, it supports the production and management of data throughout the life cycle of the built assets.

Bifurcations of ISO-19650

The ISO 19650 series is divided into two sections – BS EN ISO 19650 – 1 and BS EN ISO 19650 – 2, catering to different project stages.

The first section – BS EN ISO 19650 – 1, addresses how to deal with concepts and principles. It further recommends a framework for information management, which includes exchanging, recording, versioning, and organizing it for all parties. Furthermore, it involves the joint production of architectural, engineering, and construction information. Finally, it consists of a National Foreword explaining the new terminology.

The second section, BS EN ISO 19650 – 2, narrates the management process for information exchange using BIM during the project’s delivery phase. It is referred to by all organizations and used for projects of all types and scales. It includes a National Annex that aligns the standards of ISO with the UK BIM level 2.

How does ISO-19650 contribute towards the growth of BIM in the AEC industry?

The 19650 guidelines provide a data standardization framework for delivering information with reduced coordination time and cost. An everyday data-sharing environment is created for sharing information. Different organizations come together to bring a specific project to life. ISO 19650 has helped these teams combine and extract data through BIM with a unified approach.

Various companies have struggled to address the requirements and needs of their partners, clientele, or suppliers. ISO 19650 series rectifies this situation with bifurcated guidelines that articulate a proper working format for every client type. This further enhances the efficiency and mobility of their internal resources. The client and teams use BIM per these guidelines to identify owner’s exchange information requirements and maneuver towards efficient and effective project delivery.

This set of guidelines ensures a clear understanding of every task performed with a clarity of authority, capacity, responsibility, and competency for all involved members. A typical data environment in BIM ensures the security and duality of information. This environment is created for collecting, managing, and circulating information containers through a systemized procedure.

The operational and delivery phases of the project witness a smooth process involving collaboration, production, management, sharing, and exchange of all information due to the implementation of the ISO 19650 series.

The ISO 19650 series will drive client interest in the BIM working and implementation process, uplifting the entire sector. The provision of 19650 will bring all sorts of standards to a single information source that directs a smooth workflow. To improve the further additions of the ISO 19650 series, the stakeholders using these guidelines are advised to collect detailed information and experiences regarding its use and implementation.

Different aspects catered through ISO 19650 for the rise of BIM

1 Adaptation at a global level

The standards increase awareness about the digital BIM processes, leading to a rise in global adaptability. Furthermore, a specific set of guidelines will develop an understanding of BIM amongst the customers, enhancing their willingness to adopt and utilize it. In addition, the collaboration of projects can go global as local restrictions are eliminated, which could have restricted the planning and designing process.

2 Appropriate delivery of information

The exchange of information becomes more accessible with specific requirements that direct systemized information management. The manufacturer bears the pressure of supplying correct data and news at the right amount of time.

3 Ease of Optimization

The standards pave the way for many opportunities to optimize the supply chain. The overall process is catalyzed by the amalgamation of the client side (planning & construction) and industry (sales, manufacturing & shipping).

Documents that help in understanding the full potential of BIM and facilitate the digital delivery process into the project plan

• Guide for appointing party’s exchange information requirements (EIR)
• Pre-appointment – BIM execution plan
• Assess the task team’s capability & capacity
• Delivery team mobilization plan
• Delivery team risk register
• Post appointment – BIM execution plan
• Delivery team’s detailed responsibility matrix
• Guide for appointed party’s exchange information requirements
• Task information delivery plan
• Master information delivery plan
• Mobilization plan
• Information management process – collaborative production of information and information model delivery
• Project closeout

The publication of ISO 19650 moves towards converting the least digitized sector image of the construction industry and taking it towards innovation. The objective was to create a common approach toward Building Information Modeling (BIM) for every project worldwide.

It certainly provides a standardized method for the amendment of the data fabric to various projects. Following ISO 19650 in the BIM clarifies the scope of work that facilitates project planning, building, and operational stages. Also, the manufacturers are not directly impacted, and it creates a transparent digital process with the involvement of all relevant parties.

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