BIM Standards
ISO19650 Demystified
In the rapidly evolving AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry, managing information effectively has become one of the critical success factors for delivering projects efficiently. The ISO 19650 standard, focused on managing information through Building Information Modeling (BIM), has gained significant traction in recent years. However, many misconceptions surround its implementation, which was the focus of a recent talk led by Paul Shilcock, an authority on BIM and the author of ISO 19650-2.
The session aimed to demystify ISO 19650, highlighting that the standard’s primary objective is not just compliance but ensuring the right people receive the right information at the right time.
The session aimed to demystify ISO 19650, highlighting that the standard’s primary objective is not just compliance but ensuring the right people receive the right information at the right time.
Key Takeaways from Paul Shilcock’s Talk
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ISO 19650 Is About Information Management, Not Just BIM
One of the most common myths surrounding ISO 19650 is that it is a BIM standard. According to Paul, this misconception limits the understanding of what the standard seeks to achieve. The core focus of ISO 19650 is the efficient management of asset information throughout its life cycle. BIM is simply one of the tools used to produce and manage that information. Paul made it clear that simply saying “we're compliant with ISO 19650” doesn’t equate to successful implementation. The actual benefits come from adopting a well-structured information management process, which ensures that project information is created, shared, and managed collaboratively.
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ISO 19650 is a Process, Not Just a Document
One of Paul’s most valuable insights was the emphasis on understanding ISO 19650 as a process rather than just a set of standards. This process is made up of eight interrelated steps, each involving a series of activities designed to convert inputs into outputs. Paul broke it down into simple terms: the goal is for the right people to have the right information at the right time, and the standard provides a roadmap for achieving this.
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The Role of Clients is Key to Success
A significant portion of the session was dedicated to discussing the responsibility of asset owners, who are at the core of the information management process. Surprisingly, asset owners (appointing parties) are responsible for over 50% of the activities involved in managing information. They need to set the right collaborative and commercial environment from the outset, ensuring that delivery teams can effectively produce the required information. This front-loaded responsibility includes defining asset information requirements, setting up a common data environment (CDE), and ensuring data quality standards. If clients do not fulfill these tasks, the project teams will struggle to meet the requirements laid out in ISO 19650, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
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Integration and Data Quality Matter
While technology like Autodesk’s Construction Cloud or Bentley’s ProjectWise are often mentioned in relation to BIM, Paul pointed out that these tools are not, in themselves, “common data environments.” A true CDE integrates various data management systems, allowing for efficient information flow between them. Additionally, data quality is essential. Standards like ISO 8000 work in tandem with ISO 19650 to ensure that the information is reliable and fit for use throughout the asset's lifecycle.
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Collaboration is Key to BIM Success
Shilcock also addressed the importance of collaboration within the BIM process, noting that while BIM has been around for a while, many projects still need to catch up in the collaborative production of information. He highlighted that steps like checking and reviewing data are integral to avoiding the pitfalls of siloed work practices, where different teams operate independently and information is poorly coordinated.
Conclusion: ISO 19650 as a Strategic Framework
The talk provided valuable insights into the real purpose behind ISO 19650, moving beyond the misconception that it’s just about BIM compliance. The standard is a strategic framework designed to enhance information management, ensuring that all stakeholders—clients, architects, engineers, and contractors—are aligned in how they produce and manage project information. For the AEC industry, adopting this process-oriented approach could lead to significant improvements in project delivery, collaboration, and overall operational efficiency.
See Paul’s complete talk below:
…adopting this process-oriented approach could lead to significant improvements in project delivery, collaboration, and overall operational efficiency
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