Implementing effective information management with ISO 19650

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What is ISO 19650? A short introduction to the BIM standard

ISO 19650 is an international standard for managing information throughout the lifecycle of a built asset using Building Information Modeling (BIM). It provides a structured approach to organizing and sharing digital construction data, improving collaboration and efficiency. This standard is based on the UK’s PAS 1192 framework and has been widely adopted to ensure consistency in BIM workflows.

ISO 19650 is becoming increasingly relevant as the construction industry is embracing digitalisation. This international standard offers a universal “language” for BIM processes, ensuring that stakeholders work with standardized data formats and structured information.

The Structure of ISO 19650

The ISO 19650 standard is divided into multiple parts, with ISO 19650-1 and ISO 19650-2 forming its core:

  • ISO 19650-1: Covers the fundamental concepts and principles of information management in BIM.
  • ISO 19650-2: Focuses on the information management process during the delivery phase of construction projects.

A key component of ISO 19650 is the Common Data Environment (CDE)— as it serves as a single source of truth, ensuring standardized information exchange, real-time collaboration, data security, and regulatory compliance. This ensures that the right information is accessible to the right people at the right time.

ISO-19650

Key principles and benefits of ISO 19650

ISO 19650 is based on a series of information management principles. Each of these provide multiple advantages to users. Here are some of them:

  • Standardized information management

    Information comes in different shapes, sizes and formats. At the same time, construction projects require a lot of cross-team collaboration. The lack of standards when managing project information will make collaboration difficult and prone to errors.

  • Efficient collaboration and coordination

    Adopting standards for information management is necessary in order to ensure consistency across teams. This will lead to better collaboration and easier coordination among the various teams and stakeholders.

  • Clear roles and responsibilities

    Defining accountability in BIM workflows will improve collaboration and efficiency. Having clear roles and responsibilities ensures that there are no overlaps in terms of accountability, as well as no “gray” areas that nobody is managing. Having clear responsibilities ensures that project collaboration is efficient.

  • Efficient data exchange

    Having a single source of truth for data and standardized information management reduces the probability of errors. At the same time, this improves accessibility to relevant data.

  • Lifecycle approach

    Another benefit of having an integrated approach to information management is that this covers all of the stages in the evolution of a built asset - from planning (or design), to construction, management and then (if applicable) demolition.

ISO 19650 compliance: steps to implementation

As we’ve already pointed out, applying ISO 19650 to construction projects involves establishing a structured approach to information management throughout the project lifecycle. How exactly can that be achieved? Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Define your information management requirements

Before implementing a new system or workflow, you should first identify your needs:

  • Define Project Information Requirements (PIR) – What data is needed and when?
  • Identify the Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR) – The client’s specific needs for BIM and project data.
  • Choose a Common Data Environment (CDE) that can manage your information needs

2. Define roles and responsibilities

To successfully implement ISO 19650, you can start by defining clear roles within an Information Management Team (IMT). This team typically includes:

  • Information Manager – Oversees information processes and ensures compliance with ISO 19650.
  • Project Delivery Manager – Coordinates teams and ensures workflows are followed.
  • BIM Coordinator – Ensures the correct implementation of BIM models and information exchange standards.

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3. Implement standardized processes

Standardizing processes is necessary, as this ensures long-term compliance and efficiency. Organizations should establish clear, repeatable processes for:

  • Information delivery and approvals: Define how and when information should be exchanged.
  • Roles and responsibilities: Ensure that roles are clearly defined and that each team member understands their duties in the information management workflow.
  • Software and tools: Select and enforce the use of standardized BIM software and document management platforms.
  • Naming convention: Establish a naming convention and metadata structure to standardize documents and files.

4. Choose and implement a Common Data Environment (CDE)

A Common Data Environment (CDE) is a centralized digital platform where all project information is stored, accessed, and shared in a controlled manner. It ensures that:

  • Data is consistently structured and up-to-date.
  • Access control mechanisms prevent unauthorized modifications.
  • Project teams collaborate in a secure and efficient manner.

By maintaining status codes for document approval (e.g., work in progress, shared, published, archived) and ensuring version control, you can also make sure you create a clear audit trail for all changes.

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5. Apply a collaborative workflow

Information management requires having solid processes and workflows in place. Since it involves the collaboration of various stakeholders, defining workflows will ensure both efficiency, and compliance with ISO 199650.

The workflow must define how information is created, shared, reviewed, and approved at different stages of the project. Here are some elements that can be included:

  • Information requests and approvals: Define who can request, provide, and approve information, ensuring clarity on formats, deadlines, and responsibilities.
  • Design coordination and clash detection: Regularly submit BIM models to a Common Data Environment (CDE), use clash detection tools (e.g., Navisworks, Solibri), and assign issues for resolution before construction begins.
  • Standardized information review and handover: Implement checklists, version control, and approval workflows to maintain data accuracy and compliance.
  • Change management: Use a formal process for requesting, reviewing, and approving project changes to prevent delays and cost overruns.
  • Project documentation and handover: Deliver as-built BIM models, operation manuals, and compliance reports to ensure smooth facility management post-construction.

 

6. Monitor, review, and improve

Projects and workflows are dynamic. To maintain compliance, organizations must regularly audit project data. This includes:

  • Checking for missing or inaccurate information.
  • Ensuring data complies with BIM standards and project requirements.
  • Using automated validation tools to detect inconsistencies early.

Gathering feedback from stakeholders is another way to review and improve compliance. Insights and findings from those actively involved in projects can help refine processes for future projects. At the same time, companies must make sure teams are properly trained on best practices for information management.

 

Why ISO 19650 is essential for modern BIM workflows

ISO 19650 is a crucial standard for ensuring efficient, transparent, and standardized BIM processes. By adopting this framework, organizations can improve collaboration, enhance data security, and streamline digital construction workflows.

Certified solutions ensure that processes are executed transparently and reliably, providing strong support for operational workflows. Achieving certification confirms that established processes are upheld for the use of the solution, enabling work to be performed in compliance with industry standards.

As the industry moves towards full digital transformation, ISO 19650 compliance will become essential for staying competitive in the global construction sector.

How Thinkproject CDE supports ISO 19650

At Thinkproject, we strive to provide our customers with efficient and reliable solutions to manage the entire built asset lifestyle. We are therefore concerned with maintaining compliance with all relevant industry standards.

Our CDE solution has been attested for being compliant with ISO 19650. The compliance of the software solution has been confirmed for the following standards:

• ISO 19650-1:2018;

• ISO 19650-2:2018;

• ISO 19650-3:2020;

Learn more about Thinkproject’s certifications and attestations by visiting our Trustcentre. Learn more about our solutions, by visiting our solutions page.

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