What is BIM? Collaboration and Information Management in the Construction Industry 

Digital Transformation of the Construction Industry 

To answer the question “What is BIM?”, it’s helpful to look at examples from developed economies that have taken a step further. This gives an idea of the direction of development of the construction industry a few years after the introduction of the obligation to use the BIM methodology. The goal is to make this industry more data-driven and focused on the entire asset lifecycle. 

In the UK, the construction industry is progressing toward creating a “National Digital Twin” (The National Digital Twin Programme). The idea is that Digital Twins of physical built assets (buildings and public infrastructure) will be able to update information on key assets in near real-time. We will achieve this by using data from sensors and networked devices. Albo from sharing information with other systems via the Internet of Things (IoT). This will optimize performance, enhance safety, and improve the end-user experience. Achieving this requires not only new technologies but also new standards, policies, and collaborative, integrated business models. 

Source: Diagram from “Transforming Infrastructure Performance (TIP): Roadmap to 2030,” showing how the use of data, technologies, and models can support the roadmap in the built environment. 

What is BIM? 

The term BIM directly means as Building Information Modeling. BIM is a process that uses the digital representation of built assets to facilitate design, construction, operation, and maintenance processes, providing a reliable foundation for decision-making. By adopting a “BIM approach”, information about built assets is collected to provide more valuable solutions. This goes to all stakeholders involved at every stage of the asset’s lifecycle. Digital modeling of designed or existing assets and managing their building information allows continuous and immediate access to this information. This facilitates the selection of optimal solutions by simulating various scenarios and schemes in the virtual world. 

Source: BIM process according to ISO 19650-1:2018 (BSI, 2018) 

In a previous post on standardization, I pointed out that proper processes, technologies, and people in information management roles are essential to ensure the smooth operation of the BIM methodology in organizations. 

One of the processes that facilitates the delivery of coordinated information about built assets is the creation of multiple individual discipline models for the asset, which, when combined, form a “federated” model used for coordination (PIM) and later for operation (AIM). However, BIM is not only a 3D object. The BIM model is a highly convenient carrier of building information. Such an information model can become one of many components of Digital Twins. However, it is only well-defined, understood, and adhered-to standards and processes that determine the strength of BIM implementation. 

Collaborative BIM 

Collaboration among different parties involved in a project is critical to its success, regardless of its size or structure. In the construction industry, we tend to isolate information and work independently of other disciplines. This form of project execution promotes negative behaviors, such as shifting responsibility or blaming others for mistakes. 

Teamwork allows organizations to achieve better results than working in isolation. A relationship based on collaboration, shared visions and values, business goals, and mutual benefits can help achieve synergy in areas such as reduced project risk, improved performance, and efficiency. 

BTW. The principles of managing collaborative relationships have also been developed into a more general standard (not focused on construction) known as ISO 44000 “Collaborative Business Relationship Management Systems,” but this series of publications does not focus on that. 

The decision to adopt BIM and improve collaborative processes should be initiated by appointing party (the client) and supported by the delivery team. This is ensured through the inclusion of appropriate procedures in procurement documents and during the tender process. 

Collaborative work is supported by using Common Data Environment (CDE) solutions and processes. This enables the automation of sharing and exchanging processes, as well as controlling the purpose and status of information by assigning metadata such as state, status, revision number, and file version. 

Source: Unsplash 

Benefits of Using the ISO 19650 Series 

In today’s world, information is a key resource that every organization uses to achieve its goals and is the foundation of all activities. Information management should be as important to an organization as managing costs, customers, and personnel. For this reason, the responsibility for information management and developing an information management strategy lies with the appointing party team. 

The ISO 19650 standard provides guidelines on how to approach information management to achieve short- and long-term goals. Following these guidelines also greatly facilitates international collaboration in the construction industry, helping project teams from different countries overcome communication and technical barriers. This allows for global coordination and execution of projects at a higher level. 

Source: Presentation on “NHSScotland ISO 19650 Interactive Navigator.” 

The introduction of ISO 19650 standards promotes effective information management and collaboration. It translates into better planning, execution, and management of construction projects. By following ISO 19650 recommendations, you can increase transparency and predictability across all participants in your project. Also ensuring everyone has access to accurate and up-to-date information. 

The BIM approach described in the ISO 19650 standards. It brings numerous benefits across the industry, so the question is not “if,” but “when” your company should implement it. 

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This series of publications, conducted under the patronage of British Standards Institution or BSI, sheds light on the importance of standardization according to ISO 19650. It discusses practical information management tips. These recommendations can be useful to any organization involved in the procurement, design, construction, operation or maintenance of a building. 

Check out the training courses conducted by Wojciech Jędrosz, organized directly by BSI: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/products-and-services/training-courses-and-qualifications/iso-19650-and-bim-training-online-courses/