Harmonize, digitize, and rationalize: Exchange information confidently with BS EN ISO 19650-4
A new, highly anticipated Information management standard has been published, encouraging the implementation of consistent good practices for information exchange throughout the life cycle of assets.
BS EN ISO 19650-4:2022 Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling — Part 4: Information exchange provides detailed process and criteria for the exchange of information between information providers and receivers throughout the life cycle of an asset.
Information management refers to the management of information through the whole life cycle of an asset, from inception all the way through to construction, maintenance, and finally de-commissioning, using a digital representation for information decision-making. It's all about collaboration - between engineers, owners, designers, and contractors through a common data environment, facilitating the secure exchange of information between all stakeholders.
Since 2021, the UK Government’s Information Management Mandate has required construction suppliers tendering to public contracting authorities, for buildings and infrastructure works, to ensure procurement and contractual processes are compliant with the standards set out in the UK BIM Framework at the time of delivery.
For this to happen in a clear manner, conformance to BS EN ISO 19650-4 will be required on projects where information must flow, early and often, into portfolio, asset planning, and facility maintenance tools.
What are the UK BIM Framework standards?
To support implementation, the UK BIM Framework was formed to encapsulate the overarching approach to information management using BIM in the UK.
The BS EN ISO 19650 series is a succession of international standards which define a common unified framework for the effective collaborative production and management of information across the full life cycle of an asset, using building information modelling.
The series consists of:
ISO 19650-1:2018 – Part 1: Concepts and principles. An introduction to the concepts and principles of the information management process, which is expanded upon in the following parts.
ISO 19650-2:2018 – Part 2: Delivery phase of assets. Details the process for the management and collaborative production of information during the delivery phase of assets.
ISO 19650-3:2020 – Part 3: Operational Phase of assets. Sets out the information management process for the management and collaborative production of information during the operational phase of assets.
ISO 19650-4:2022 – Part 4: Information exchange. Establishes the process and criteria for exchanging information between parties throughout the life cycle of an asset. For both receivers (appointing party) and providers (lead appointed party, appointed parties) of information.
ISO 19650-5:2020 – Part 5: Security-minded approach to information management. Provides a framework to assist organizations adopt a security-minded approach to managing information relating to sensitive assets.
In addition, the UK BIM Framework also includes:
BS 8536:2022 Design, manufacture and construction for operability. A code of practice that promotes smooth delivery and operation of assets throughout their life cycle by maximizing the value that can be derived from information.
PAS 1192-6:2018 – Specification for collaborative sharing and use of structured Health and Safety information using BIM. Specifies the collaborative sharing of structured Health and Safety information throughout the project and asset life cycles.
The overall objective of these standards is to ensure that the right people have access to the right information, in the right format, at the right time. This is achieved through setting an internationally recognized good practice for the creation, collaboration, and management of asset information.
Ultimately, these standards ensure that built environment projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to standard.
To understand how these standards all work together in the context of an asset’s life cycle, discover the UK BIM Framework Infographic.
Understanding BS EN ISO 19650-4: Conformance, Continuity, Communication, Consistency, and Completeness
BS EN ISO 19650-4 focuses on undertaking an information exchange, to ensure the quality of the information being exchanged.
It does so by asking the reviewer to consider: Conformance, Continuity, Communication, Consistency, and Completeness when reviewing an information exchange.
This new standard supersedes BS 1192-4 Collaborative production of information, which covered undertaking information exchanges using COBie (construction operations building information exchange). Instead, BS EN ISO 19650-4 has a broader remit, with its provisions covering all information exchanges across the whole asset life cycle.
An important change is that BS EN ISO 19650-4 doesn’t address COBie specifically, as this is just one type of information exchange. Instead, COBie and the UK-specific recommendations relating to its use will be covered in the national annex.
There are several significant benefits that adopting information management can bring to an organization. By allowing the entire supply chain to communicate and coordinate, problems can be avoided throughout the supply chain, which can ultimately increase efficiency.
BS EN ISO 19650-4 benefits all stakeholders throughout the asset life cycle, including clients, consultants, contractors, authorities & asset owners, and operators. Its requirements help to:
Reduce guesswork by having access to information produced by others when needed
Reduce rework by having access to relevant standards, methods, and procedures
The role of BS ISO EN 19650-4 in the UK BIM Framework
The publication of BS EN ISO 19650-4 marks an important addition to the UK BIM Framework, filling the gap that was in the current BS EN ISO 19650 series.
As the definitive information management standard on how information exchanges should be undertaken, it details the implementation of the concepts in BS EN ISO 19650-1 and is applicable to any information exchange within the delivery stages covered by BS EN ISO 19650-2 and operational events covered by BS EN ISO 19650-3.
With UK Government policy documents, like the Construction Playbook, asking the public sector to adopt a standardized approach to information management, BS EN ISO 19650-4, and the wider UK BIM Framework, help to achieve this.
Are you confident and consistent with your information exchanges? Ensure you are working to the latest information management good practices, by adding BS EN ISO 19650-4 to your collection today.