The global adoption of BIM continues to accelerate, delivering a sustainable, resilient built environment.

Since the publication of the international standard BS EN ISO 19650 series, it is vital you understand the principles of information management.

BIM has formalized principles relating to how assets should be designed, built, and operated to best utilize an asset's value and potential offered by this new way of working. It covers:

People, processes, and technology

BIM is not just about technology; it's a new way of designing, building, and operating assets enabled using technology. Equally, if not more fundamental than technology is the set of processes that should be followed (outlined within the BS EN ISO 19650 and BS/PAS 1192 series of standards) as well as the change in working practices at an operations level. This is best exemplified by the need for a collaborative approach across the supply chain.

Collaborative engagement

One of the key success indicators of a project using BIM is the degree to which the supply chain has worked in collaboration to meet the project/asset needs. This means working openly as well as sharing information and experience with supply chain members in a way that encourages collective problem solving and coordination.

Start with the end in mind

A key problem that is addressed by using BIM is the issue of rushed decisions being made with insufficient and/or incorrect information. Starting with the end in mind, these decisions are pushed “upstream” so that they are better informed and do not present themselves unexpectedly. Examples of this include; completing all principle design work and coordination before the commencement of construction and ensuring that design decisions are being made across the entire delivery phase with respect to the operational performance and utilization of the asset (BS 8536).

Digital asset

Having the right information available to the right people at the right time makes all the difference. When delivering a project, or managing an asset using BIM, it is critical that the information requirements of the project are specified clearly to the entire project team. Keeping the focus on exactly what information is needed and when, its purpose, its format, and how the information will be shared, are all key aspects of better information management.

A holistic approach to security

Once it has been identified what needs to be protected and the threats and consequences associated with this, (to ensure the security of a sensitive asset and sensitive information) a holistic approach should be adopted covering people, process, technological security, and physical security. BS EN ISO 19650-5 is the international standard that sets out requirements for the security-minded management of sensitive information within building information modelling (BIM). This standard helps to reduce the risk of loss, misuse, or modification of sensitive information that could impact the safety, security, and resilience of assets, the built environment, or the services provided by or from them.

Start your organization’s BIM journey

Whether you’re at the start of your BIM journey or are looking to help members of your organization get up to speed, we have several resources that can help.

The UK BIM Framework is an overarching approach that helps you to implement information management successfully into your business. It sets out the approach for implementing BIM in the UK using the framework for managing information provided by the BS EN ISO 19650 series.

In addition, our popular Little Book of BIM (2023 edition) has proven to be an invaluable guide. It can help fast-track your BIM knowledge by providing clarity around key terms and definitions.

Download your free copy today.

Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions

Has your organization started its BIM journey? Get instant access to all the standards and best practices you need to achieve the efficient and cost-effective delivery of information management across your projects with a BSI Knowledge subscription. It enables you to quickly search, discover and interpret standards and insights to help you meet your current BIM challenges and add value to your organization, anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Request to learn more.