The Role of Specialist Contractors in the ISO 19650 Process

The construction industry in the UK is undergoing a digital transformation, with the ISO 19650 standard at the forefront.

This standard, part of the ISO family of management standards, is focused on information management throughout the lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure using Building Information Modelling (BIM). For specialist contractors, compliance with ISO 19650 can improve efficiency, enhance project outcomes, and facilitate collaboration while setting them apart in a competitive industry.

 

In this article, we explore the role of specialist contractors within the ISO 19650 process and why their involvement is crucial.

Understanding ISO 19650

ISO 19650 is an international standard for managing information through BIM. It provides a framework for organising and sharing data, enabling seamless collaboration between various project participants.

The UK’s adoption of this standard is a natural progression from the government’s BIM Level 2 mandate, aimed at improving the digitalisation of the construction sector.

The ISO 19650 series primarily covers two key areas: ISO 19650-1 (Concepts and Principles) and ISO 19650-2 (Delivery Phase of the Assets). These standards emphasise the importance of planning, resource management, and structured information exchange. Given the diverse nature of construction projects, specialist contractors play a significant role in this structured approach to information management.

The Role of Specialist Contractors

Specialist contractors provide specific expertise and often take on complex work packages such as partitioning, carpentry and roofing and interior fit-out. Within the ISO 19650 framework, they are responsible for delivering information that aligns with project standards, helping to maintain consistency and meet project objectives.

This involves planning, executing, and verifying data in line with the project’s information requirements, thus ensuring that the data generated by their work is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to other project stakeholders.

One of the main advantages of ISO 19650 is that it defines roles and responsibilities clearly, enabling specialist contractors to understand their exact place within the project’s information structure.

By adhering to the standard’s requirements, specialist contractors contribute to a streamlined flow of information across the entire supply chain. This is particularly important in complex, multi-phase projects, where accurate data exchange between various teams can significantly impact project timelines and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Specialist contractors working under ISO 19650 are generally expected to:

1. Follow the Common Data Environment (CDE):

This centralised digital environment is used to store, manage, and share information. Specialist contractors must upload their deliverables to the CDE, where the data can be accessed, reviewed, and approved by relevant parties.

2. Deliver Information in Structured Formats:

Information must be presented in accordance with agreed templates, allowing for ease of access and use. This often involves compliance with established naming conventions, data file formats, and information classification systems.

3. Collaborate with Other Parties:

Collaboration is central to the ISO 19650 process, requiring open communication and information sharing with the client, design teams, main contractors, and other specialists. This collaborative approach minimises rework and helps maintain project continuity.

4. Ensure Consistency and Accuracy:

The ISO 19650 standard demands consistency in data quality, which reduces errors and discrepancies across project documents. Specialist contractors are responsible for ensuring that all data they produce is accurate, validated and in line with the projects requirements (BEP) before submission.

Benefits of Compliance

Adopting ISO 19650 best practices enables specialist contractors to participate in all-size projects with clear expectations and structured workflows.

Compliance improves overall efficiency, reducing the risk of errors, rework, and disputes. It also fosters a collaborative environment, where each party can trust the accuracy of the shared information.

For specialist contractors, demonstrating ISO 19650 compliance can be a competitive advantage, positioning them as industry leaders and potentially opening doors to new business opportunities.

How Diane Butterworth Ltd can help

Diane Butterworth Ltd’s ‘10-Step Guide for BIM projects’ simplifies the process of delivering high-quality BIM outputs.

The steps begin with reviewing the BIM Execution Plan (BEP), defining the project scope, and providing a clear quotation.

After a project kick off, model coordination ensures accuracy, followed by a product quality check for Revit families.

Modelling, placement, and data export are conducted, ensuring all details are aligned.

Regular coordination meetings ensure updates are shared, and at project completion, the final BIM model is handed over with all relevant documentation, ensuring the client is equipped for future management and maintenance.

Find out more here: https://dianebutterworth.com/services/bim-collaboration/

Conclusion

In today’s digital construction landscape, the role of specialist contractors in the ISO 19650 process cannot be overstated.

 

By embracing the standard’s principles and actively participating in the CDE, specialist contractors can enhance both the efficiency and quality of project outcomes.

 

Their role in delivering accurate, timely, and accessible information supports the project’s success and contributes to a higher standard of information management in the construction industry.