This post includes my BIM Coordinators Summit 2023 presentation, which took place on 6th September, where I talked about Information Management skills according to ISO 19650. The presentation starts with a description of information management functions, and the types of information management matrices that can be used in a BIM project. The session also explains the minimum requirements of ISO 19650 in terms of competency, capability and capacity, focusing on the assessment criteria and the mobilization plan as well as the challenges of ISO 19650 certification schemes in the industry.
Below, you can also find my relative article published in the BIM Coordinators Summit 2023 magazine ( you can also read the article in the original pulbication).
Embarking on the journey of mastering information management skills according to ISO 19650 is no easy task. It is a path that leads us into the project complexity, where data and processes interconnect and our ability to create, manage and exchange information is tested. While the industry has introduced a number of BIM maturity tools and third-party assessment procedures to access the competency requirements in BIM projects, still as an industry we don’t have a holistic aligned tool with standardized assessment criteria.
Information management skills according to ISO 19650
The successful implementation of the international standard ISO 19650 relies on a range of technical and non-technical competencies that professionals need to possess to effectively manage information. Technical competencies encompass experience, the ability to undertake a role, understanding contracts and software skills. Non-technical competencies, also known as soft skills, encompass personal qualities such as resilience, planning, research, analysis, initiative, results orientation, and communication.
ISO 19650-2 requires competency (knowledge and skills) to be considered by the appointing party (cl. 5.1.1) during the Assessment and Need and when establishing Tender Response requirements and evaluation criteria (cl. 5.2.3). Competency is also considered by the prospective lead appointed party when nominating information management functions during the Tender Response (cl. 5.3.1).
A capability and capacity assessment is required to be taken by each of the prospective appointed parties during the Tender response (cl.5.3.3) which examines the ability of the team to manage and produce information according to the Exchange Information Requirements and the pre-appointment BIM Execution Plan. The assessment also includes the availability of information technology (IT) within the task team. The summary of the prospective delivery team’s assessment is delivered to the appointing party (cl.5.3.7) alongside the pre-BIM Execution Plan, the Mobilisation plan and the Risk assessment, as part of the Tender response for evaluation by the appointing party.
Measuring readiness: Understanding Capability and Capacity Assessment
Capability refers to the ability to perform a specific given activity, for example by having the necessary experience, skills or technical resources and incorporates not only the abilities (skills) to do something but also the extend in which the abilities are executed. Capacity refers to the number of individuals involved and being able to complete an activity in the required time.
Capability and capacity are both assessment metrics, but the way they are measured differs. Capacity is a fixed figure metric which could be expressed as a percentage of the total capacity and can be changed over time, as new members or teams are added to the delivery team. On the other hand, capability is a more complex metric and besides relative project experience, there is yet no wide industry consensus of how to measure it.
However, the mobilization plan that includes the project’s resources and technology, complements the capability assessment by enabling a clear information management workflow. This allows for identifying gaps and improvements in appointed parties’ abilities as long as there is a dedicated and open procedure to mobilization.
BIM performance should be considered in terms of capability and capacity to produce, manage and deliver information. Capacity is a fixed figure metric which could be expressed as a percentage of the total capacity and can be changed over time.
Capability is a more complex metric and besides relative project experience, there is yet no wide industry consensus of how to measure it. The mobilization plan (ISO 19650-2) includes the project’s resources and technology and complements the capability assessment by enabling a clear information management workflow. This allows for identifying gaps and improvements in appointed parties’ abilities as long as there is a dedicated and open procedure to mobilization.
The guidance provided by the Centre for Digital Built Britain (based on PAS 91:2018 + A1:2017 and aligned to ISO 19650 series) presents 10 questions to be answered by the prospective teams as part of their Tender response. The questions address a variety of competencies such as the experience of working with a Common Data Environment, the capability to work with the ISO 19650 principles and requirements, the ability to produce and deliver information against the information standard and information production methods and procedures, the training to meet the appointment’s document suite and EIRs, BIM related skills training, evidence of a security management plan, access to information technologies and experience on quality control procedures.
The evidence of compliance with the assessment requirements includes referencing platforms, evidence of past projects, the adoption of organizational and internal standards, experience or a plan of working with project information standards, and methods and procedures, training evidence or timeframes, a security management plan, information technologies and hardware, and quality control verification experience.
In order to enhance the effectiveness of assessments, individual certification should be taken into consideration as a means of showcasing a certain level of capability. Individual certification serves as tangible evidence of an individual's competence and expertise within ISO 19650 projects, generating confidence in their abilities. On the other hand, for organizations that have already established ISO 19650 procedures, undergoing a third-party assessment offers numerous advantages. It fosters trust and confidence from clients, leading to improved project outcomes and a competitive edge in the market.
Next steps
Want to learn more? ISO 19650 training by BIM Design Hub helps you understand how to efficiently manage information using the international standard for BIM implementation.
About the Author
Nicoleta Panagiotidou is an architect, ISO 19650 specialist, and founder of BIM Design Hub. She helps AEC professionals and businesses enhance project and business success through effective information management.
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