This blog post includes my BIM Coordinators Summit 2024 presentation (Virtual Clients stage) where I am focusing on "Maximizing Project Success through Well-Defined Requirements under ISO 19650."
In the world of AEC, the foundation of a successful project lies in its Information Requirements (IRs). Well-defined IRs ensure clarity, efficiency, and alignment across all stakeholders. Poorly defined requirements, on the other hand, lead to unnecessary rework, confusion, and wasted resources. ISO 19650, the global standard for information management, provides a clear framework for defining and managing IRs effectively.
This blog post explores the critical role of IRs in project success, the challenges of poorly defined requirements, and how following the ISO 19650 approach can transform outcomes.
Why Information Requirements Matter
Information is a valuable resource in construction projects. From planning to delivery and beyond, it guides decisions, reduces uncertainty, and ensures alignment between stakeholders. However, not all information is created equal.
Projects often struggle with:
Redundant or outdated data
Unclear responsibilities for creating and sharing information
Information overload or missing critical details
Time and budget overruns due to poor coordination
At the heart of these challenges is one core issue: poorly defined requirements. Without clarity on what information is needed, who needs it, and when it must be delivered, projects are more likely to fail.
ISO 19650: A Framework for Clarity
ISO 19650 offers a structured way to define, manage, and deliver information across the lifecycle of a project or asset. It identifies the different types of IRs, tailored to specific project phases and stakeholders:
Organizational Information Requirements (OIR): High-level needs related to strategic decision-making and organizational goals.
Asset Information Requirements (AIR): Focused on managing and maintaining assets throughout their lifecycle.
Project Information Requirements (PIR): Specific to the project delivery phase, ensuring alignment with project goals.
Exchange Information Requirements (EIR): Detailing the information needed for specific project milestones or decision points.
Each of these IRs contributes to better coordination, decision-making, and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
The Level of Information Need
One of the key principles in ISO 19650 is the Level of Information Need. This concept ensures that only the necessary amount of information is specified and shared. Too much information wastes resources; too little leaves gaps that can lead to errors.
The Level of Information Need includes:
Purpose: Why is the information needed?
Milestone: When must the information be delivered?
Actors: Who is responsible for providing and receiving the information?
Object structure: What format and level of detail are required?
By specifying these elements clearly, projects can avoid the pitfalls of unnecessary complexity and focus on delivering value.
The Difference Between Good and Bad Requirements
Not all requirements are created equal. Poorly defined requirements are often:
❌ Unclear: Ambiguity leads to confusion and inconsistent outputs.
❌ Inconsistent: Conflicting requirements create delays and disputes.
❌ Incomplete: Missing details lead to misaligned expectations.
❌ Contradictory: Requirements that oppose each other make execution impossible.
In contrast, good requirements are:
✔️ Clear: Easily understood by all stakeholders.
✔️ Specific: Focused on relevant details.
✔️ Consistent: Aligned with project goals and other requirements.
✔️ Traceable: Linked to specific project objectives and deliverables.
The effort invested in creating good requirements upfront pays off throughout the project lifecycle.
Benefits of Well-Defined Information Requirements
Adopting well-defined IRs based on ISO 19650 delivers benefits across multiple dimensions:
Strategic Decision-Making
Well-structured IRs provide accurate and timely information for high-level decisions, reducing uncertainty and enabling better planning.
Cost and Time Savings
By minimizing redundant work and miscommunication, IRs help keep projects on budget and on schedule.
Operational Efficiency
Clear IRs streamline processes, enabling teams to collaborate effectively and avoid unnecessary delays.
Improved Collaboration
When stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities, communication improves, and disputes decrease.
Quality Control
Aligning IRs with deliverables ensures that the final outputs meet expectations.
Sustainability and Resilience
Properly managed information contributes to environmentally responsible and durable solutions.
ISO 19650 in Action: Real-World Applications
Let’s consider a project involving the construction of a new healthcare facility. The appointing party, such as the client or asset owner, is responsible for defining high-level Organizational Information Requirements (OIR). These could include objectives like meeting regulatory standards or providing operational efficiency post-construction.
As the project progresses, the focus shifts to Exchange Information Requirements (EIR), which detail what the design and construction teams need to deliver at specific milestones. For example, during the design phase, the EIR might specify a site location plan with boundaries clearly marked.
By applying the principles of ISO 19650, the project ensures that:
Only the required information is created and shared.
All stakeholders are aligned with the project’s goals.
The information provided meets the agreed level of detail and format.
The result? A smoother process, fewer delays, and a higher-quality outcome.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Even with ISO 19650 as a guide, defining and managing IRs requires effort. Common challenges include:
Lack of awareness or understanding of the framework.
Resistance to change from traditional practices.
Misalignment between project stakeholders.
To address these issues:
Provide training and support to ensure all team members understand the value of well-defined IRs.
Adopt digital tools to streamline information management and improve collaboration.
Engage stakeholders early to align objectives and expectations.
With the right approach, these challenges can be turned into opportunities for improvement.
Are you ready to elevate your BIM implementation skills? Join our ISO 19650 (UK) accredited training through BIM Design Hub and gain the knowledge you need to optimize your projects.
Author: Panagiotidou Nicoleta, Breakwithanarchitect
Terms and conditions
All content provided on breakwithanarchitect is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information.
We are happy for others to share our blog posts through all social media platforms, including the original blog posts with credit to the author and providing a link to the original content. However, we would appreciate it if the content is not reproduced in full on other sites or publications without written consent being granted by breakwithanarchitect. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at any time and without notice.
