Navigating the landscape of ISO 19650: Information Management Skills, Competencies, and Challenges

Taking the first step 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 (role understanding, proficiency in software, etc.) and non-technical competencies (research, communication, etc.) that professionals need to possess to effectively manage information.

A critical aspect of ISO 19650-2 is the consideration of the delivery team's competency to respond to the client requirements and the assignment of information management functions for the tasks described in the standard activities. The capability and capacity assessment critically evaluates the team's capability and capacity for managing and producing information according to specified requirements. In addition, the mobilization plan (resources and technology) plays a crucial role in establishing a clear information management workflow. It serves as a tool to identify gaps and enhancements in the abilities of appointed parties.

Measuring Readiness

The guidance provided by the Centre for Digital Built Britain, (Capability and Capacity Assessment, University of Cambridge), based on PAS 91:2018 + A1:2017 and aligned to ISO 19650 series, introduces ten questions for prospective teams during the 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.

Insights into Challenges of ISO 19650 Certification Schemes

Competency and assessing organizational capabilities in ISO 19650 projects are challenging. To tackle this, the industry explores BIM Accreditation and Certification Schemes aligning with ISO 19650 both for individuals and organizations. These third-party schemes aim to showcase an organization's capabilities and validate its ability to manage information effectively. Periodic project-BIM assessments provide insights into digital transformation but implementing ISO 19650 schemes remains challenging.

• Complexity of assessment: Evaluating BIM maturity and competency involves navigating multiple dimensions, introducing complexity due to the comprehensive understanding required.
• Subjectivity in assessment: Inherent subjectivity in judgment and interpretation in BIM maturity assessments can lead to inconsistencies.
• Evolving standards: The dynamic nature of BIM standards, technologies and practices necessitates regular updates to the assessment criteria, reflecting a challenge for alignment with industry advancements.
• Limited awareness: A lack of awareness among stakeholders in the AEC industry impedes accurate self-assessment and overall evaluation of BIM maturity.
• Cost and resources Implications: Conducting BIM assessments demands dedicated resources, potentially impacting smaller organizations with limited budgets.
• Lack of clarity in skills requirements: The standard may not offer detailed clarity on project-specific skill sets, making it challenging for individuals and organizations to identify competency gaps.
• Evolving competency frameworks: Various BIM maturity and assessment models add to the complexity, lacking universally accepted benchmarks for consistent evaluation.

Addressing ISO 19650 individual and company certification challenges requires collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders, including standardization bodies, professional associations, and project participants. Developing universally accepted standardized assessment criteria, promoting awareness and education and aligning assessment methods with evolving standards are crucial steps to overcome these challenges and achieving excellence in information management within ISO 19650 projects.

This article is a summary of an article published in the BIM Coordinators Summit Magazine 2023. Read the full article here.

👉Not sure where to start with ISO 19650? Learn more about ISO 19650 CPD-accredited training by BIM Design Hub here.

👉For more content on ISO 19650, do not forget to subscribe to BIM Design Hub YouTube channel here

👉Do you like this article? Like or share it to increase awareness!

👉Follow me for more content on ISO 19650.

#iso19650 #informationmanagement #competency #breakwithanarchitect #bimdesignhub