Preparing For ISO 19650 – What You Need To Know
ISO 19650 certification deals with the management of information throughout the lifecycle of a building using Building Information Modelling (BIM). Preparing for ISO 19650 might seem daunting but luckily, we have created this handy guide to help you prepare your business for certification. We have also included a link to our ISO19650 checklist, so you can see what documentation you need to provide.
What is ISO 19650?
ISO 19650 is an international standard for managing information over the whole life cycle of a built asset using BIM. It was introduced to provide a universal approach to managing information.
The standard consists of several parts, but the key documents relevant to most organisations are:
ISO 19650-1: Concepts and principles.
ISO 19650-2: Delivery phase of the assets.
What are the benefits of ISO 19650?
ISO 19650 can significantly enhance your company’s credibility, and operational efficiency as well as signal to customers that you are committed to future-proofing your business.
- Achieving ISO 19650 certification demonstrates your commitment to high standards in information management, giving you a competitive edge.
- The standard promotes efficient and consistent information management, reducing errors and streamlining operations.
- By adhering to a universal standard, you facilitate better collaboration across teams and with external stakeholders.
- ISO 19650 aligns with the UK Government’s mandate for BIM Level 2, ensuring compliance with national regulations.
Requirements for ISO 19650
The process of obtaining ISO 19650 certification involves several key steps, each requiring careful planning and execution.
Step 1- Understand the Requirements- this is the MOST important step for anyone considering certification.
Start by thoroughly reviewing the ISO 19650 standard, particularly parts 1 and 2. Understanding the concepts and principles is crucial before you can implement them.
Failure to fully understand what is required of your business before certification could lead to delays, and non-conformances and ultimately cost your business time and money.
Step 2- Conduct a Gap Analysis
A gap analysis will help you identify areas that need improvement or changes to meet the standard. Assess your current information management practices against the standard’s requirements to identify any gaps.
Identify weaknesses: Pinpoint weaknesses or non-compliant areas in your current operations, record keeping or lifecycle management.
We can conduct a gap analysis on your behalf. Please contact our friendly and experienced team.
Step 3 – Develop a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
A BIM Execution Plan is a crucial document that outlines how BIM processes will be managed throughout the project lifecycle. It should include details about the roles and responsibilities, information delivery plans, and common data environment (CDE) procedures (e.g. naming conventions).
Ensure that your BEP aligns with the requirements of ISO 19650 and that it is communicated to all relevant stakeholders.
Step 4- Implement the Necessary Changes
Based on your gap analysis, begin implementing the necessary changes to your processes, tools, and documentation.
This could involve updating your CDE, revising project workflows, and training staff to ensure everyone is familiar with the new procedures.
Step 5- Conduct an Internal Audit
Before seeking certification, conduct an internal audit to ensure that all processes comply with ISO 19650.
This step is crucial for identifying any areas that may need further improvement before the external audit.
Step 6- Undergo the External Audit
The certification body will conduct a thorough audit of your organisation’s information management practices, including reviewing your BEP, CDE, and compliance with ISO 19650 standards.
The audit process typically involves an on-site assessment, where auditors will observe your practices in action and interview key personnel.
Step 7- Address Any Non-Conformities
If the audit identifies any non-conformities, you’ll need to address these issues before certification can be issued.
This may involve making further adjustments to your processes and undergoing a follow-up audit.
Step 8- Obtain Certification
Once your organisation meets all the requirements, the certification body will issue your ISO 19650 certificate.
This certification is valid for a specified period, usually three years, but you’ll need to undergo regular surveillance audits to maintain it.
Maintaining ISO 19650 Certification
Achieving certification is just the beginning. To maintain your ISO 19650 certification, you must continually adhere to the standards. This involves:
Regular Surveillance Audits
Certification bodies typically conduct annual audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
Continuous Improvement
ISO 19650 encourages businesses to continually refine their information management practices. Regularly review and update your BIM processes to ensure they remain effective.
Staff Training
Ensure that all team members are up to date with any changes to the standard or internal processes. Regular training sessions can help maintain high levels of competency.
Your ISO 19650 Document Checklist
You can download our ISO 19650 checklist here. This checklist covers the documentation you need to prepare for ISO 19650 including:
Appointing Party Documents
- Project information requirements
- BIM process map
- Common data environment and project information protocol (CDE)
Lead Appointed Party Documents
- Master information delivery plan (MIDP)
- Pre-contract BIM execution plan and tender response from the prospective delivery team (BEP).
Appointed Party Documents
- Mobilisation plan
- BIM design workflows
- BIM audit protocol
Obtaining ISO 19650 certification is a rigorous process that requires careful planning and implementation- however, the process will help you to build and sustain robust operations. Certification signals to your stakeholders that you are running a quality-focused business. By implementing ISO 19650, you will build a business that continually improves and stays ahead of the competition.
If you are ready to discuss certification then please contact our friendly and experienced team.
