ISO 19650 can loosely be described as the “organization and digitization of…. Information management using building information modelling (BIM)”.

The emphasis of ISO 19650 is on using BIM to manage information and the acronym BIM stands for Building Information Management. Neither BIM nor ISO19650 is just about ‘3D drafting’; rather it is about using digital technologies and information management to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in construction projects from design through construction to operational phases of a project.

To simplify, ISO 19650 can be broken down into simpler terms:

• Information Management: ISO 19650 is all about how information is handled throughout a construction project, from its initial design stages to its operation and maintenance. This includes data about the building’s components, materials, and systems.
• Digital Technology: It involves using digital technologies to create, store, and exchange information related to a construction project. This digital approach helps improve collaboration and efficiency.
• Standardization: ISO 19650 provides a set of guidelines and procedures that ensure consistency in how information is managed. This standardization makes it easier for different teams and stakeholders to work together effectively.
• Collaboration: The standard emphasizes the importance of collaboration among various parties involved in the construction process, such as architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers. Everyone can access and contribute to the shared digital model.
• Lifecycle Approach: ISO 19650 considers the entire lifecycle of a building, from its design and construction to its operation and eventual demolition. This ensures that information remains useful and relevant throughout the building’s existence.
• Efficiency and Cost Savings: By using BIM and following ISO 19650, construction projects can become more efficient, reducing errors, rework, and waste. This can lead to cost savings and better outcomes for all stakeholders.