Training and education are fundamental aspects of implementing BIM and Information Management. Based on the maturity assessment results, several areas may require improvement.

1. Certification and Training Completion

To develop necessary role-related knowledge and skills, organisations should identify relevant training and education opportunities. Training should reflect the responsibilities of individual staff and the Information Management activities undertaken by the organisation.

Where individual or organisational certification is considered appropriate, organisations should review the available certification schemes and their requirements. Certification is not a general prerequisite for BIM adoption or ISO 19650 implementation.

2. BIM Integration Capability

Achieving an appropriate level of BIM integration may require:

• Developing a clear implementation approach through the organisation's BIM Adoption Strategy.
• Providing suitable training for relevant teams.
• Applying Information Management processes on an appropriate initial project before progressing to more complex projects.
• Monitoring the outcomes through performance indicators and lessons learned.

3. Professional Development Support

Organisations should support and increase awareness of existing and required training opportunities. Professional development may include formal qualifications, continuing professional development, short courses, workshops and self-directed learning.

4. BIM Workshop Participation

Organisations should consider arranging internal workshops or participating in external BIM and Information Management workshops to develop understanding of relevant standards, processes and practical challenges.

5. Internal BIM Support

Organisations should provide internal support for staff who need assistance with BIM and Information Management. This may take the form of forums, lunchtime talks, mentoring or knowledge-sharing sessions led by experienced colleagues.

6. BIM Skills Initiatives

Organisations should support initiatives that improve BIM skills and develop the competencies required for their activities. Priorities should be reviewed as organisational processes and requirements develop.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Manager (BIM) Role Profiles
• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Strategy

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BIM awareness primarily refers to understanding its fundamentals, purpose and potential benefits. There are two main areas to consider.

1. Understanding BIM Fundamentals

To address gaps in understanding, organisations should review appropriate Information Management and BIM supports, including ISO 19650 guidance and the Information Management / BIM Implementation Guide.

Training may be appropriate where staff need a more detailed understanding of information requirements, responsibilities and digital working methods.

2. Awareness of BIM Benefits

BIM has been used in the AECO industry for many years. Publications and case studies demonstrate potential benefits including improved collaboration, information quality, reduced duplication and more effective decision-making.

Organisations should consider the benefits most relevant to their business activities and develop a business case for adoption. Irish Government BIM requirements under the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) provide further context for organisations undertaking public works.

The business case should identify the challenges being addressed, the expected benefits and the resources needed.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Management BIM Implementation Guide
• Business Case for BIM Adoption and Implementation Public Organisations
• Business Case for BIM Adoption and Implementation Private Organisations

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Where BIM competency has been identified as an area requiring improvement, several aspects should be considered.

1. Proficiency in BIM Tools

Proficiency in digital tools can be improved through relevant training and continued practical use. Organisations should identify the tools required for their activities and ensure staff can use them appropriately.

Training should focus on functions and tasks rather than particular software products alone.

2. BIM Data Management Skills

BIM projects involve different types of information throughout delivery, including models, documents, specifications, schedules and structured data. Appropriate data management skills can reduce errors and support information quality.

Organisations should establish consistent data management processes and identify competencies required for information production, review, coordination and management.

3. Collaborative BIM Work

Collaboration is a key aspect of BIM and Information Management. Organisations can improve collaborative work through practical application on projects, agreed procedures and appropriate learning.

This includes understanding how information is shared, reviewed and coordinated through a Common Data Environment (CDE) process.

4. BIM Best Practice Usage

Relevant standards, publications and guidance describe good practice in Information Management. Organisations should review suitable guidance and consider how established approaches can be applied to their own activities. Lessons learned from completed projects should inform improvements.

5. Ongoing BIM Learning

Continued learning is important for maintaining and improving BIM competency. Organisations should remain aware of developments in standards, guidance, technologies and processes and provide suitable development opportunities.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Manager (BIM) Role Profiles
• Information Management BIM Implementation Guide

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There are two aspects of BIM change management addressed by the maturity assessment.

1. BIM Change Readiness

Following the maturity assessment, organisations can plan changes required to improve their existing processes and capabilities. Established change management methods can assist.

For example, the Knoster model identifies relevant elements of organisational change, including vision, skills, incentives, resources and an action plan. Organisations should assess readiness and establish the responsibilities, resources and actions needed to support adoption.

The Information Management / BIM Adoption Strategy supports provide guidance on developing a structured approach.

2. Adaptability to BIM Workflows

Adaptability can involve changes to Information Management processes, software, data interoperability and team communication. Improvement requires appropriate investment in people, processes, technology and change management.

BIM is a collaborative process that depends on shared responsibilities and effective communication. Organisations should develop relevant competencies and encourage feedback from staff implementing the new processes.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Strategy
• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Plan

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Organisational change, including BIM adoption, requires leadership commitment and support. A top-down approach may involve senior management setting the vision and requirements; a bottom-up approach may begin with staff developing practical experience that informs organisational planning. In practice, both leadership direction and staff participation are important.

There are four areas to consider.

1. Leadership Commitment to BIM

Leadership needs to understand BIM and Information Management methodologies, their potential benefits and their impact on organisational activities. Management should establish a clear commitment supported by an appropriate vision, strategy and implementation plan.

2. Investment in BIM Resources

Organisations adopting BIM may need to invest in:

• Hardware and digital infrastructure suited to their requirements.
• Software and systems supporting information creation, management and exchange.
• Training and development of existing staff.
• Recruitment or specialist support where additional competencies are required.
• Development and maintenance of organisational processes and procedures.

Investment should align with the organisation's objectives and planned adoption approach.

3. Empowerment of BIM Champions

BIM champions are typically people within the organisation with knowledge of and interest in BIM processes and digital working methods. Supporting such individuals can help colleagues and facilitate the transition to new workflows. Any assigned responsibilities should be clearly defined.

4. Recognition for BIM Advocacy

Leadership should recognise staff contributions to BIM adoption and improvement. Acknowledging successful initiatives, sharing lessons learned and supporting staff engagement can encourage wider participation and continuous improvement.

Related Build Digital resources

• Business Case for BIM Adoption and Implementation Private Organisations
• Business Case for BIM Adoption and Implementation Public Organisations
• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Plan
• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Strategy

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A collaborative culture is important to BIM and Information Management. It is based on open communication, trust, shared goals and teamwork, which can support efficiency, productivity, innovation and staff engagement.

1. Cross-Disciplinary BIM Collaboration

Collaboration can be improved by working on BIM and ISO 19650-aligned projects involving multidisciplinary teams. Relevant practices may include:

• Following the agreed BIM Execution Plan (BEP).
• Using the CDE process for information sharing and management.
• Using appropriate open information exchange formats such as IFC where required.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary information models and resolving identified issues.
• Undertaking coordination meetings and reviews according to agreed procedures.

2. Collective BIM Decision-Making

Integrating BIM processes can support collective decision-making at project and organisational levels. Reliable, coordinated information helps teams consider issues and make informed decisions. Responsibilities for information review and coordination should be clear.

3. BIM Knowledge Sharing

Knowledge-sharing can be supported by staff with relevant experience. This may include internal training, mentoring, workshops, lunchtime talks and structured lessons-learned reviews. These arrangements help improve consistency across projects.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Management Plan Delivery Team
• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Strategy
• Concepts and Principles Guide

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BIM training and knowledge are foundational to understanding Information Management processes and concepts. Following the maturity assessment, the following areas may require improvement.

1. BIM Certification Status

Organisations should assess existing BIM and ISO 19650 knowledge, practical experience and relevant certifications where applicable. Staff should undertake training appropriate to their organisational and project responsibilities.

Where individual or organisational certification is beneficial or required for a specific purpose, organisations should review the relevant schemes and requirements. Certification is not a general prerequisite for BIM adoption or ISO 19650 implementation.

2. ISO 19650 Requirements and the Irish BIM Mandate

Organisations need to understand requirements relevant to their activities. Resources can include:

• ISO 19650-1: Concepts and Principles.
• ISO 19650-2: Delivery Phase of Assets.
• ISO 19650-3: Operational Phase of Assets.
• Build Digital's Information Management / BIM Implementation Guide.
• Other relevant Information Management standards and supports.

Organisations undertaking public works should review the applicable Irish BIM Mandate requirements under the CWMF.

3. Participation in BIM Certification and ISO 19650 Training

Training should focus on individual responsibilities and the activities performed. Organisations should:

1. Ensure staff understand the need for training and its benefits.
2. Secure leadership support for professional development.
3. Provide appropriate CPD opportunities.
4. Select suitable practical activities or projects to develop experience.
5. Offer appropriate in-house, online and self-directed learning.
6. Encourage experienced staff to mentor others.
7. Monitor training effectiveness and difficulties arising from changed processes, CDE arrangements and digital tools.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Management BIM Implementation Guide
• Information Manager (BIM) Role Profiles
• Concepts and Principles Guide

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1. Cumulative Digital Experience with BIM

BIM experience can be gained through participation in projects and the practical application of Information Management and ISO 19650 processes throughout the project lifecycle.

Following appropriate training and development of organisational processes, a useful first step may be to apply Information Management principles to a suitable existing or smaller project.

The next step may involve progressing to a project where BIM and ISO 19650 requirements form part of the appointment arrangements. Continued application develops experience in information production, delivery planning, coordination, collaboration and information management.

Organisations should also:

• Review the effectiveness of processes on completed projects.
• Record lessons learned and recurring challenges.
• Develop consistent organisational procedures and templates.
• Review consistency of implementation across projects.
• Use project experience to identify further improvements.

Independent certification may provide recognition of particular competencies or management arrangements, but should not be treated as the sole measure of BIM experience.

Related Build Digital resources

• Roadmap for BIM Adoption and Implementation
• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Strategy
• Information Management BIM Implementation Guide

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When considering data sharing, collaboration and integration on projects, organisations should focus on Information Management processes, collaboration, data quality and project outcomes. To improve BIM usage, organisations need to evaluate existing effectiveness.

1. Common Data Environment (CDE) Usage

Review how effectively the CDE process supports information sharing, review and approval. Indicators may include use of agreed workflows, timely completion of required information exchanges, approval times and the number of submissions requiring correction.

2. Information Delivery Performance

Monitor whether information is delivered in accordance with agreed plans and requirements. Possible measures include delivery dates, delays, information quality compliance and accepted or rejected submissions.

3. Collaboration and Coordination

Review coordination meetings, information reviews and issue management. Measures may include issues identified and resolved, time to close issues, completion of agreed actions and effectiveness of communication between parties.

4. Shared Information Quality

Review compliance with agreed information container naming conventions, metadata requirements, information review outcomes and identified/resolved quality issues.

Indicators should reflect project requirements and organisational objectives. A higher number of logins, meetings or uploads does not automatically demonstrate better Information Management. Findings should inform improvements to processes, training and technology deployment.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Management BIM Technology Deployment Plan
• Information Management BIM Technology Deployment Strategy
• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Plan
• Technology Evaluation Methodology

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This area of the maturity assessment focuses on ten topics related to digital technologies supporting BIM and ISO 19650 Information Management processes. The required tools will depend on the organisation's responsibilities and information requirements.

1. Digital Tool Accessibility

Review whether staff can access tools needed to undertake their responsibilities. Clients may use CDE and reporting solutions; consultants may use information authoring, coordination and checking tools; contractors may use collaboration, scheduling and information management systems; and asset managers may use asset and facilities management systems. Select tools based on required functions, not brands.

2. Common Data Environment (CDE) Utilisation

Review whether the CDE arrangements support collection, management and dissemination of information containers through agreed processes. Consider access permissions, information sharing, review, authorisation, status/revision management, security and integration with other systems. The provision and management responsibilities should be established for the appointment.

3. Digital Technology Integration

Digital technologies may support productivity, information quality and improved project or asset management. Examples include design automation, reality capture, digital twins and integration between project systems. Evaluate practical benefits and implementation requirements before adoption.

4. Open Data Management

Structured information may be exchanged using appropriate open standards or exchange specifications, including IFC and COBie when required. IFC supports interoperability between applications, while COBie supports structured asset information exchange. Use is determined by information requirements and intended purposes. Use of a particular open format alone does not demonstrate ISO 19650 compliance.

5. Digital Workflow Integration

Digital tools should support agreed Information Management workflows, including production, sharing, review, authorisation, acceptance and delivery. Review their integration with existing procedures and whether staff follow the agreed processes.

6. Issue Management and Coordination

Issue management arrangements can support identifying, recording, assigning, tracking and closing project issues. They should enable appropriate communication and follow the agreed coordination process.

7. System Interoperability

Interoperability allows systems to exchange and use information effectively throughout the asset lifecycle. Evaluate supported formats, compatibility, data quality, exchange requirements and the organisation's ability to access information in future.

8. Information Security Management

Set appropriate controls for information shared between organisations and systems. Consider ISO 19650-5, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR where personal data is processed and applicable organisational/project requirements. Determine measures according to information sensitivity and risk.

9. Digital Reporting and Analytics

Digital reporting tools may display project progress, information delivery status, coordination issues, information quality and completeness of asset information. Information used in dashboards should be reliable, relevant and suitable for the intended reporting purpose.

10. Digital Innovation and Improvement

Organisations may evaluate AI, machine learning, digital twins, Internet of Things technologies, reality capture and automation where they provide a demonstrable benefit. Assess costs, skills, risk and integration needs. Use appropriate pilots, staff development and performance monitoring before wider adoption.

Applying the assessment results

Identify priority technology gaps, establish functional and exchange requirements, evaluate solutions using vendor-neutral criteria, prepare a technology deployment strategy and plan, and review the results of implementation.

Related Build Digital resources

• Technology Evaluation Methodology
• Information Management BIM Technology Deployment Strategy
• Information Management BIM Technology Deployment Plan
• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Strategy
• Industry Foundation Classes IFC
• COBie

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BIM Policy and Strategy relate to an organisation's business strategy and objectives. Four areas should be considered.

1. Alignment of BIM Policy with Organisational Goals

A BIM policy should align with the organisation's strategic business goals and establish a framework for Information Management across relevant projects and operational activities. Map BIM objectives to wider organisational goals and identify how capabilities can support project management, communication, information quality and decision-making.

2. Strategy–Business Alignment

BIM implementation can offer improved collaboration, reduced duplication, better information management and more efficient project delivery. Organisations should identify how these benefits relate to their services and business model. The adoption strategy should support wider business objectives.

3. BIM Workflow Integration

BIM and Information Management workflows should be integrated into existing processes, including information production, collaboration, review, approval and delivery. Relevant responsibilities should be defined and incorporated into normal project activities.

4. Policy Communication Effectiveness

Effective implementation requires clear, consistent communication across the organisation. Staff should understand objectives, responsibilities and procedures. Feedback from staff applying the processes should inform revisions and improvements.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Strategy
• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Plan

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BIM Data Management relates to collecting, storing, structuring, protecting and using information across the project and asset lifecycle. Effective arrangements help ensure information is suitable for its intended purpose.

1. Data Governance Framework

An organisational data governance framework should establish:

• Policies for information quality, security, ownership, sharing, management, digital collaboration and improvement.
• Information Management processes, including relevant ISO 19650 and CDE procedures.
• Roles and responsibilities mapped to information management activities.
• Agreed standards for naming, classification, metadata and exchanges where applicable.
• Controls such as data validation, completeness reviews and quality checks.

The framework should be proportionate to organisational activities and applied consistently.

2. Data Collection Consistency

Standardised information management procedures are important for collaboration and exchange. The ISO 19650 series provides a framework for organising and sharing information. Relevant arrangements may include CDE processes, information requirements, information production methods and procedures, information delivery planning, information review and acceptance, and protocols where applicable.

3. Data Quality Management

Data integrity policies should establish responsibilities, standards and controls that help make information accurate, complete, consistent, secure and traceable. Quality requirements should be established before production and checked throughout delivery.

4. Data Quality Improvement

Information quality requirements differ depending on roles and project needs. The Appointing Party's Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) and relevant Asset Information Requirements (AIR), where applicable, help establish the information needed. Review data completeness, accuracy, consistency and coordination quality, including issues identified and resolved. Use review findings to improve procedures.

5. Information Access Control

Access arrangements should identify who may view, produce, edit, review, approve, share or remove information. Permissions should reflect organisational policies, project roles and agreed procedures. CDE solutions can help apply access controls.

6. Data Security Implementation

Use approved and appropriately secure methods for information exchange. Measures can include access control, multifactor authentication, encryption where appropriate, secure transfer and backup/recovery arrangements. A CDE solution can support these measures, but does not remove organisational responsibilities for security. ISO 19650-5 provides guidance on security-minded Information Management.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Management Plan Organisational
• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Strategy

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The ISO 19650 series provides a framework for managing information relating to buildings and civil engineering works, including BIM. The following areas address establishment, application and review of Information Management standards and arrangements.

1. BIM Standards Establishment

Organisations delivering BIM/ISO 19650-aligned projects should establish appropriate standards and procedures. These may include a BIM vision and policy; relevant ISO 19650 requirements; suitable classification and exchange formats; organisational information standards; information quality and CDE procedures; and defined roles and responsibilities.

2. BIM Standards Compliance

Establish a structured approach to governance, training, monitoring and improvement. Reviews may consider compliance with EIR, BEP, information review/approval procedures, naming conventions, metadata, classification requirements, CDE workflows and access arrangements.

3. Information Organisation Protocols

Organisations should establish procedures for producing, reviewing, approving, sharing, storing and managing information. Where an information management protocol forms part of contractual arrangements, it addresses relevant rights, obligations and responsibilities. Organisational working procedures and contractual protocols should be coordinated but are not interchangeable.

4. Adoption of BIM Standards

Review how consistently agreed standards are applied across projects. Potential indicators include compliance with EIR and BEP, use of templates, CDE workflow compliance, information quality and agreed exchange methods. Gaps should inform changes to procedures and training.

5. External Information Exchange Compliance

Information exchanged between parties should comply with agreed information requirements. ISO 19650-4 provides guidance on information exchange processes. Where IFC, COBie or other formats are required, parties need to understand what to deliver and how to check its suitability.

6. Information Exchange Communication

Communicate requirements clearly. The Appointing Party's EIR establishes information required for the relevant appointment. The delivery team sets out its proposed approach through the BEP and associated delivery planning. Responsibilities, exchange methods and review processes should be understood by those involved.

7. Protocols Review and Update

Review organisational standards and procedures when requirements change, new lessons emerge, quality issues are identified or digital systems are updated. Review frequency and scope should reflect organisational needs and contractual obligations where applicable.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Management BIM Implementation Guide
• Information Management Plan Organisational
• Project Information Standard File Naming
• Industry Foundation Classes IFC

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BIM Legal and Contractual Aspects concern integrating BIM and ISO 19650 Information Management arrangements into construction projects, including appointments, responsibilities and information requirements. Clear contractual arrangements can support collaboration, accountability and risk management.

1. BIM Roles and Responsibilities in Contracts

Relevant appointment documentation may include EIR, BEP, responsibility matrices, information delivery plans and an information management protocol where applicable. These documents should be coordinated with the relevant contractual arrangements.

2. BIM Standard Compliance

Information deliverables and applicable standards should be identified through the appointments and information requirements. Responsibility matrices, delivery plans and the BEP may support their implementation. Avoid inconsistency between contractual documents.

3. Data Ownership and Liability

Consider information ownership, maintenance, intellectual property rights, permitted information use and liability associated with errors, inconsistencies or delays. A contractual information management protocol may address these matters, subject to the applicable contract and law.

4. Legal Provision Documentation

Review contractual provisions dealing with intellectual property, information use and liability. Where a protocol is adopted, ensure its rights, obligations and responsibilities are consistent with the other contract documents.

5. Contractual Risk Management

Identify and manage risks relating to roles, information delivery dates and formats, information status and suitability for use, ownership, licensing, quality checks, errors and delays. Allocation of risk should be determined through the applicable contractual arrangements.

6. Dispute Resolution Procedures

Contractual arrangements should provide appropriate mechanisms for identifying, managing and resolving disputes relating to information management. The relevant contracts, rather than an information management protocol alone, determine dispute resolution procedures.

7. Contractual Standards Review and Update

Review BIM-related contractual arrangements when scope, appointments, project participants or information requirements change, and when major issues arise. Amendments must follow the applicable contractual change control and approval procedures.

8. Contractual Requirement Implementation and Enforcement

Monitor whether information deliverables are submitted as required, reviews and approvals are completed, information quality requirements are met and agreed procedures are followed. Set review arrangements proportionately to contractual and project requirements.

Project-specific legal or contractual provisions should be reviewed by suitably qualified advisers.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Management Plan Organisational
• Information Management BIM Implementation Guide

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BIM Integration with Existing Processes considers how Information Management becomes part of normal organisational and project activities rather than operating separately.

1. BIM Integration into the Project Lifecycle

Implementing BIM throughout the project and asset lifecycle involves applying Information Management methods from assessment and need through procurement, planning, information production, project delivery and operation. Organisations should identify where requirements, responsibilities and processes need to be incorporated into existing activities.

2. Project Delivery Integration

Project delivery integration requires embedding BIM requirements, workflows, roles and procedures into relevant project activities. This can be achieved through:

• Organisational BIM governance arrangements and management plans.
• Defined roles and responsibilities.
• Information requirements and information delivery planning.
• Agreed CDE workflows.
• Information review, approval and control arrangements.
• Standardised Information Management documentation and templates.

3. Systems Integration

Integrating digital systems can reduce duplication, support consistent information exchange and improve collaboration. Relevant systems can include CDE solutions, authoring and coordination tools, project management platforms, asset management systems and business reporting tools.

Integration should be supported by agreed information standards, metadata requirements, classifications and appropriate exchange formats such as IFC and COBie where relevant. Review whether systems can exchange the necessary information effectively and securely.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Management Plan Organisational
• Technology Evaluation Methodology
• Information Management BIM Technology Deployment Strategy
• Information Management BIM Technology Deployment Plan

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Cybersecurity arrangements are important to Information Management because they help ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of digital information. Organisations should consider three areas.

1. BIM Cybersecurity Measures

Establish measures appropriate to the organisation's information, activities and risks. These may include access controls, secure authentication including multifactor authentication, approved information sharing, security policies, incident reporting arrangements and compliance with relevant obligations.

Consider ISO 19650-5, ISO/IEC 27001 and GDPR where applicable. ISO/IEC 27001 certification is not a universal requirement for BIM adoption.

2. Data Recovery Preparedness

Cybersecurity incident and recovery arrangements help protect information and minimise interruption. Organisational IT and security procedures should cover BIM information and digital systems, including risks of unauthorised access, corruption or loss of information, and unavailability of systems.

Develop procedures for detection, reporting, incident assessment and recovery; coordinate relevant IT, Information Management and project personnel; maintain suitable backup arrangements; and verify restored information before it is used. Review lessons learned after incidents.

3. Cybersecurity Training and Awareness

Staff involved in BIM and Information Management should understand their responsibilities for secure information handling. Training may cover information security fundamentals; protecting project information; access control; MFA; secure CDE usage; incident reporting; phishing awareness; data protection; and appropriate use of organisational devices.

Training should reflect individual responsibilities and the systems used. Review awareness arrangements periodically.

Related Build Digital resources

• Information Management Plan Organisational
• Information Management (BIM) Adoption Strategy

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