In today’s fast-paced construction and design world, keeping projects on track and within budget is more important than ever. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transformed the approach used in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) teams collaborate.
But to truly make the most of BIM, adhering to the international ISO 19650 standard can be a game-changer. This set of standards helps teams manage information efficiently throughout the lifecycle of a project. When you combine ISO 19650 with tools like Autodesk’s AEC Collection, you can take project delivery to the next level—minimizing costly errors, improving collaboration, and ensuring that everyone stays on the same page.
What is ISO 19650?
ISO 19650 is an international standard designed to manage information for construction projects through BIM. It was created to address common issues in the AEC industry, such as poor data management and lack of collaboration, which often lead to costly rework and project delays.
The beauty of ISO 19650 is that it provides a structured way to manage all project data, ensuring that the correct information is accessible to the appropriate individuals at the appropriate time. When combined with Autodesk’s AEC Collection—a suite of powerful tools for design, visualization, and project management—you can streamline how you handle project information, making your workflows more efficient.
Breaking down ISO 19650
ISO 19650 is broken down into six parts, each focusing on a different aspect of managing information throughout the lifecycle of a project:
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ISO 19650-1: Concepts and principles – Lays out the basics of information management using BIM.
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ISO 19650-2: Delivery phase of assets – Focuses on how information should be managed during the design and construction phases.
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ISO 19650-3: Operational phase of assets – Deals with managing information once the project is complete and the asset is in use.
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ISO 19650-4: Information exchange – Provides guidelines on how project Information needs to be shared among team members.
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ISO 19650-5: Security-Minded approach – Emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive project information.
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ISO 19650-6: Health & safety use of BIM – This part is still being developed but will cover how BIM can improve health and safety on projects.
By following these guidelines, you’ll have a clear, structured approach to managing project information from start to finish.
The benefits of ISO 19650 in AEC projects
1. Better collaboration and communication
One of the biggest advantages of ISO 19650 is that it fosters better collaboration among project teams. By using a Common Data Environment (CDE), everyone has access to the most up-to-date information. This reduces miscommunications and mistakes that could cause delays.
Autodesk’s AEC Collection complements this by offering cloud-based tools, like BIM 360, that make it easy to share, review, and manage project data in real-time. Whether you’re in the design phase or managing construction, everyone has immediate access to the information they require.
2. More predictable project outcomes
Ever had a project derailed because of inaccurate or outdated information? With ISO 19650, that becomes much less likely. By standardizing how information is managed, you reduce the risk of costly mistakes and ensure that your project stays on track.
Tools within the AEC Collection, like Revit and AutoCAD, allow for real-time collaboration and updates, so your team can identify problems are identified early and resolved before they intensify. This results in fewer surprises and more predictable project timelines and costs.
3. Reduced rework and costly errors
When information isn’t properly managed, it often leads to errors and rework—which can eat up both time and money. ISO 19650 helps mitigate this risk by ensuring that everyone has access to accurate, up-to-date information throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Autodesk’s AEC Collection takes this a step further with tools like Navisworks, which help teams detect and resolve conflicts early in the planning phase. By identifying issues before they turn into problems, you can save both time and money.
4. Streamlined information management
ISO 19650 introduces the concept of “information containers,” which are used to store and manage project data in an organized way. This helps guarantee that every team member can easily access and use the information they need, when they need it.
Autodesk’s BIM 360, part of the AEC Collection, offers a cloud-based platform for managing and sharing data securely. This makes it easy to keep everything in one place, ensuring that everyone is working from the same, up-to-date information.
ISO 19650 is gaining global momentum
More and more countries around the world are adopting ISO 19650, with public and private sectors alike seeing its benefits. Countries like the UK, Japan, the U.S., and Germany have already made it a key part of their national BIM strategies.
In fact, some governments are now requiring ISO 19650 compliance for large infrastructure projects, which shows just how valuable this standard has become.
Governments in regions like Southeast Asia and South America are also getting on board, recognizing the benefits of standardized information management. And it’s not just public projects—private companies in construction, engineering, and asset management are also adopting ISO 19650 to streamline their processes and improve collaboration.
How ISO 19650 fits with other international standards
ISO 19650 doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it works hand-in-hand with other important international standards, such as:
● ISO 9001: Quality management – Ensures that organizations maintain high levels of product and service quality.
● ISO 55000: Asset management – Focuses on the effective management of physical assets throughout their lifecycle.
● ISO 21500: Project management – Provides guidelines for managing projects efficiently, ensuring that they meet performance and safety requirements.
When used together, these standards help you create a comprehensive framework for managing projects and assets. This results in improved performance, reduced costs, and increased levels of quality across all phases of a project.
Looking ahead: Why ISO 19650 is the future of AEC projects
As the AEC industry continues to evolve, so does the need for efficient information management and collaboration. ISO 19650 provides a framework to meet these challenges, making sure that all stakeholders have access to accurate information at the right time.
By combining ISO 19650 with tools from Autodesk’s AEC Collection, you can unlock the full potential of BIM, enhancing everything from project planning and design to construction and asset management. This will not only help you deliver projects on time and within budget but also improve overall project quality and stakeholder satisfaction.
For any organization working on construction projects—whether it’s a large-scale infrastructure project or a smaller building development—implementing ISO 19650 is crucial for remaining competitive and securing project success.
