Demystifying Level of Information Need for Seamless BIM Project Delivery!
Previously, BIM & Digital Integration Consultant Seamus Duffin explored the world of Level of Detail/Development (LOD). This time, he’s back to explain ‘Level of Information Need’ and why this framework Is crucial for the successful delivery of BIM projects.
Information Management Requirements
For a BIM project to succeed, it is essential to have access to intelligent data and information through all stages of the Design, Construction, and Operation Stages.
Defining the information requirements of the project is a crucial aspect of information management. Without information requirements, there is no information management process.
Information requirements should be considered in two parts:
- The purpose of the information
- The information that is required
When creating information for a project, it should have a specific purpose and be useful for the overall progression of the project. Information requirements define the exact information needed so that it can be utilised effectively to achieve its intended purpose.
The standard BS EN ISO 19650 defines the concept of “Level of Information Need” to establish guidelines and criteria for how information should be used.
According to BS EN ISO 19650, the Level of Information Need is determined by the quality, quantity, and granularity of the information required.
Establishing the purpose of each project information deliverable is crucial in determining the appropriate information content. This prevents information wastage; whereby project team members know exactly:
- Why it’s required.
- When it’s required.
- Who requires it?
- What is required?
Level of Information Need provides methods for describing information to be exchanged according to exchange information requirements.
The exchange information requirements specify the wanted information exchange. The result of this process is streamlined information delivery.
It recognises that unstructured data is one of the most important outputs of current projects, even BIM projects, and is likely to remain so for some time.
Why is Level of Information Need necessary for BIM projects?
For a BIM project to ensure the delivery of precision and efficient information, there are various factors. These include:
- Ensuring the delivery of the project is on time.
- Relevant and proper content is used.
- Information exchanged reaches the relevant and correct person.
Therefore, it is critical to have a framework in place to determine the relevance of this information. Creating this framework process is supposed to minimise the occurrence of either insufficient, wasteful, or incorrect project information.
Here’s how can Pentagon help you apply this to your organisation:
- Assess and evaluate BEP plans to optimise efficient information exchanges.
- Reviewing and optimizing BIM execution plans to ensure they align with project objectives, industry standards, and best practices. the level of information needed for this process is critical as it allows for can enhance project efficiency, minimise risks, and foster successful BIM implementation throughout the project lifecycle.
- Identify the Purpose of the Information
- It is crucial to specify the required information based on its intended use for tasks or decision-making from the outset.
- Data Validation
- This is a critical process in BIM that verifies the accuracy and integrity of the information present in the model, ensuring reliable and trustworthy data for decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. Pentagon’s services can help with verifying and ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of the information used to deliver or support services.
- Determine the Type of Information and Delivery Method
- Construction projects entail various types of information to be considered at different stages and milestones.
- Set Delivery Milestones
- The project team must consider and anticipate the necessary information level and its actual usage at specific stages and milestones throughout the project’s lifespan.
- Specify the Involved Appointing or Appointed Parties
- Throughout the project’s duration, there are multiple Appointing or Appointed Parties involved. So, it is essential to precisely determine who will be responsible for producing, receiving, and processing information.
- Geometrical & Alphanumeric Information
- Includes details, dimensionality, location, appearance, parametric behaviour, identification, and informational content.
- Documentation
- Comprises reports, specifications, manuals, photographs, sketches, signed documents, physical information, and handovers.
The guidance of BS EN ISO 19650:2018 also underscores the integration between people and technology. As a result, the level of information needed should be intelligible for both human understanding and technological verification and validation. With automation and technological intelligence supporting the construction industry, the occurrence of human errors can be minimized, leading to higher efficiency and adherence to standards.
Presently, the level of information needed is primarily viewed at the guidance level rather than the executive level. Different countries and regions may adopt distinct approaches to specify the required level of information. Nevertheless, when defining a project’s information strategy and breakdown structure, it is crucial to clarify the information requirements and the level of detail needed.
Capturing high-quality information and delivering it accurately to the appropriate recipients at the right stage aids in improving clash detection and significantly saves time and effort during processing. Consequently, the overall performance and efficiency of the project can be considerably enhanced!
