19650 Review: Have Your Say on the Future of Information Management Standards

Key Takeaways

• Draft ISO 19650 revisions open for comments until May 3.
• Parts 1‑2 now cover whole asset lifecycle, dropping phase split.
• Language shifted from BIM to information management, improving clarity.
• New alignment merges delivery and operational processes into single workflow.
• Stakeholders urged to submit constructive feedback to shape final standards.

Summary

The British Standards Institution and NIMA have released draft revisions of ISO 19650 Parts 1, 2 and 3 for public consultation, with a deadline of 3 May. The updates remove the traditional delivery‑vs‑operational phase distinction, unifying the asset information management process across the entire lifecycle and shifting terminology from BIM to broader information management. References to related standards such as ISO 7817‑1 and ISO 29481‑1 are added, and the drafts propose clearer alignment of information management and production activities. Industry participants are encouraged to provide constructive comments, including alternative proposals, to influence the consensus‑driven final standards.

Pulse Analysis

ISO 19650 has become the de‑facto framework for managing information throughout construction projects, guiding everything from design data to facility‑management records. The British Standards Institution, together with the National Information Management Agency (NIMA), has published draft revisions of Parts 1, 2 and 3, inviting the global community to comment by 3 May. This open‑consultation model reflects the standard’s reputation for consensus‑driven development, ensuring that the final text incorporates perspectives from manufacturers, lawyers, facilities managers and other stakeholders. By opening the drafts now, the working group aims to capture emerging industry practices before the standards are formally released, likely in early 2027.

The most visible change is the removal of the artificial split between delivery and operational phases; Parts 1 and 2 now describe a single, end‑to‑end information management process that spans the whole asset lifecycle. Terminology has been streamlined, replacing the BIM‑centric language with a broader “information management” focus, and the drafts explicitly reference complementary standards such as ISO 7817‑1 (information need levels) and ISO 29481‑1 (information delivery manual). Additionally, the revised Part 2 aligns eight process steps with either information management or information production, clarifying responsibilities for project‑level and appointment‑level teams. These refinements aim to make the standard more accessible to asset owners and to improve cross‑disciplinary translation.

For firms that rely on ISO 19650 certification, the draft signals a shift toward greater inclusivity and lifecycle integration, which could streamline project handovers and reduce duplication of data models. However, the consensus‑building process may introduce delays, and some industry players worry that redefining terminology could require updates to existing training and software tools. By submitting constructive feedback—especially alternative proposals—stakeholders can influence how the final standard balances accessibility with technical precision. Once the revised parts are published, organizations will need to align their information management strategies, potentially revising contracts, governance frameworks and digital delivery platforms to stay compliant.