SGS certified Vircon Limited against ISO 19650 Information Management Using BIM

The adoption of BIM is a global trend in the built environment. The first two parts of the ISO 19650 series, ISO 19650-1:2018 (Concepts and Principles) and ISO 19650-2:2018 (Delivery Phase of the Assets), were published in December 2018 to provide standardized processes in managing information in the building lifecycle of a built asset. SGS is pleased to announce that Vircon Limited, an award-winning BIM consultancy, has recently been certified against ISO 19650-1:2018 and ISO 19650-2:2018.

Improved collaboration, accurate cost estimate, early clash detection, improved performance and enhanced visualization are some of the well-recognized benefits of BIM. However, each project is bespoke where different teams, processes and technologies are involved. It will therefore be a challenge when managing information among all parties when delivering a project. Systematic and standardized processes in information management have been identified as ways to overcome the challenge in various research.

Dr. Neo Chan, director of Vircon Limited, said “The Government of Hong Kong mandates the use of BIM for government projects over HK$30,000,000 and provides financial supports on BIM training and industry development. The demand for adopting BIM is significant but we need standardized approaches in the industry to drive efficient collaboration with all parties. An international standard on information management using BIM will likely be a prerequisite in the market.”

Dr. Neo Chan further responded to the following questions in the certification ceremony.

What other benefits can you identify after complying with ISO 19650-1:2018 and ISO 19650-2:2018?

With the clearly defined roles and responsibilities along the supply chain, collaborative building information such as graphic models and documents become more accurate and reliable. It helps support our change management to respond to the diverse needs from different clients. Communication between all parties has been smoothened thanks to the Common Data Environment (CDE) responsibly utilized.

What challenges did you encounter when managing information using BIM?

Sharing building information among parties may raise security concerns. Leakage of confidential data may also substantially impact the businesses. Trust among all parties must be established to prevent accidental loss of essential information. We expect the newly published ISO 19650-5:2020 which specifies the principles and requirements for security-minded information management will provide further guidance on these security issues.

How improved information management help benefit cost saving or help achieve better value for money during design stages?

The standardized approaches of managing information enable more efficient ways to find information that help make more informed decisions in the early stages. Any alternatives that help reduce cost further can be recommended with supporting information efficiently available. The requirements of file naming structure are now the responsibilities of all parties, so all files presented are more well-organized which help prevent mistakes or unnecessary works.

HOW SGS CAN HELP?

SGS offer audit, gap analysis, certification and training services against your BIM projects and ISO 19650 series of standards. Please contact us now or visit SGS Academy website https://learning.sgs.com/hk for more information on BIM related training courses. Enroll online to enjoy 10% discount.

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