BIM guidance to optimise the operational phase: defining information requirements based on ISO 19650

Purpose This paper aims to describe the development of guidance to help clients and operational teams to clearly define information requirements for projects using building information modelling (BIM). ISO 19650 standards highlight this as a critical first step to ensure adequate information is available to optimise built assets over their whole life cycle. Design/methodology/approach A document analysis of existing BIM guidance supported by literature was undertaken to answer the research questions: “What guidance already exists specific to clients? and Would additional guidance help clients to better fulfil their role as the ‘appointing party’ in line with ISO 19650?” Findings A research gap was established highlighting a lack of guidance specifically aimed to help clients formulate information requirements as the appointing party. This research makes recommendations for an approach to define the requirements and support successful outcomes for BIM projects. Practical implications This paper provides a standardised approach and a starting point for an appointing party to gather and structure information requirements in line with ISO 19650. Originality/value This paper considers BIM information requirements specifically from an operations perspective with a focus on the client and facility management team.