top of page
Writer's picturebreakwithanarchitect

Asset Information Requirements: An interview with Alex Gkiokas

Updated: Oct 27


Asset Information Requirements course by BIM Design Hub

In this post, I invited Alexandros Gkiokas to discuss Asset Information Requirements in infrastructure projects according to ISO 19650.


Alex is a Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng CWEM) and Project Manager (PMP) with 12 years of water industry experience. Alex currently works (on behalf of Mott MacDonald Bentley) as the Asset information manager in Anglian Water's Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA) and he is also Chair of the BIM4Water Standard Libraries Task Group (SLG).


"Can you give provide some information about your background? What triggered your interest in digital construction and Asset Information Requirements?

As someone who studied civil engineering with a master's in water resource management, I have had the opportunity to work on various water sector projects in different parts of the world, including the UK, the Middle East, and South East Europe. Early on in my career, I recognized the immense potential of digital applications in generating efficiencies and outcomes across the entire asset lifecycle from initial conception to construction, handover, operation, and maintenance.

Currently, I am leading the asset information management function of the Strategic Pipeline Alliance, which is the largest water project in the UK at the moment. My focus is on ensuring the handover of high-quality information to the asset owner-operator, Anglian Water. I am also the chair of the BIM4Water standard libraries group, where I coordinate a group of 20 water industry professionals from across the UK. Together, we are developing and maintaining asset information requirements and standards for data and information exchange.


What is the purpose of Asset Information Requirements (AIR)?

The main purpose of AIR is to ensure that the Asset Owner/Operator receives the right information after the completion of the capital delivery stage. The AIR outline the data and information required, the right time for collection and the right format. This information is necessary to operate and maintain the new assets as efficiently as possible. By having a well-defined AIR, asset owners can better manage the information they receive from different sources, improving the quality and consistency of the information, and ensuring that it meets their needs.

Moreover, having a clear AIR can also help reduce the need for retrospective mitigation measures due to missing data from previous lifecycle stages. By capturing and maintaining information throughout the asset's lifecycle, asset owners can have a complete and accurate picture of the asset's history. This can help prevent costly and time-consuming efforts to retrieve missing information or fix problems that could have been avoided if the necessary data was available. Thus, AIR can support better information management by providing clarity and setting expectations for what data and information should be collected and maintained for the asset.


What are the key aspects of Asset Information Requirements according to ISO 19650?

Asset Information Requirements (AIR) are a critical part of the ISO 19650 standard for BIM (Building Information Modelling or Better Information Management as some people prefer). The AIR provide a detailed specification of the information required to support the operation and maintenance of an asset throughout its lifecycle.

There are four levels of information requirements defined in ISO 19650, starting with the Organisational Information Requirements (OIR), which set out the high-level strategic goals and objectives for the asset.


The AIR specify the asset-specific information required to support the operation and maintenance of the asset. The AIR then drives the development of the next two levels of information requirements, project information requirements and exchange information requirements.

Those definitions tend to be a bit confusing to follow, so in the figure above I provide a few examples that will help distinguish the four levels of information requirements as per the ISO19650 standard.

What are the benefits of working with Asset Information Requirements in construction?

Asset Information Requirements (AIR) are a crucial aspect of construction projects that define the information required to manage, operate, and maintain built assets. Working with AIR can bring several benefits to construction projects, including improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced sustainability. By providing a comprehensive list of required information and data, AIR can ensure that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of project objectives, scope, and deliverables. This can lead to better decision-making, increased collaboration, and more effective project management.

Overall, AIR can help ensure that built assets are designed, constructed, and operated in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner, leading to long-term benefits for both the project and finally the wider community (end users - all of us).


You can find out more about Asset Information Requirements through my CPD Certified course issued by BIM Design hub.


Asset Information Management course by BIM Design Hub


The course presents the importance of information in Asset management (the information value chain). It defines the Asset and Asset Information Requirements in the context of ISO19650-3, focusing on the methodology to develop the Asset Information Requirements, AIR.



#Interview by Panagiotidou Nicoleta, BIM specialist, Breakwithanarchitect


Terms and conditions


All content provided on breakwithanarchitect is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.


We are happy for others to share our blog posts through all social media platforms, including the original blog posts with credit to the author and providing a link to the original content. However, we would appreciate it if the content is not reproduced in full on other sites or publications without written consent being granted by breakwithanarchitect.


These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at any time and without notice.

cover.jpg

BIM TRAINING
IN LINE WITH ISO 19650

Gain a competitive edge in the industry with our BIM CPD accredited courses, aiming at helping professionals implement the processes defined in ISO 19650 standards. Taught by experienced industry experts, our CPD courses provide practical insights that equip you with the skills and knowledge to enhance BIM implementation.  

bottom of page