ISO 19650 standards are essential guidelines that benefit the industry by providing structure and a systematic approach to navigating the digital landscape. They offer a clear, step-by-step process that supports digital collaboration among stakeholders.
ISO 19650 Pros
Built on UK BIM standards, with practical industry input, making them practical.
ISO 19650 publications are based on the content of the BIM UK Standards, published by British Standards Institution, BSI (as part of the BIM Level UK suite of documents) and they are an asset for the construction industry; they start as Publicly Available Specifications, PAS which means that are tested and revised in connection with the industry, and they later contribute to the development of the ISO standards.
Empowers clients to define project requirements early.
A major benefit of using ISO 19650 is that the new international standard reinforces the Employer/client/appointing party providing a structured process to support BIM implementation. The standard highlights the client's leading role at the early stages of the digital collaboration to establish the information requirements and the collaborative platform, the Common data environment, CDE. These requirements will set the basis for the design, construction, and operation of the asset. As a result, the client influences the digital collaboration and the quality of deliverables. Learn more about client benefits on ISO 19650.
Sets up a Common Data Environment for a solid project foundation.
The CDE enables the information to be centralized, enusring everyone has the latest information. With a CDE, organizing and managing project data is simpler, reducing time spent searching for files or coordinating updates. Teams can easily share and access documents, models, and updates in real-time, fostering seamless collaboration across disciplines.
Clarifies tasks and responsibilities at each project stage.
The process of clarifying tasks and responsibilities at each project stage involves breaking down the project into specific phases or milestones, and clearly defining what needs to be accomplished during each stage. This helps ensure that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities, leading to better coordination and efficiency throughout the project.
Allows local adaptation through a National Annex, making adaptable globally.
By allowing countries to create their own annexes, ISO 19650 enables specific adjustments to be made in accordance with local regulations, cultural practices, and industry standards. This flexibility ensures that the principles of ISO 19650 can be effectively integrated into different contexts, promoting relevance and usability across various markets.
But, like any standard, ISO 19650 has its challenges. While it provides a solid framework for digital collaboration, its generic nature can leave gaps that may require additional context or local adaptation. As a result, professionals must navigate these complexities to fully harness its potential in diverse project environments.
ISO 19650 Cons
ISO 19650 series, as ISO publications, are generic.
While ISO 19650 provides a solid framework for managing information within the construction industry, its generic nature means that it does not cover every detail specific to individual regions or projects. Many countries have their own established regulations, and best practices that must be taken into account when implementing ISO 19650. As a result, professionals may need to refer to additional documents, such as national standards or regional guidelines, to fully understand how to adapt the ISO framework to their local context.
Terminology can be confusing (e.g., appointing/appointed parties).
For instance, the phrase "the appointing party appoints the lead appointed party, and the lead appointed party appoints the appointed party" can be particularly confusing for those new to ISO 19650. This complexity emerges because it involves multiple layers of responsibility and roles. Without a clear understanding of these terms, project stakeholders may struggle to identify their specific responsibilities and how they relate to one another.
Visuals are minimal, making some concepts harder to understand.
Visual learning is a key aspect for many professionals in the construction industry, who often rely on graphics to supplement written instructions. When visuals are minimal, it can limit their understanding and retention of critical information, making it harder to implement the standard effectively in real-world projects.
Naming conventions are long and challenging to read.
These conventions are designed to maintain consistency and structure in how information is organized and shared, but their complexity can create several issues for users in the construction industry. It is undeniable that when we share information digitally, the use of structured and understandable naming conventions for information is vital. However, the naming of information containers seems a bit long and difficult to read.
Limited detail on tasks and document generation for parties.
While the standard outlines key roles and responsibilities, it often lacks the comprehensive detail necessary for each party to fully understand their specific obligations and the documentation required at each stage of the project.
💡 ISO 19650 has both pros and cons. But standardization is critical. It support the construction industry’s complex ecosystem to efficient define and transfer information, make informed and timely decisions and adopt a unified approach for BIM globally.
Next steps
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.
🖊️About the author: Nicoleta Panagiotidou is an architect, ISO 19650 specialist, and the founder of BIM Design Hub. She helps AEC professionals and businesses streamline their projects and enhance success through effective information management.
Breakwithanarchitect © 2025 by Nicoleta Panagiotidou. Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). Sharing is encouraged with credit and link to the original post, but full reproduction requires prior written consent.