ISO 19650-2:2018 – Organization and Digitization of Information about Buildings and Civil Engineering Works Including Building Information Modelling (BIM) – Part 2: Delivery Phase of Assets

1. Definition

ISO 19650-2:2018 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for managing information during the delivery phase of construction and infrastructure projects using Building Information Modelling (BIM).

It provides a methodical framework for organizing and exchanging digital information between all parties involved — including clients, designers, contractors, and suppliers — to ensure that information is accurate, accessible, traceable, and aligned with project and asset objectives.

ISO 19650-2 is part of the ISO 19650 series, which establishes globally recognized best practices for BIM-based information management throughout the life cycle of built assets.

2. Purpose and Scope

The main purpose of ISO 19650-2:2018 is to:

• Define processes and responsibilities for managing project information during the design, construction, and handover stages.

• Support collaboration and data integration between multidisciplinary project teams.

• Ensure that information delivered to the client (appointing party) meets clearly defined requirements.

• Enable efficient data transfer into the asset management phase (covered in ISO 19650-3:2020).

• Promote consistency, transparency, and control in all BIM-related information exchanges.

This standard applies to any organization or project that uses BIM for the creation, coordination, and delivery of information about buildings or infrastructure assets.

3. Relationship with Other Standards

ISO 19650-2 works alongside and builds upon:

• ISO 19650-1:2018 – Concepts and principles (the foundation of information management).

• ISO 19650-3:2020 – Operational phase of assets.

• ISO 19650-5:2020 – Security-minded approach to information management.

It also aligns with:

• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems)

• ISO 55001:2014 (Asset Management Systems)

• ISO 27001:2022 (Information Security Management)

Together, these standards support a fully integrated digital management system for the built environment.

4. Key Concepts

ISO 19650-2:2018 defines several core concepts that govern BIM-based information delivery:

1. Appointing Party and Appointed Parties

   • The Appointing Party (client or asset owner) defines the project’s information needs.

   • The Appointed Parties (designers, contractors, consultants, suppliers) provide and manage that information according to agreed processes.

2. Exchange Information Requirements (EIR)

   • A document outlining the information the appointing party requires at key project stages.

3. BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

   • A plan prepared by the appointed parties to explain how they will meet the EIR and manage information effectively.

4. Common Data Environment (CDE)

   • A shared digital platform used to collect, manage, and share all project information throughout the delivery phase.

5. Information Delivery Cycle

   • The iterative process of developing, reviewing, approving, and delivering project information in accordance with defined requirements.

6. Level of Information Need

   • The degree of detail and precision required for each piece of information to be fit for purpose.

5. Structure of ISO 19650-2:2018

The standard is organized into the following main sections:

1. Scope

2. Normative References

3. Terms and Definitions

4. Information Management Process

5. Requirements for Appointing Party

6. Requirements for Lead Appointed Party and Task Teams

7. Information Delivery and Approval

8. Records and Handover

Annexes provide templates, examples, and process diagrams illustrating how information is exchanged and approved throughout the project lifecycle.

6. Information Management Process (Delivery Phase)

The ISO 19650-2 process follows these key stages:

A. Appointment Stage

• Define project information requirements (EIR).

• Assess capability and capacity of potential suppliers.

• Include BIM-related obligations in contracts.

B. Mobilization Stage

• Develop the pre-appointment BIM Execution Plan (pre-BEP).

• Establish a Common Data Environment (CDE).

• Assign roles and responsibilities for information management.

C. Collaborative Production Stage

• Implement and maintain task information delivery plans (TIDPs).

• Produce, review, and approve BIM models and associated data.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary models to avoid clashes and inconsistencies.

D. Delivery Stage

• Deliver verified and approved information at agreed milestones.

• Submit information packages to the client in required formats.

E. Handover and Closeout Stage

• Provide final as-built models, documents, and records.

• Ensure data is suitable for transition into the asset management system.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

8. Benefits of Implementing ISO 19650-2:2018

A. For Project Owners and Clients

• Clear visibility and control over project data and progress.

• Reduced design and construction errors through coordinated information.

• Improved efficiency in communication, verification, and decision-making.

• Streamlined handover to operations and facility management.

B. For Design and Construction Teams

• Defined responsibilities and workflows for all parties.

• Enhanced collaboration and integration between disciplines.

• Minimized rework, data loss, and duplication of effort.

• Greater consistency in documentation and deliverables.

C. For the Industry and Environment

• Promotes digital standardization and sustainable practices.

• Enables smart asset management and digital twin integration.

• Supports innovation, transparency, and lifecycle value creation.

9. Example of Application

A construction company implementing ISO 19650-2 will typically:

1. Receive EIR from the client detailing what information is required.

2. Develop a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and submit it for approval.

3. Set up a Common Data Environment (CDE) to manage all project information.

4. Coordinate models across design, MEP, and structural disciplines.

5. Deliver verified data and models at predefined information exchange milestones.

6. Provide a final information handover package to support the asset’s operation and maintenance.

10. Integration with Digital Construction Strategy

ISO 19650-2 plays a critical role in global digital construction transformation, enabling:

• Data-driven project management.

• Lifecycle information reuse (from design to operation).

• Integration with BIM Level 2 and Level 3 frameworks.

• Alignment with smart city and digital twin initiatives.

This makes ISO 19650-2 a strategic foundation for organizations embracing Industry 4.0 and sustainable infrastructure development.

11. Conclusion

ISO 19650-2:2018 defines the international best practice for managing BIM information during the delivery phase of construction projects.
It ensures that all project participants — from owners to contractors — work within a structured, collaborative, and transparent digital framework.

By adopting this standard, organizations gain efficiency, accuracy, and control in project execution while ensuring that information is fit for long-term asset management and digital transformation goals.