The level of information need, openBIM, the PFI handback challenge and digital transformation: these are all complex topics that industry experts took the time to explain to BIMplus readers in 2024.
Here are the top five most popular explainers in 2024, from fifth to first.
What’s the best way to approach and achieve digital transformation? Do you need new technology or not? Michelle Zompi and Malak Abdelmoaty of RLB Digital revealed their three steps to success.
Possibly riffing on the Highway Code, they urged BIMplus readers to look (at themselves), listen (to their customers) and to act.
Zompi and Abdelmoaty warned: “There is certainly a business case for procuring new software at some stages of your digital transformation journey, but it is not the panacea to all your digital solutions. Although technology is advancing at pace, taking your time and assessing, analysing and really understanding the need in your business could make the difference between a loss leader or a great return on investment and failure or success in your digital transformation.”
As hundreds of the UK’s PFI contracts approach their expiry dates, the importance of meticulous asset base data management cannot be overstated, warned Sircle director Anthony Walker.
Early preparation; the critical role of base data in ensuring a smooth transition; the essential elements of PFI asset base data; the long-term benefits of updating these records; and how modern tools can enhance the handback process: these are all key elements to successful PFI handbacks.
Thomas Ingvaldsen of Cobuilder noted: “The term ‘level of information need’ has been with us in the construction sector for a few years now. When it was introduced as part of ISO 19650 in 2021, its aim was to simplify, rather than complicate, the business of information sharing in the construction industry. Nonetheless, many in the sector are still struggling to fully understand – and therefore put into practice – the concept.”
He concluded: “The ability to set out the level of information needed at the beginning of a project will make the difference between gathering essential data that will improve the quality and sustainability of a project, versus drowning in a sea of information.”
And be aware, this is not the last time that the level of information need will appear on this list.
What is the openBIM workflow? Does it even really exist? Evandro Alfieri of buildingSMART International cleared the confusion.
He wrote: “Here’s a little secret: the openBIM workflow doesn’t really exist. At least, not in the way many might think. It’s become a catch-all marketing term that’s resonating well with people eager for clear definitions and solutions. But there’s a bit more nuance to it.”
The best-read explainer in 2024 focused on the international standard BS EN ISO 7817-1:2024. The standard explains the concepts and principles of the level of information need framework. Dr Marzia Bolpagni, the standard’s lead author, explained the changes.
She told BIMplus readers: “The level of information need is moving away from using simple labels as ‘LOD/LOG/LOI’. When using the level of information need, clients (or any information receivers) should instead define their information need in a more specific way to allow effective information management.”
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