In the first of a short series of Q&As to mark the turning of the year, GS1 engagement manager – construction, and nima vice-chair Rachel Heaton, reveals her highlights of 2024 and her hopes for 2025. She also shares her box set favourites.
BIMplus: What’s the best thing that happened in information management and digital construction in 2024?
Rachel Heaton: I would say we are still trying to sort our data and information in the construction sector, so the launch of the Information Management Initiative by nima, in partnership with the Construction Leadership Council, has been very significant. This initiative aims to advance digital transformation across the construction industry by integrating data and information throughout the built environment.
“It is so important to identify our products, places and assets within the sector and this is finally being recognised as a critical part of data information management.”
What are you looking forward to professionally in 2025?
I am looking forward to seeing GS1 Global and GS1 UK expand and grow in construction. It is great to finally see GS1 standards being acknowledged in the UK construction sector and we have many large pilot projects scheduled to commence in 2025, which will drive the industry forward.
It is so important to identify our products, places and assets within the sector and this is finally being recognised as a critical part of data information management.
Additionally, I am excited about enhancing our digital construction efforts and collaborating further with industry peers such as nima, buildingSMART International and Women in BIM.
What does the industry need to do more (or less of) in 2025?
The industry needs to work together. Over the past few years I have seen a shift, which hopefully is here to stay.
There is a need for greater emphasis on regulatory compliance and building safety, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned with the latest standards and practices. The Construction Products Regulation is on the horizon and the focus on digital product passports is driving change across all industries. We need to get our data information structured and ready.
Additionally, the industry should work towards reducing the environmental impact of construction activities and promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain. If I have said it once – I will say it again – we need to focus on the adoption of GS1 standards to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Do you have any festive rituals?
Every year we have a family photo taken near our Christmas tree. It started off sitting on our two-seater sofa, which was fine seven years ago, but over the years we grow don’t we… and now it has turned into a comical ritual to squeeze the five of us on a two-seater sofa in the same positions wearing Christmas jumpers, t-shirts, PJs, whatever the Christmas attire is for the year.
There have been many moans over the years, but this year when my stepson was discussing his favourite Christmas thing to do with a friend and he mentioned the tradition of our photos, I had a smile and a little victory cheer. Memories are precious!
Recommend a book, podcast, TV series, film or album that you enjoyed in 2024
I have to admit I am a Netflix, Now TV box set person. I love a thriller series that keeps me thinking – some of my favourites in 2024 include The Day of the Jackal, The Perfect Couple and The Gentlemen. The underlying theme is you never really know anyone! Is that a bit too deep? I will leave it there.
Have a great holiday season everyone and see you in 2025.
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