In the complex landscape of modern construction, effective information management is key. The Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP) stands as a critical document, orchestrating the creation and delivery of information throughout a project’s lifecycle. Far from being a mere checklist, the MIDP is a dynamic and essential component for achieving ISO 19650 compliance and ensuring an aligned, collaborative, and data-rich project delivery.
What is a Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP)?
The MIDP is a high-level plan that outlines who will deliver what information, when, and how. It serves as a single source of truth for all information deliverables required for a project. Developed early in the project lifecycle, typically during the appointment stage, the MIDP acts as a strategic roadmap for information flow, aligning with the client’s Employer Information Requirements (EIR BIM) and the project’s overall Project Information Requirements (PIR BIM).
The MIDP provides a comprehensive overview of all information deliverables for a project, consolidating information from various sources. It aggregates the Task Information Delivery Plans (TIDPs), which detail the information to be produced by individual task teams. This hierarchical structure ensures that every piece of information generated is aligned and contributes to the larger project goals and ultimately, to the Asset Information Model (AIM).
The Significance of the MIDP in ISO 19650
The ISO 19650 series of standards provides a robust framework for managing information over the entire life cycle of a built asset using Building Information Modelling (BIM). Within this framework, the MIDP plays a pivotal role in establishing clear responsibilities and a structured approach to information delivery.
Without a well-defined MIDP, projects risk fragmented data, duplicated efforts, and significant delays. ISO 19650 emphasizes collaboration and the seamless exchange of information, which the MIDP facilitates by:
- Defining Responsibilities: It clearly assigns responsibility for specific information deliverables to various parties involved in the project, including designers, contractors, and specialist consultants. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures accountability.
- Establishing Timelines: The MIDP sets out deadlines for information delivery, ensuring that critical information is available when needed for decision-making, design development, and construction activities. This proactive scheduling is crucial for maintaining project momentum.
- Ensuring Quality and Completeness: By detailing the required Level of Information Need, the MIDP ensures that the information produced is appropriate for its intended purpose and meets the necessary standards. This includes specifying the format, quality, and accuracy of data.
- Facilitating Collaboration: The MIDP promotes a collaborative environment by providing a shared understanding of information requirements across all project disciplines. It encourages different teams to coordinate their information production, feeding into a holistic Common Data Environment (CDE).
Key Components of a Robust MIDP
A comprehensive MIDP typically includes:
Project Information Requirements
This section directly references the Organizational Information Requirements (OIR BIM), PIR BIM, and EIR BIM, establishing the foundational information needs that the project must address.
Information Deliverables
This outlines every piece of information that needs to be produced, ranging from 3D models and drawings to specifications, schedules, and operation and maintenance manuals. It often links to specific information requirements outlined in the EIR.
Responsible Parties
For each deliverable, the MIDP identifies the individual or team responsible for its creation. This can be clearly mapped using a RACI BIM matrix, defining who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.
Delivery Dates and Milestones
Crucial for project scheduling, these dates ensure timely information handover and alignment with the overall project program. They should be integrated with the project master schedule.
Level of Information Need
Specifying the Level of Information Need for each deliverable ensures that the right amount and quality of information are provided at each stage of the project. This prevents over-modeling or under-detailing, optimizing resource allocation.
Software and Data Formats
The MIDP specifies the software platforms and data formats to be used for information delivery, promoting interoperability and ensuring that all project participants can access and utilize the information effectively within the Common Data Environment. This often includes guidelines for open standards like COBie.
Information Status and Progress Tracking
The MIDP should allow for tracking the status of each deliverable, providing a clear overview of progress and identifying any potential delays or bottlenecks. This facilitates proactive management and timely interventions.
Developing and Implementing an Effective MIDP
The creation of an effective MIDP is a collaborative process that typically involves:
- Defining Information Requirements: Begin by thoroughly understanding the client’s EIR and PIR, as these form the basis for all information deliverables. This step requires input from key stakeholders and the lead appointed party.
- Structuring the MIDP: Organize the MIDP logically, perhaps by project stage, discipline, or information type. This structure should make it easy to navigate and understand.
- Allocating Responsibilities: Clearly assign responsibilities for each information deliverable to specific individuals or teams. Outlining these responsibilities an a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) or Information Communication Specifications, responsibilities Leverage tools like a BIM Protocol to formalize these appointments.
- Setting Timelines: Establish realistic and achievable timelines for each deliverable, coordinating with the overall project schedule.
- Integrating with the CDE: The MIDP should be intrinsically linked with the Common Data Environment. The CDE serves as the central repository for all project information, facilitating access, sharing, and version control of the deliverables outlined in the MIDP. Construction Data Management within the CDE is crucial for the successful implementation of the MIDP.
- Regular Review and Updates: The MIDP is a living document. It should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in project scope, schedule, or team composition. This ensures its continued relevance and effectiveness.
Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP) Template
To assist in practical implementation, a structured MIDP template can serve as a robust starting point. While specific project needs will necessitate customization, the following framework provides essential categories for effective information planning:
| Section | Description | Key Data Points |
| 1. Project Overview | Basic project identification and administrative details. | – Project Name, Number, Client, Lead Appointed Party – MIDP Version and Date – Purpose and Scope of MIDP |
| 2. Information Requirements | Reference to the overarching information needs driving the project. | – Reference to Employer Information Requirements (EIR BIM) – Reference to Project Information Requirements (PIR BIM) – Reference to Organizational Information Requirements (OIR BIM) (if applicable) |
| 3. Information Deliverables Register | A detailed list of all required information outputs. This is the core of the MIDP. | – Information Deliverable ID: Unique identifier – Description: Brief overview (e.g., “Architectural Model – Stage 3,” “Structural Drawing Set,” “MEP Coordination Report”) – Author/Responsible Party: Who creates it (linking to RACI BIM matrix if detailed elsewhere) – Recipient/Consumer: Who needs this information – Stage/Milestone: When it’s due (e.g., RIBA Stage 3, Construction Commencement) – Delivery Date: Specific date – Level of Information Need (LOIN): Geometric, Alphanumeric, Documentation (as per ISO 19650) – Format/Software: (e.g., IFC, RVT, DWG, PDF) – Dependencies: What information is needed to produce this deliverable – Validation Method: How the information will be checked (e.g., clash detection, model federation) – Status: (e.g., Not Started, In Progress, Submitted, Approved, Rejected) |
| 4. Common Data Environment (CDE) Strategy | How information will be managed and exchanged throughout the project using the CDE. | – CDE Platform Used (e.g., Catenda Hub) – Folder Structure and Naming Conventions – Workflow for Information Statuses (e.g., Work in Progress, Shared, Published, Archived) – Access Permissions and User Roles – Version Control Strategy |
| 5. Standards and Procedures | Documented guidelines for information creation, quality, and exchange. | – Project Information Standards (e.g., naming conventions, layering standards, properties) – Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Procedures – Information Exchange Protocols (BIM Protocol) – Software Interoperability Guidelines (e.g., use of COBie data structure) – Reference to Guid BIM standards |
| 6. Training and Competency | Plan for ensuring all project participants have the necessary skills for information delivery. | – Identified Training Needs – Training Schedule and Providers |
| 7. Review and Approval Process | How information will be reviewed, commented upon, and formally approved. | – Workflow for Reviews and Approvals – Roles and Responsibilities in Review Process – Approval Gates |
| 8. Appendix/References | Supporting documents and relevant standards. | – Relevant Standards (e.g., ISO 19650-2, BS EN ISO 19650-3) – Project Execution Plan (PEP) – Task Information Delivery Plans (TIDPs) – Specific project protocols or guidelines |
This template provides a structured foundation. Its true value, however, lies in its active use and adaptation throughout the project lifecycle, supported by robust construction data management practices.
The MIDP in Practice: A Gem for BIM Managers
For BIM managers, the MIDP is an indispensable tool. It provides the clarity and structure needed to manage complex information flows, ensure compliance with BIM Levels and ISO 19650, and ultimately drive successful project outcomes. It allows BIM managers to:
- Oversee Information Production: Gain a holistic view of all information being produced across the project.
- Identify Gaps and Overlaps: Proactively identify any missing information or instances of duplicated effort.
- Enforce Standards: Ensure that all information deliverables adhere to the specified Level of Information Need and project standards.
- Streamline Workflows: Optimize information exchange and collaboration between different project teams.
- Mitigate Risks: Reduce the risk of data inconsistencies, errors, and project delays.
Furthermore, a well-executed MIDP contributes to creating a comprehensive Asset Information Model (AIM) at project handover, providing valuable data for the operational phase of the asset. This aligns with broader initiatives like the Construction Environmental Management Plan by ensuring that relevant environmental data is properly captured and managed.
The Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP) is more than just a document; it is a fundamental element of effective information management in the modern construction industry. By providing a clear, structured, and collaborative approach to information delivery, the MIDP empowers project teams to meet the rigorous demands of ISO 19650 compliance, optimize workflows, and ultimately deliver successful, data-rich projects. For any organization looking to excel in the digital construction era, mastering the MIDP is not an option, but a necessity.