In today’s construction world, handling information well isn’t just nice to have; it’s a must. At the top of how we organize information, in line with the important ISO 19650 standard, sits the Organizational Information Requirements (OIR). The OIR isn’t just a technical paper; it’s like a map for companies, showing them what information they need to reach their main business goals and get the most out of their buildings and assets.
What is OIR BIM?
Organizational Information Requirements (OIR) are the key information needs a company has that connect directly to its big-picture goals. In BIM, OIR explains what information a company needs to collect, manage, and use to meet its long-term aims. These aims could be about how the business runs, how it manages its buildings, following rules, or making policies.
Unlike information needed for just one project, OIR looks at the whole company. It asks important questions:
- What information does our organization need to operate efficiently?
- What data is crucial for effective asset management and decision-making throughout the entire lifecycle of our built assets?
- How can information support our strategic goals, such as sustainability, cost reduction, or enhanced client satisfaction?
So, OIR is the first and most important step for all other information needs. This includes information for the Asset Information Model (AIM) and the Employer Information Requirements (EIR BIM), which then feed into the Project Information Requirements (PIR BIM). This top-down way makes sure that all information made and shared in projects directly helps the company’s main plan.
The OIR’s Place in the ISO 19650 Framework
ISO 19650, the international standard for information management using BIM, places significant emphasis on the establishment of clear information requirements. The OIR is explicitly defined as the starting point in this hierarchical structure. It provides the strategic context from which more granular information requirements are derived.
Think of it as a chain of command for information:
- Organizational Information Requirements (OIR): The strategic “why.” Why does the organization need information? What are its overarching business goals?
- Asset Information Requirements (AIR): Derived from the OIR, the AIR defines the information needed to manage and operate an organization’s assets effectively throughout their operational life.
- Project Information Requirements (PIR): Stemming from both OIR and AIR, the PIR specifies the information required from a specific project to meet the organization’s strategic and asset management objectives.
- Employer Information Requirements (EIR BIM): This document, issued by the appointing party, details the information that the delivery team must provide for a particular appointment or contract. It translates the PIR into actionable requirements for the project.
This structured approach, facilitated by a robust construction data management strategy, ensures that information is not collected haphazardly but rather purpose-driven and valuable, contributing directly to the organization’s strategic success.
OIR and the Power of openBIM
While ISO 19650 tells us what information is needed and why, it leaves open the question of how to ensure that this information flows reliably across diverse projects, teams, and digital tools. To truly achieve the goals set out in the OIR, especially across different projects and with various teams and software, the concept of openBIM becomes critical.
openBIM is a way of working that focuses on using open standards and common data formats, like IFC (Industry Foundation Classes). It’s about making sure that information can be easily shared and used by everyone involved in a project, no matter what software they use. It breaks down barriers between different tools and allows for smoother teamwork.
How does OIR connect with openBIM?
- Ensuring Data Usability: If your OIR states you need information for long-term asset management, openBIM provides the pathway for that information to remain usable and accessible for decades, even as software changes. It prevents your data from being “locked” into a specific program.
- Supporting Collaboration: OIR often requires information from many different sources and teams. openBIM makes this collaboration easier by allowing different software to “talk” to each other through shared, open formats. This ensures that all parties can contribute to and access the information defined in the OIR.
- Future-Proofing Information: By calling for information that can be managed in an “open” way, the OIR sets a standard for resilience. This means the valuable data collected during a project will remain useful for the entire life of the asset, supporting future decisions and operations.
- Promoting Choice: When an OIR is aligned with openBIM principles, it means organizations can choose the best software and tools for each specific task, rather than being forced to use only one brand. This fosters innovation and avoids being stuck with a single vendor.
So, while OIR tells you the why and what of your information needs, openBIM provides the how for making that information truly shareable, usable, and valuable throughout the entire life of your buildings and infrastructure. It’s about building a common language for everyone in the industry.
Developing a Comprehensive OIR: Key Considerations
Crafting an effective OIR demands a collaborative and interdisciplinary effort. It requires input from various departments and stakeholders across the organization, including leadership, asset management teams, operational staff, and IT. Key considerations include:
- Strategic Alignment: The OIR must directly link to the organization’s strategic business objectives. This involves understanding how information can enable better decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and drive performance.
- Current and Future Needs: Beyond addressing immediate operational needs, the OIR should anticipate future requirements, such as the adoption of new technologies or evolving regulatory landscapes. This foresight is crucial for long-term digital transformation.
- Information Purpose and Use: For each piece of information identified, the OIR should clearly define its purpose and how it will be used. This clarity prevents the collection of redundant or irrelevant data.
- Data Standards and Protocols: The OIR should establish foundational guidelines for data quality, format, and consistency. This sets the stage for the adoption of standards like COBie for structured asset information or defining the necessary Level of Information Need.
- Existing Systems and Processes: An assessment of existing information systems and workflows is vital to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. The OIR should pave the way for integrating new information management practices with established systems.
- Responsibility and Accountability: Defining clear roles and responsibilities for information generation, management, and use is important. A RACI BIM matrix can be a valuable tool here.
The Benefits of a Well-Defined OIR
The effort invested in developing a comprehensive OIR yields substantial benefits, driving digital transformation and enhancing overall organizational performance:
- Improved Decision-Making: By clarifying information needs at a strategic level, organizations gain access to the right data at the right time, enabling more informed and proactive decisions regarding asset management, capital expenditure, and operational efficiency.
- Enhanced Asset Performance: A well-defined OIR ensures that the information required for effective asset operation and maintenance is captured throughout the project lifecycle, leading to better asset performance, reduced downtime, and extended asset life.
- Streamlined Information Flow: The OIR provides a clear roadmap for information exchange, reducing duplication, errors, and inconsistencies. This contributes to a more efficient construction data management process.
- Reduced Risk and Cost: By anticipating information needs early, organizations can mitigate risks associated with missing or inaccurate data, leading to fewer rework, delays, and cost overruns. It also supports compliance with evolving regulations, such as those related to a construction environmental management plan.
- Increased Collaboration: A clear OIR fosters better collaboration among internal departments and external project stakeholders by aligning everyone on common information goals. This is further enhanced by robust BIM protocol adherence.
- Foundation for BIM Maturity: The OIR is a key enabler for advancing an organization’s BIM Levels maturity, moving beyond mere 3D modeling to integrated information management and advanced collaborative workflows. It also supports the implementation of concepts like GUID BIM for unique identification of objects.
Conclusion
The Organizational Information Requirements (OIR) are more than just a bureaucratic exercise; they are a strategic imperative for any organization seeking to thrive in the modern construction landscape. By clearly defining what information is needed to achieve business objectives, organizations can lay a strong foundation for effective information management, foster collaboration, and unlock the full potential of BIM. With platforms like Catenda Hub, the journey from strategic intent to practical implementation of OIR becomes a seamless and highly beneficial endeavor, ensuring that valuable information serves as a true asset throughout the entire lifecycle of built environments.