As construction projects grow in scale and complexity, the efficient management of information has become not just advantageous, but essential. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has gained prominence as a powerful framework for coordinating design, planning, and execution. Yet BIM’s effectiveness depends less on technology itself than on the clarity of the information it manages. Central to this is the concept of Project Information Requirements (PIR) – a structured approach to defining what information is required, by whom, and at what stage. Properly implemented, PIR ensures that critical decisions are informed by timely, relevant data throughout the lifecycle of a built asset.
What are Project Information Requirements (PIR)?
PIR can be defined as the specific information required by the appointing party (the client or owner) to make key decisions at various stages of a project’s lifecycle. Unlike a general data wish-list, PIR focuses on actionable information that directly supports the strategic objectives and decision-making processes of the project organization. It’s about defining what information is needed, why it’s needed, when it’s needed, who needs it and who is responsible for providing it.
The PIR serves as a foundational document, informing subsequent information requirements and plans. It translates the strategic needs of the client into tangible data deliverables for the project team. Without clearly articulated PIR, projects risk accumulating vast amounts of irrelevant data or, conversely, lacking crucial information when critical decisions need to be made.
The Importance of Clearly Defined PIR
The meticulous development of PIR offers several compelling benefits for construction projects:
1. Enhanced Decision-Making
By specifying the information required for key decisions, PIR empowers stakeholders to make informed choices at every stage. This clarity avoids assumptions and ensures that the necessary data, whether it’s related to cost, schedule, or performance, is readily available.
2. Improved Collaboration and Communication
PIR provides a common understanding of information needs across all project participants. This clarity fosters better construction data management and facilitates seamless collaboration, reducing misinterpretations and rework. It clarifies who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed (RACI BIM) for specific information deliverables.
3. Streamlined Information Production and Exchange
With clear PIR, project teams can focus their efforts on producing only the necessary information. This optimizes workflows, reduces wasted effort, and ensures that data is generated in a structured and usable format, often facilitated by a Common Data Environment (CDE) like Catenda Hub. Standardized formats like COBie can also be specified within the PIR for handover information.
4. Risk Mitigation
Ambiguous information requirements can lead to errors, disputes, and project delays. Well-defined PIR helps mitigate these risks by establishing clear expectations and reducing the likelihood of information gaps or inconsistencies. It contributes to robust adherence to the BIM Protocol.
5. Compliance with Standards and Regulations
PIR plays a crucial role in ensuring that projects meet relevant industry standards, such as those associated with different BIM Levels, and regulatory requirements, including those related to environmental management, as seen in a Construction Environmental Management Plan.
PIR in the Context of ISO 19650 Compliance
The international standard for information management using BIM, ISO 19650, places significant emphasis on the systematic definition and management of information. PIR is an integral part of the information requirements hierarchy outlined in ISO 19650, which typically flows downwards from high-level organizational needs to specific project deliverables:
- Organizational Information Requirements (OIR): These define the information needed to achieve the organization’s strategic objectives and manage its assets effectively across its entire portfolio.
- Asset Information Requirements (AIR): Stemming from the OIR, AIR specifies the information required for the effective operation and maintenance of an organization’s assets throughout their operational life, feeding into the Asset Information Model (AIM).
- Project Information Requirements (PIR): These are project-specific requirements, derived from the OIR and AIR, focusing on the information needed to support key decisions during the delivery phase of a particular project.
- Exchange Information Requirements (EIR): These specify the information to be exchanged between the appointing party and the lead appointed party (e.g., the main contractor or lead designer) for a specific appointment. The Employer Information Requirements BIM are often synonymous with or a direct output of the EIR.
This hierarchical approach ensures that all information generated within a project is aligned with the overarching strategic goals of the organization, preventing the creation of redundant or irrelevant data.
Developing Effective PIR
Creating effective PIR involves a systematic approach, often requiring input from various stakeholders within the client organization. Key steps include:
- Identify Strategic Objectives: Begin by understanding the overarching organizational objectives and how the project contributes to them. This links directly to the Organizational Information Requirements (OIR BIM).
- Define Key Decisions: Identify the critical decisions that will be made throughout the project lifecycle, from feasibility and design to construction and handover.
- Determine Information Needs for Each Decision: For each key decision, specify precisely what information is required to support it. This includes the type of information (e.g., spatial data, cost data, performance data), its level of detail, and its accuracy. The concept of Level of Information Need (LOIN) from ISO 19650 is particularly relevant here, guiding the granularity of information at different stages.
- Establish Information Exchange Protocols: Define how the information will be exchanged, including formats, naming conventions, and the use of a Common Data Environment (CDE) like Catenda Hub. The use of GUID BIM (Globally Unique Identifiers) ensures individual elements can be precisely tracked. Additionally, Information Delivery Specifications (IDS) can facilitate the efficacy and automation of the information checking process.
- Assign Responsibilities: Clearly define who is responsible for providing, reviewing, and approving each piece of information. The RACI BIM matrix can be an invaluable tool here.
- Regular Review and Updates: PIR is not a static document. It should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in project scope, stakeholder needs, or regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
Project Information Requirements (PIR) are far from a box-ticking formality; they are a strategic necessity for any construction initiative employing Building Information Modelling (BIM). By precisely articulating the information required for informed decision-making, PIR provides a foundation for consistent data production, streamlined collaboration, and improved project delivery. In an industry where data is fast becoming the primary currency, a well-structured PIR serves as both compass and anchor – steering project teams toward clarity, efficiency, and high performance.