What Is ISO 19650 and Why Should US Firms Care About BIM Standards?

What is ISO 19650 and why is it important?

The modern construction industry stands at the crossroads of digital transformation and international standardization. ISO 19650 is intended to be a fundamental framework that helps in the sharing, management, and utilization of building information across global projects. It was born from the successful implementation of British Standard (BS) 1192, which establishes a common language for information management throughout the entire built asset lifecycle.

ISO 19650 offers more than just regulatory compliance for US businesses operating with increasingly complex collaborative projects in the construction industry. It offers a structured pathway toward enhanced project delivery, reduced risks, and improved outcomes. As global markets become more and more interconnected, understanding and using these advantages is no longer an optional advantage, but a competitive necessity, especially in organizations pursuing international opportunities.

Understanding the ISO 19650 series and its concepts and principles

The ISO 19650 series creates a framework for information management throughout the entire lifecycle of built assets with the help of building information modeling. It has several distinct parts, with ISO 19650-1 and 19650-2 covering the fundamental concepts and principles for information management, including the terminology, definitions, and core requirements. ISO 19650-3 helps extend these established principles into the operational phase, while ISO 19650-5 helps address various security-minded approaches to information management.

Information delivery cycle is the concept that lies at the heart of the ISO 19650 standard, providing a structured explanation of how project information must evolve from need to fulfillment. This particular cycle recognizes the distinct states of information (specification, production, acceptance), with each state requiring a very specific approach to its management. It also introduces standardized information containers to establish consistent naming conventions and status codes down the line. These containers are the foundation for a traceable ecosystem where the integrity of every data element can be maintained for the entire project lifecycle.

The standard operates using several key principles that bear mentioning. Establishing information requirements that can cascade from project to asset levels is always a requirement, as is the appointment of an information management function with a set of clearly defined responsibilities. There is also the fact that this approach uses the principle of federation instead of integration, allowing the models of separate disciplines to operate independently from one another while still being able to remain coherent when brought together. This preserves both the autonomy of specialists and general collaborative capabilities.

ISO 19650 puts a strong emphasis on distinguishing containers from content, separating information itself and its management operations from one another. Separation like this helps enable diverse software platforms to participate in the same information ecosystem without notable compatibility issues. The standard also introduces a somewhat complex approach to the status of information (from work-in-progress, to shared, to published) with appropriate verification at each transition point. This creates a rhythm for the progressive development of information, leading to waste reduction, quality improvement, and other advantages for the digital twin.

How ISO 19650 affects building information modeling

ISO 19650 aims to transform BIM from a more technology-focused approach into a complex information management system. Traditional BIM implementations tend to emphasize the creation of 3D models without paying much attention to exchange protocols, information structure, or lifecycle management. This standard shifts the focus of BIM by placing geometric representation and the information within it at the same level of importance. It makes sure that BIM can deliver value far beyond visualization, supporting data-driven decision-making throughout the entire asset lifecycle.

This standard introduces discipline to collaborative modeling via formalized information exchange points. With it, teams must define precisely what information is needed, as well as when it is needed and to what level of development. These concepts are commonly known as exchange information requirements (EIR). This structured approach replaces spontaneous information sharing with planned exchanges that can be aligned with project milestones. Software workflows must adapt to support these defined exchange points, requiring certain revisions to established modeling practices, along with a greater emphasis on information quality control.

Another substantial advantage of ISO 19650 is its ability to turn BIM from a project delivery tool into an asset management environment. The standard helps bridge the traditional divide between facility managers and project teams by establishing continuity between the information created during design/construction and the information needed during operations. Modern BIM implementations have to consider how information will be transitioned to asset management systems, necessitating a higher degree of attention to data structures, non-geometric properties, and classification standards. Any business that uses BIM primarily as a design coordination tool must expand its perspective to cover the rest of the built asset lifecycle, as well.

How does ISO 19650 align with global BIM standards?

ISO 19650 provides a crucial connection for previously standalone national approaches to BIM standardization. It is based on the UK’s PAS 1192 and BS 1192 while drawing the best practices from several other regional frameworks. Instead of competing with the myriad of existing standards, ISO 19650 creates an umbrella framework of sorts that can be adapted regionally using National Annexes addressing specific local requirements while maintaining the core principles of the standard.

This alignment also extends beyond documentation to cover practical implementation using international certification programs. Businesses can now demonstrate ISO 19650 compliance using recognized certification bodies, which create a common language to assess BIM capabilities across borders. This alignment eliminates the need to develop market-specific approaches to BIM, which reduces the overhead of pursuing global opportunities. Projects with multinational teams also benefit from the ability to share workflows, terminology, and expectations, reducing the friction traditionally associated with cross-border collaboration in this industry.

How can firms implement ISO 19650 standards?

The implementation of ISO 19650 is a strong strategic shift rather than a mere technical exercise for businesses. The transition requires careful planning among people, processes, and technologies to ensure the success of the adoption process. US businesses approaching this implementation should view it as a great opportunity to improve their information management capabilities while also meeting necessary international standards.

What tools are available for firms to ensure ISO 19650 compliance?

ISO 19650 compliance across different aspects of information management is supported by a diverse ecosystem of software tools. Common data environments are the backbone of these workflows, providing secure environments to store, share, and track information during its lifecycle. Trimble Connect, Aconex, and Autodesk BIM 360 are just a few examples of environments that can align with ISO 19650 standards while maintaining all the necessary audit trails documenting revisions and approvals.

Specialized compliance tools operate in tandem with these platforms by focusing on highly specific aspects of the standard such as metadata requirements, naming conventions, etc. Products such as Viewpoint For Projects and Asite’s Information Manager include automated validation capabilities that can verify file name structures against standard conventions before documents enter the shed environment for the first time. Classification tools help businesses implement consistent taxonomies across projects to ensure that information remains filterable and findable according to standardized schemas (Uniclass, OmniClass).

Workflow management systems have a very important role in orchestrating the information delivery cycle which is central to the implementation of ISO 19650. These solutions can map approval processes, maintain records of information transactions, automate notifications, and so on. Integration tools help bridge the gap between disparate systems, allowing businesses to maintain compliance with the ISO 19650 standard while continuing their use of specialized tools for analysis, design, and management which may not support these requirements out of the box.

Steps to become ISO 19650 compliant

The process of achieving compliance with ISO 19650 should begin with a thorough assessment of existing information management practices against the requirements presented in the standard. This gap analysis process helps evaluate existing workflows, documentation standards, and technological capabilities in order to identify areas that require modification or development. Businesses should then prioritize all of these gaps based on how much effort is necessary to address them, as well as their general impact on production. This way, a structured roadmap can be created, providing a straightforward plan toward full implementation.

Another important step here is the creation of an organizational information requirements document. The main purpose of this document is to clarify what information the business needs to support its primary functions. This document also cascades into at least two other important files called Asset Information Requirements and Project Information Requirements, both of which establish consistent expectations across all assets and projects. The creation of standardized templates for key business documents provides consistency in the way teams interpret and apply the primary principles of ISO 19650. These documents might include:

• Information exchange schedules
• Responsibility matrices
• BIM execution plans, etc.

A phased approach is highly recommended for such implementation processes, beginning with pilot projects before expanding to the entire portfolio. The initial projects used as the primary testing tool for the implementation can serve as a great learning environment where teams are free to refine processes and develop competencies without overwhelming the entire infrastructure of the organization. Regular compliance audits during this phase can help locate various practical challenges, refining the overall approach to implementation as time goes on to ensure that everything remains aligned with the standard.

Creating a BIM execution plan

The BIM execution plan is the operational blueprint for the implementation of ISO 19650 in specific projects. A pre-appointment BEP helps demonstrate the capability of the supply chain to meet all the necessary requirements, while a post-appointment version helps detail how exactly these requirements will be fulfilled throughout the project’s lifecycle. This document should address various aspects of information management, with all the roles, responsibilities, methods, standards, and procedures that govern the digital ecosystem of the project.

An effective BEP helps maintain a balance between customization and standardization according to the circumstances of each project. Standard sections of the document that cover CDE workflows, file-naming conventions, and the creation of information containers can remain consistent across multiple projects to reinforce a certain degree of standards in organizational practices. Project-specific sections, on the other hand, should adapt the existing standards to the unique demands of each project, addressing specialized uses of the model, requirements for information delivery, or pathways for integration with existing systems or assets.

It is collaborative development that distinguishes “compliance checkboxes” and truly valuable BEPs. The plan should be created in collaboration with all major organizations and disciplines that are involved in the information delivery chain. This way, it can reflect practical workflows instead of being formulated using theoretical ideals. Regular review processes throughout the project’s lifecycle can ensure that the plan can keep evolving alongside the project itself, adapting to changing requirements and incorporating lessons learned.

Training for ISO 19650 adoption

Effective training constitutes the bridge between ISO 19650 as a conceptual framework and its practical implementation in specific businesses. Instead of taking a universal approach, successful training programs should recognize the different roles individuals play in the overall information management ecosystem. Project managers need practical knowledge of implementation mechanics and performance indicators, while executive leadership requires a strategic understanding of how the standard may impact business operations or competitive positioning. Technical specialists, on the other hand, can benefit from detailed instructions on how specific workflows or tools operate in order to support compliance requirements.

Businesses should view ISO 19650 training as an ongoing effort instead of a single event. Initial awareness sessions can help establish a foundational understanding of the standard in the organization, and these can then be followed by role-specific training modules that address the practical application of the standard. Just-in-time training during project implementation can help reinforce concepts when they are most relevant, which improves the overall application and retention of knowledge. Mentorship programs that pair experienced practitioners with newcomers also help create sustainable knowledge transfer within the organization to reduce dependence on external consultation over time.

How does Revizto support ISO 19650-compliant workflows?

An integrated collaboration platform such as Revizto can offer a number of capabilities that align with the key principles of ISO 19650, especially when it comes to the accessibility and integrity of information. The platform’s ability to aggregate models and documents from multiple sources helps create a single centralized environment where discipline-specific information containers can maintain their independence while also contributing to the overall representation of the project. The platform’s issue-tracking functionality helps document communication around information needs and delivery, creating the audit trail that is required for information verification and acceptance processes, which are central to ISO 19650 compliance.

The permission structures of the platform also support the information state transitions defined in ISO 19650, which allows businesses to control who can view, comment on, and modify information at each stage of development. Automated version tracking helps maintain the history of the evolution of information to support the standard’s requirements for revision management. Finally, the cloud-based nature of Revizto aligns with the overall concept of CDE, offering secure and accessible storage that operates as a single source of truth for all project information, which is a foundational requirement for the effective implementation of ISO 19650.

What are the benefits of following ISO 19650 standards?

Implementing ISO 19650 standards provides a wide range of operational and strategic advantages for businesses throughout the entire architecture, engineering, and construction industry. The most noteworthy advantages are:

• Cost reduction via minimized rework and more efficient information exchange.
• Improved collaboration across organizational and disciplinary boundaries.
• Heightened project predictability thanks to standardized workflows and deliverables.
• Lower number of legal disputes made possible by better documentation and more straightforward responsibilities.
• Streamlined handover processes between project phases.
• Better information quality that also supports more effective decision-making.
• Improved risk management using better information integrity.
• Greater potential for innovation thanks to standardized foundations.

ISO 19650 adoption provides tangible benefits which extend far beyond mere regulatory compliance. Most businesses implementing these standards achieve substantial efficiency gains through the reduction of rework and more streamlined information exchange processes. A better structure for information management alone can eliminate countless hours that were previously lost searching for specific files, regenerating lost data, or reconciling conflicting versions.

Improved collaboration is perhaps the most drastic advantage of implementing ISO 19650. These standards help establish clear protocols for information sharing that operate effectively across business boundaries to create a truly integrated team environment. ISO 19650 can help reduce the friction which is typical for diverse organizations working together by defining common expectations for the format, quality, and delivery timing of information. US companies working on international projects benefit a lot from this kind of standardization since it creates a universal language for information management that often transcends differences in terminology and practice.

What role does the common data environment (CDE) play?

Common data environments are the heart of any successful implementation of ISO 19650, working as a technological backbone that helps establish standardized information management protocols. A digital ecosystem like this works as an infrastructure that all project information flows through, creating one single source of truth that can maintain information integrity and support collaboration at the same time. Being able to understand and properly implement a CDE is one of the most important technical components of regulatory compliance for US businesses that attempt to transition to ISO 19650.

Defining a common data environment

A common data environment is not just a cloud storage solution or a piece of software.  It is a comprehensive information management approach supported by specific technologies. ISO 19650 defines it as the “agreed source of information for any given project or asset, for collecting, managing and disseminating each information container through a managed process.”

The concept of CDE extends beyond operating as centralized file storage, encompassing the entire information lifecycle from creation to archiving. Modern implementations of CDE tend to combine features such as document management, issue tracking, model coordination, and workflow capabilities in the same integrated platform that can be accessed by any project stakeholder with the appropriate permissions. Unlike traditional file sharing systems or project extranets, a true CDE can maintain relationships between information containers while also supporting the state transitions that track the development of information.

How a CDE supports ISO 19650 compliance

A CDE directly enables a number of important principles in ISO 19650, with the most notable example being the concept of information container states. By offering distinct environments for WIP, shared, published, and archived information, CDEs help create natural boundaries between different stages of development. These boundaries enforce the verification and approval processes that are essential for controlling the overall quality of information. The structural transition between states forms a rhythm of sorts for the development of information that helps align team activities and the expectations for common milestone points.

The security and access control mechanisms of CDE support the standard’s requirements for the security of information management. Implementing role-based permissions that match the responsibility matrix from the BIM execution plan makes it possible for businesses to ensure that team members can access only the information they need for the current task. This granular approach supports the principle of need-to-know access while also maintaining the collaborative benefits of having all data in a single environment. Version control capabilities support compliance even further by maintaining complex audit trails that document the entire process of the evolution of information.

Perhaps most significantly, a CDE enables the federated approach that is central to the information management philosophy of ISO 19650. Instead of forcing all disciplines into a single database or model while limiting the autonomy of specialists, a CDE allows each discipline to maintain proper control over its information containers while being able to create connections to related data. This balance between independence and integration helps support the multidisciplinary nature of construction projects while attempting to prevent the information silos that were always a massive issue in any collaboration efforts. US businesses that are used to segregated information environments often find such federated approaches significantly different from traditional working methods.

What is the role of ISO 19650 in the handover and operational phases?

ISO 19650 transforms the traditionally problematic handover process by establishing continuity between operational asset management and project delivery information. The standard extends information management principles beyond the completion of construction in order to ensure that both owners and operators can receive comprehensive and structured information instead of a disorganized collection of documents. It helps bridge the information gap that often exists between project teams and facility management, creating significant value for building owners, who used to struggle to extract usable data from project deliverables.

The standard achieves this continuity using the concept that the project information model (PIM) evolves into the asset information model (AIM). This evolution requires careful planning from the inception of the project, as the AIM has a direct influence on the information specifications for the delivery team. A common data environment can facilitate this transition by maintaining consistency in information structures, relationships, and metadata throughout the lifecycle transition. When implemented properly, this approach can eliminate the substantial costs traditionally associated with the reconstruction of asset information after handover.

As for operational teams, ISO 19650-compliant information delivery provides unprecedented visibility into maintenance needs, performance requirements, and asset composition. The information structure helps boost the effectiveness of maintenance planning while improving operational decisions and renovation scoping capabilities at the same time. US businesses with substantial portfolios in real estate stand to gain a particular advantage from this aspect of the standard, as it creates consistency between different projects and facilities that used to operate as separate information islands. Many leading facility management platforms now support direct integration with ISO 19650-compliant information structures, which further streamlines the transition from delivery to operations.

Best practices for managing information in a CDE

The successful implementation of a CDE necessitates thoughtful configuration with a balance between flexibility and standardization to be able to accommodate the project-specific needs of the organization. This includes the development of consistent folder structures, metadata schemas, and naming conventions that apply across all projects while also allowing for necessary adaptations. It creates familiarity for team members moving between projects while ensuring the accessibility and searchability of the information. The configuration should also align with the breakdown structure for the information containers established in the BIM execution plan, forming clear locations for the contributions of each discipline.

Workflow automation is an important best practice for CDEs, reducing the administrative burden of information management while still enforcing compliance with established procedures. It should be possible to configure and automate notifications, approval processes, and status transitions, with appropriate quality checks at each transition point and verification requirements that match the purpose and risk profile of the information. However, it is important to avoid creating overly complex approval chains, since they impede information flow without adding proportional value.

Training and support mechanisms are always considered essential for the successful adoption of a CDE, especially for team members from businesses or disciplines that have had limited previous exposure to structured information management. This concerns not only initial orientation courses, but also ongoing support resources that include practical examples, standardized templates, troubleshooting guides, and access to experienced mentors capable of providing guidance in complex situations.

Businesses leading ISO 19650 implementation should acknowledge their responsibility to help the entire supply chain with such evolution, including smaller participants with limited resources. One of the biggest reasons for this is that the benefits of the standard depend greatly on universal participation in the information ecosystem.

How does ISO 19650 affect project lifecycle management?

ISO 19650 fundamentally reshapes the way information flows throughout the entire project/asset lifecycle. It creates a continuous digital thread to connect decisions made early on with their impacts during the operation of the building or even decommissioning. This seamless information continuity system represents a drastic departure from traditional approaches, where information tended to become fragmented or lost when transitioning from one project phase to another.

Managing information throughout the asset lifecycle

The standard distinguishes between different information models corresponding to lifecycle stages, from the PIM in delivery to the AIM during operations. Each transition point requires careful planning to make sure that valuable information retains its usefulness and integrity as it moves from one phase to another. This way, decisions become better informed, with insights from operations successfully feeding back into future design improvements.

Successful implementation requires establishing clear information requirements which cascade through the asset lifecycle. The OIRs define the strategic needs of the business, which inform the AIRs specifying what information the owner needs for operations. These requirements drive the PIRs and EIRs, which contractually obligate delivery teams to provide specific information at specific points in time.

Impact on construction projects and health and safety

Improved information reliability tends to reduce costly rework and schedule delays. This reliability also extends to quantity information for procurement, spatial coordination for installation, and sequencing data for planning, creating a more predictable construction process.

These improvements in predictability affect health and safety management, as well, ensuring that safety-critical information receives the appropriate identification, verification, and prominence in the information model. Risk assessments, hazardous material information, and method statements thus become important parts of the information model, making crucial safety information more discoverable than ever before.

Contractor knowledge about installation constraints, maintenance access, and component replacement strategies can easily transition to facility management teams and their ongoing safety efforts.This continuity helps reduce the safety risks traditionally associated with the knowledge gap between operational startup and project completion.

Ensuring the right information delivery at each stage

The standard also introduces formal information exchange points where delivering parties have to demonstrate compliance with specific requirements before information can transition to the next state. These verification gateways can prevent inaccurate or incomplete information from propagating through the project, resolving potential issues before they can affect downstream activities.

An effective level of information needed specification (LOIN) is a critical mechanism for ensuring appropriate levels of detail at each stage. Instead of using the simplified approach of traditional LOD frameworks, ISO 19650 promotes a more nuanced consideration for alphanumeric, geometric, and documentary information requirements. Such precision helps prevent both information gaps and information overproduction, where critical data may still be missing even if the model is considered “complete.”

Information quality assessment is systematic under ISO 19650 rather than subjective. It promotes clear and measurable acceptance criteria for information deliverables, removing ambiguity about whether the requirements are satisfied or not. Organizations that implement effective quality assessment frameworks discover reduced review cycles and improved information reliability as delivery teams gain more clarity about expectations (with the ability to self-check their work against established criteria).

What are the challenges of adopting ISO 19650?

Despite its considerable benefits, the implementation of ISO 19650 also presents businesses with substantial hurdles that have to be navigated with a lot of care and proper planning. The transition itself requires drastic changes to established workflows, technological infrastructure, and even organizational culture. One good example of such issues is when US businesses attempt to adapt standards that were developed primarily for European environments to fit with North American contractual frameworks and industry expectations.

Common barriers to implementation

Resource constraints are the primary obstacle for most problematic ISO 19650 implementations, especially in smaller businesses with limited resources. The upfront investment in technology, training, and documentation is a massive financial barrier that can be difficult to justify without clear client mandates demanding compliance. Many businesses struggle with accommodating enough time and resources for implementation alongside ongoing project demands, which tends to lead to partial adoption which offers neither the full benefits nor true compliance with the standard.

Technical challenges are also common for such massive implementation undertakings, especially when it comes to integrating diverse software platforms into a unified information management ecosystem. Legacy systems tend to lack native support for ISO 19650 requirements, such as metadata structures or standardized naming conventions, necessitating the use of middleware platforms or custom solutions. Information security requirements bear mentioning here as a separate issue, as well, introducing additional complexity for large international projects where the collaborative principles of shared information environments tend to conflict with data sovereignty regulations.

Overcoming resistance to change in organizations

Cultural resistance is often the most formidable barrier to the successful adoption of ISO 19650, with even the most established professionals regularly being skeptical about the value of formalized information management. Such resistance tends to manifest as passive non-compliance rather than active opposition, with teams using familiar methods while nominally acknowledging the new standards. Overcoming this inertia necessitates leadership that can demonstrate genuine commitment through both words and actions, with active participation in new processes instead of simply forcing them onto others.

Successful businesses address this resistance by creating clear connections between ISO 19650 compliance and the practical benefits that may resonate with different stakeholders. For designers, emphasis on reduced rework and clearer client expectations provides motivation, while contractors respond better to improved field coordination and a lower number of requests for information.

Incremental implementation can prove more effective than a revolutionary change, allowing teams to build confidence through early successes instead of tackling the most complex aspects of the standard from the get go. Businesses that can establish robust feedback mechanisms also discover that practitioner input often leads to more sustainable implementation approaches with a better balance between theoretical compliance and practical workability.

What are the legal implications of not following ISO 19650 in international projects?

Construction requirements for ISO 19650 compliance are becoming increasingly common in international projects, creating potential liability for businesses that fail to deliver compliant information management. Non-compliance has the potential to trigger contractual disputes that range from payment delays to claims for damages if information deficiencies may impact project outcomes. As the standard becomes more and more popular, arbitration finals and courts are increasingly recognizing ISO 19650 as an established standard of careful information management, creating a potential liability even when a construction contract does not explicitly reference the standard in the first place.

Disparities between regional interpretations of ISO 19650 also tend to create particular challenges for multinational teams. In situations like these, seemingly compliant practices in one jurisdiction can potentially fail to satisfy the requirements in another region. US businesses operating internationally need to be aware of national annexes that modify base requirements to align with local regulatory frameworks and industry practices.

Established legal frameworks for managing BIM implementation (such as AIA’s E203 Building Information Modeling Protocol or ConsensusDocs 301 BIM Addendum) require careful adaptation in order to fully address the requirements of ISO 19650, creating potential gaps in contractual coverage during the transition periods.

Strategies for the successful adoption of BIM standards

Phased implementation is the most sustainable approach to the adoption of this standard, beginning with fundamental elements like naming conventions and information structures before advancing to more complex parts of the standard. Starting with pilot projects allows businesses to develop expertise and refine processes in a controlled environment before spreading the new methodology to the rest of the business. This approach creates experienced practitioners that can serve as internal champions and mentors to a certain degree as implementation expands, hopefully reducing dependence on external consultants over time.

Strategic partnerships with experienced implementation specialists can accelerate the adoption process while also avoiding common pitfalls. Businesses should seek partners with practical project experience alongside theoretical knowledge in order to ensure that implementation guidance can remain grounded in workable solutions. Creating robust metrics to measure both business benefits and compliance proves essential for maintaining momentum through the inevitable challenges of implementation. These measurements can help demonstrate progress to stakeholders while identifying areas that require additional attention, creating accountability that helps prevent implementation initiatives from stalling before delivering their full potential.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ISO 19650 and earlier ISO BIM standards?

ISO 19650 is a significant evolution of earlier standards thanks to the comprehensive framework for information management that it establishes throughout the entire asset lifecycle. The standard incorporates lessons learned from national standards like the UK’s BS 1192 while offering greater flexibility for international implementation with the help of national annexes to accommodate regional practices.

Do small and medium-sized firms need to follow ISO 19650?

Even small and medium sized businesses increasingly find compliance with ISO 19650 necessary in order to participate in larger projects where clients or private contractors mandate standardized information management. The standard itself is designed with scalable implementation in mind. It can help smaller businesses adopt core principles that are proportionate to their role in the information delivery chain instead of committing to a full implementation from the start.

How can ISO 19650 improve collaboration in international projects?

ISO 19650 creates a common language for information management that can transcend regional differences in practice and terminology. Standardization efforts like these reduce the friction that multinational teams experience, establishing shared expectations for information quality, exchange processes, and management responsibilities that can function with high efficiency across geographic and cultural boundaries.

What is the difference between ISO 19650 and BIM certification?

ISO 19650 establishes standards for information management processes. BIM certification typically evaluates an organization’s capability to implement such processes in an efficient manner. There are many certification programs that now specifically ISO 19650 compliance, creating a structured pathway for businesses to demonstrate the maturity of their information management to partners or potential clients.

How can my organization start implementing ISO 19650?

A good first step would be to perform a gap analysis to compare current practices within the organization against the ISO 19650 requirements. This way, you can identify areas for priority development before focusing initial efforts on establishing the foundational elements (methods, procedures, information requirements) and forming a common data environment before advancing to more complex aspects of the standard.