BSI construction product identification system

In response to Dame Judith Hackitt's call for a 'golden thread' of transparency and accountability, BSI has launched new identification technology for products to drive safety across the built environment industry's supply chain.

In Hackitt's Independent Review of The Building Regulations and Fire Safety, it called for "an identification system that could provide every component in a building with a unique and persistent identification code."

Known as BSI Identify, the system uses digital object identifier (DOI) technology to deliver a unique, constant and interoperable identifier, called a BSI UPIN (Universal Persistent Identification Number). It can be assigned to products to help UK manufacturers to directly manage information about their products in the supply chain.

The DOI system allows product information to be identified and accessed with certainty and preserves a persistent record. It supports decisions at any point in a product's life cycle; from manufacture, specification, procurement, installation, use, to de-commission or reuse, BSI said.

The UPIN directs users to a free, enduring and searchable registry where users can access all relevant product information which is controlled by the manufacturer.

Dan Rossiter FCIAT, Sector Lead for built environment digital transformation standards at BSI, said: "BSI is proud to bring the identification technology to the built environment to drive good practice around traceability and safety. It should have a transformative effect on how product information is exchanged by providing a robust and permanent solution for product traceability and information accountability."

Construction Products Association (CPA) and representatives from across the built environment supply chain were involved in the development of the new ID system.

Peter Caplehorn, Chief Executive at CPA, said: “Digitalisation of the construction industry is essential to drive productivity, improve performance certainty and ensure the robust verification of products and their information. The deployment and use of DOI in the product sector is long overdue and will inevitably lead to a step change in efficiency for construction and maintenance across the built environment. The CPA is delighted to be involved in this initiative, and we see it as an important contribution towards the ‘golden thread’ of information called for in the Dame Judith Hackitt review.”

This article originally appeared on the CIAT website under the headline, 'BSI launch new construction product identification system'. It was published on 15 November 2021.

--CIAT

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