Information Delivery Manual (IDM)
An Information Delivery Manual (IDM) or Information Delivery Specification (IDS), can be used to identify discrete processes that are undertaken during the lifecycle of a built asset, and to detail the information required to carry them out.
The standards for IDM's are set out in:
- ISO 29481-1:2016, Building information models -- Information delivery manual -- Part 1: Methodology and format.
- ISO 29481-2:2012, Building information models -- Information delivery manual -- Part 2: Interaction framework.
- ISO/WD 29481-3, Building information modelling -- Information delivery manual -- Part 3: Model View Definitions.
The standards define an IDM as:
documentation which captures the business process and gives detailed specifications of the information that a user fulfilling a particular role would need to provide at a particular point within a project |
They suggest that:
An IDM provides help in getting the full benefit from a BIM (building information modelling). If the required information is available in the BIM to support a construction process or use case, and the quality of information is satisfactory, then the process itself will be greatly improved. For this to happen, there needs to be a common understanding of the processes involved across the entire life cycle development of a built environment project, including the information that is required for and results from the execution of that process. This applies to any activity that results in an exchange of information and may not relate directly to a BIM, e.g. the process to arrive at a work plan or contractual agreement. |
IDM's include:
- Interaction maps: Representation of the roles and transactions relevant for a defined purpose.
- Transaction maps: Representation of a set of messages that are exchanged between participating roles for a particular purpose.
- Process maps: Representation of the relevant characteristics of a process associated with a defined business purpose.
- Exchange requirements: A defined set of information units that needs to be exchanged to support a particular business requirement at a particular process phase.
For the users of BIM, it provides an easily-understandable description of:
- Built asset lifecycle processes – where they fit and why they are relevant.
- The requirements for information to be provided for the process to be carried out successfully.
- Who the parties are who create, consume and benefit from the information.
- Additional information that may be needed from the user.
- How the information should be supported by software solutions.
- The expected end results.
IDM 's help to improve the reliability of information exchanges between the project participants, and help improve information quality, decision making, and the effectiveness.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.