Information management
Information management is crucial in facilitating the smooth running of construction projects. It is the collecting, storing, distributing, archiving and deleting/destroying of information. Efficient information management ensures that the right people have the right information at the right time enabling them to make the right decisions. It is generally centrally managed and allows the parties to project or programme to manage their time and resources in the most effective way to achieve the desired results.
Typically, information management is achieved with the use of information management systems that provide a common structure, protocols and automated systems.
In the course of a construction project, consultants, clients, contractors and subcontractors generate huge amounts of information, much of it in a digital format. Storing information in this format is easier compared to hard copy documents, papers, drawings, letters, invoices and other by-products of the construction process (for more information see: Document control).
The introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry has helped standardise the way that digital data and information are created, stored and managed so that it is easier for teams to collaborate and ensure the client's information requirements are satisfied.
Once stored effectively, information can increase value by allowing management, planning, organising, structuring, processing, controlling, evaluating and reporting to take place in a more efficient way. However, the information that is stored must be retrievable and understandable if it is to have maximum value.
The first step in information management is creating or collecting information such as capturing the client’s requirements, expressing the brief, formulating initial responses and solutions. This may be followed by architectural concept sketches, formal plans, which are then supplemented by designs from other consultants, such as engineers, surveyors, contractors and sub-contractors. Depending on requirements, some stakeholders may also have rights to access or input information.
On projects using BIM, these requirements may be described as Employer's Information Requirements (EIR). A common data environment (CDE) may be created as the single source of information. This is used to collect, manage and disseminate documentation, the graphical model and non-graphical data for the whole project team (i.e. all project information whether created in a BIM environment or in a conventional data format). On small projects, the CDE may simply be a collection of folders on a single server or could be a web-based file-sharing application such as Dropbox.
For more information see: Building information modelling.
Projects may go through a number of stages, or gateways, at which information is collated and approved, then change control processes are introduced for aspects of that information that are considered 'frozen'. For more information see: Change control and Data drop.
A Request for Information (RFI) (occasionally referred to as a Technical Query) is a formal question asked by one party to a contract on a construction project to the other party. Typically this will be a request from the contractor to the client’s consultant team, but it may be between any of the parties, for example from a sub-contractor to a contractor. For more information see: Request for Information
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Government consultations for the summer of 2025
A year of Labour, past and present consultations on the environment, the built environment, training and tax.
CMA competitiveness probe of major housing developers
100 million affordable housing contributions committed with further consultation published.
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.