Information requirements process map
On projects that use building information modelling (BIM), an information requirements process map may be developed as a pre-cursor to producing full employer's information requirements (EIR).
It can be a helpful format for identifying the key decisions that it will be necessary to make during the development of the project, and the questions (sometimes referred to as plain language questions) that will need to be answered at those decision points. The information that the employer will need in order to answer those questions can then be identified.
An example of an initial information requirements process map is presented below. This might be developed to include additional details, such as; the format that information should be prepared in, the organisation that will prepare the information and the individual or group responsible for making the decision.
This can help define roles and responsibilities, the need for appointments to be made, and the scope of services for those appointments and is a good basis for preparing the employer's information requirements which will become part of the contract documentation.
| Decision point | Plain language questions | Information required |
| Stage 0: Strategic definition | Has the project information been prepared and organised in a way that will be useful in later stages?
Does the statement of need adequately define the requirement? Does the preliminary business case give sufficient justification for the project? Should the project be pursued and a strategic brief prepared that will allow feasibility studies and option appraisals to be carried out? |
Statement of need. |
| 0b: Strategic brief | Has all required existing information been compiled in a suitable format and stored in a suitable way?
Does the strategic brief properly reflect the business need? Has the strategic brief been developed sufficiently to appoint advisers to carry out feasibility studies and option appraisals? Has an assessment been made of the appointments required to carry out feasibility studies and option appraisals? Should appointments be made to carry out feasibility studies and option appraisals? |
Strategic brief, including existing information.
Initial responsibility matrix. |
| Stage 1: Preparation and brief | Has information been compiled in a suitable format and stored in a suitable way?
Does the strategic brief still satisfy the business need? Is the project feasible? Do option studies provide sufficient information to be able to select a preferred option? Does the preferred option satisfy the business need? Is the preferred option affordable? Is a suitable project management plan in place? Does the business case for the preferred option justify progressing with the project and developing a full project brief? Should an outline planning application be submitted? |
Strategic brief. |
| 1b: Brief and information requirements | Does the project brief still satisfy the requirements set out in the business case?
Has the project brief been developed in sufficient detail for concept design to begin? Are the employer's information requirements developed sufficiently to make appointments? Is the project affordable or is value management necessary? Have roles and responsibilities been adequately defined? Should appointments be made to design the development? Are the necessary environments and systems in place? Is any training necessary? |
Project brief. |
| 1c: Supplier appointments | Do the supplier's proposals comply with theemployer’s requirements?
Does the preferred supplier (and their supply chain) have the appropriate capabilities and capacity? Is any training required? Is the price acceptable and is sufficient funding in place? Should the preferred supplier be appointed? |
Employer’s requirements
Supplier relevant employer's information requirements Contractors proposals (or consultants proposals) |
| Stage 2: Concept design | Is the information compliant with employer's information requirements?
Does the concept design satisfy the project brief and business case? Have necessary consultations been carried out? Is the concept design affordable or is value management necessary? Are the proposals likely to satisfy the building regulations and other statutory requirements? Should the project brief be frozen and change control procedures introduced? Is planning permission likely to be granted? Are planning conditions or planning obligations likely to be acceptable? Should a planning application be prepared? |
Native and industry foundation classes (IFC)building information model files.
COBie file. Updated employer's information requirements. Updated project management plan. |
| Stage 3: Developed design | Is the information compliant with employer's information requirements?
Does the design and specification satisfy the project brief and business case? Is the design affordable or is value management necessary? Are the proposals likely to satisfy building regulations and other statutory requirements? Should change control procedures be introduced for the design and specification? Should specialists be appointed to assist in the preparation of the technical design? If it has not already been done, should a planning application be submitted? |
Native and industry foundation classes (IFC)building information model files.
COBie file. Updated employer's information requirements. Updated project management plan. |
| Stage 4: Technical design | Is the information compliant with employer's information requirements?
Has the work of specialist subcontractors been properly co-ordinated? Are there works that should be procured separately from, or in advance of, the main works? Have statutory approvals been completed? Is the project affordable? Are funds available? Should funds be committed for construction? |
Native and industry foundation classes (IFC)building information model files.
COBie file. Updated employer's information requirements. Updated project management plan. |
| Stage 5: Construction | Is the information compliant with the employer's information requirements?
Have the works been completed? Has the development been tested and patent defects rectified? Should practical completion be certified and the building occupied? Is there a clear migration strategy and operational strategy in place? Is any training required? |
As constructed building information model files in native and industry foundation classes (IFC) format.
COBie file Updated employer's information requirements. |
| Stage 6: Handover and close out | Is the information compliant with employer's information requirements?
Have any remaining defects been rectified? Is the final account correct? Should the final payment be made and remaining retention released? Is the development operating satisfactorily? Are any changes required? Are there any lessons learned that might be applicable to other projects? |
As-constructed asset information model in native and industry foundation classes (IFC) format.
COBie file. Any additional testing and commissioning information. |
| Stage 7: In use | Is new information compliant with the asset information requirements?
Is the information management process operating correctly? Is any training required? Is the development operating satisfactorily? Are any changes necessary? |
Asset information model.
Information management process. |
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