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 0a: Business justification

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. Preliminary business case.

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 1a: Appraisals

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. Options review report.

Initial cost appraisals.

Business case.

Project management plan.

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. Employer's information requirements.

Elemental cost plan.

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?