Consider a scenario. You are standing at a construction site in late 2025. You’ve got BIM models on one tablet and site plans on another, but you wonder: will all this information actually help after submission? For many years, that’s been a problem in construction. Teams built using BIM for coordination, then filed away the model once the building was done.
That story is why ISO 19650 has changed in 2026. The new revision officially shifts us away from treating BIM as just a 3D model and toward managing structured data across the entire asset lifecycle. Simply put, the next-gen ISO 19650 forces everyone to think about information from start to finish, not just models and drawings. It marks a fundamental shift in how we approach BIM and data compliance. Let’s explore more about the updated version of ISO 19650!
What Is ISO 19650 in BIM?
ISO 19650 is the international standard for managing construction information in BIM throughout an asset’s lifecycle. In simpler terms, it’s the rulebook for how project data is organized and shared. It makes sure architects, engineers, contractors and owners all speak the same data language.
Parts of ISO 19650
It consists of 2 major parts.
- Part 1 covers concepts and principles.
- Part 2 guides delivery, including design and construction.
Additional parts address operations, security and other topics.
Key Elements of ISO 19650
● Common Data Environment (CDE)
It is a shared digital hub where all models and documents exist. You can consider CDE as the project’s single library of information. Instead of emailing models around or keeping local copies, everyone checks in and checks out data from the CDE.
It provides version control and a clear audit trail. Under ISO 19650, using a proper CDE is mandatory since it’s how you prove that the data you need is complete and up-to-date.
● EIR/AIR (Exchange/Asset Information Requirements)
These include what information the owner/client needs and when. Basically, the project owner gives the team a list of what they expect to receive.
● BEP/IPP (BIM Execution Plan/Information Production Plan)
It is the project’s roadmap for who produces what information and when. Under the 2026 draft, BEP is simply renamed to IPP with the same function but updated name. It’s the document that describes how information will be created, managed and delivered during the project.
Note: If you want to explore more on BEP, see our guide: The Ultimate Guide to BIM Execution Plans (BEP).
● IDS (Information Delivery Specification)
It is a detailed schedule of who delivers what data and when. An IDS is basically a Gantt chart for information, which lists who must deliver which pieces of data at each project stage. By formalizing this data, nothing is left to chance, as everyone knows exactly when each piece of information is due.
● LOIN (Level of Information Need)
LOIN is a new concept from ISO 7817-1 that replaces the old LOD system. It clearly states how much information or detail is needed for each element or phase.
Do you know why LOIN matters? Because the old LOD was often confusing, what one person called LOD 300, another called LOD 400. However, LOIN focuses on data requirements. This means every team member knows exactly what complete means at each stage, which removes guesswork plus ensures consistency across projects.
If you are thinking about what LOD is right for a particular project, get tips here: How to Choose the Right Level of Detail (LOD) in BIM Modeling for Your Project.
Working Patterns Before 2026
Before the current updates, ISO 19650 mostly separated the delivery phase (design/construction) from the operational phase. That means teams used BIM as a design tool, then submitted the model and moved on.
Data was produced on schedule via the BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and stored in a Common Data Environment (CDE). Teams even used Levels of Development (LOD) to track model completeness, but everyone’s LOD was defined a bit differently.
All this was meant to create a structured information delivery in a single shared environment, but in reality, the two halves of the asset lifecycle remained separated.
For example, an engineer could deliver a perfect as-built model, but the facilities team got blank stares in the handover meeting. The information existed, yet it wasn’t immediately useful to the people who needed it most. This gap explains why the 2026 ISO revision addresses every link in the chain.
What Has Changed in 2026?
The 2026 revisions are more like a philosophy change than a simple update. Put simply, the ISO update is a conceptual shift. It consolidates multiple document workflows into a single superstructure for project information. Instead of dozens of disjointed rules, the standard becomes a cohesive playbook for data management. Here are the big changes:
1. Process, From Design to Operations
The draft removes the old handover boundary. Delivery and operations are now treated as one continuous workflow. This means from day one, you plan with the entire lifecycle in mind.
In other terms, you won’t just submit the model; instead, the project model itself evolves into an Asset Information Model (AIM). The Asset Information Model is carefully treated as a continuously updated source of truth for the building. Simply put, the project model literally becomes the AIM, which means a living data resource.
The draft even suggests merging the Exchange Information Requirements and Asset Information Requirements. So owners will define what data they need up front, and teams will deliver it as part of the normal workflow.
According to REBIM, this change was long overdue; the new 9-step information process replaces the old split between delivery and operations. So information planning is not an afterthought; however, it’s part of every step on the project.
2. From BIM to Information Management
The standard specifications drop the term BIM in favor of information management. Do you know why? Because BIM had become a confusing term, involving software, models, or processes. The new wording clarifies that ISO 19650 is about organizing, governing and sharing data, and not any particular 3D software.
It’s like renaming a department from Design to Design & Data. Now, you will see different terms, like Information Production” and Common Data Environment” in place of BIM. This change cuts through confusion as the standard explicitly emphasizes that you are talking about data.
3. BEP Becomes the Information Production Plan
One key document is being renamed. The BIM Execution Plan (BEP), which is the master plan for how your team produces information, is now the Information Production Plan (IPP). The name changes, but the purpose stays the same: it’s the schedule of who will produce which information and when.
You can take it as a reminder that information planning is now a core project task, not an afterthought. You’ll update your templates and replace BEP with IPP on page one, but more importantly, it’s a chance to review your whole plan.
For example, the IPP includes tasks like “export COBie at stage 4” or “update FM database monthly”; these are the points the old BEP has ignored. Above all, the draft combines other docs too; the old Task and Model Info Delivery Plans (TIDP/MIDP) merge into one Information Production Strategy (IPS). This means fewer separate documents and a more unified process, simplifying project paperwork and ensuring you are covering all project needs.
4. Connections to New Related Standards
The draft properly ties ISO 19650 to other data standards, creating a more complete ecosystem. Part 1 now references ISO 7817-1 (Level of Information Need) and ISO 29481-1 (Information Delivery Manual). This is huge for consistency. Instead of confusing LOD definitions, you have a clear LOIN metric from ISO 7817-1.
Suppose an owner asks for “LOIN 200 for HVAC,” everyone worldwide now knows exactly what detail that includes. ISO 29481-1 (the IDM) provides a structured way to describe how information is exchanged in every contract.
By linking to these standards, ISO 19650 becomes the center of all data guidelines. It’s like everyone is asked to use the same dictionary now, so LOIN or information manager has the same meaning everywhere.
What Happened with BIM in March 2026?
These ISO changes didn’t happen by chance. In March 2026, the BIM world saw big moves in line with this new focus:
● Tekla 2026 Released (Mar 11)
Trimble launched Tekla 2026 with AI-powered model-checking and live model-to-document synchronization. This means Tekla models automatically validate themselves and update construction drawings in real time, which is exactly the kind of automation that matches an information-management approach.
● Revit Connected to Forma
Autodesk announced Revit will be a Forma Connected Client, giving users direct access to cloud analytics and an AI assistant inside Revit. This lets Revit models feed data into a cloud service for insights, like energy use predictions. It also means built-in AI can check your model as you go. This integration supports the idea that BIM is becoming more than a desktop tool; however, it’s part of a connected ecosystem.
● BIM Market Growth
The global BIM market is booming, projected to grow from $9.03 billion in 2025 to $15.42 billion by 2030, which means 11.3% annual growth. Do you know the source of it? Cloud platforms, AI and digital twins. In other words, the industry is pouring investment into exactly the technologies ISO 19650’s update assumes.
● Agentic BIM Startups
The media is reporting on Agentic BIM tools that automatically validate models and check compliance in real time. Imagine a software agent that watches every model update and flags inconsistencies or missing data, eliminating the need for a human eye to catch it manually. This vision of automated QA is right in line with the new standard’s emphasis on continuous information management.
● Direction
Taken together, these trends show that change is happening in many factors, from tech tools to market demand. BIM is clearly evolving from being just a 3D modeling program into a full information-management infrastructure with AI, cloud and IoT all connected.
What the ISO 19650 Changes Mean for the Industry
These updates bring a new mindset to construction projects. Here’s how they play a different role:
● A New Core Question
It is a simple shift of a question: Are you doing BIM? → Are you managing information strategically across the asset lifecycle?
This shifts the goal of any project initiation. Instead of starting with models, teams start with data, including what exactly they need to know and who will use it. This means from the very first meeting with the client, you’ll hear questions like, “What performance data do you need from us?” instead of “Which drawings do you want?”
The owners or managers now help set the project’s information requirements and governance at the starting point. This reframes project goals as it forces you to plan with the results in mind. Instead of focusing on software or models, teams will make sure the data flows they create will support operations. This means teams can ask, “Who needs this info 6 months after submission?”
● Greater Responsibility for Asset Owners
Related to that, asset owners and facility managers become key players in the BIM process. The draft expects them to define clear, structured information requirements from day one. Simply put, owners will outline exactly what data they want in the final delivery.
For contractors and designers, this means you’ll coordinate with owners on these data needs throughout the project, rather than being disturbed at the end. The result should be fewer surprises and rework.
● Increased Focus on Operations
Project success is no longer measured just by the Time; however, it’s now assessed based on Building Operations & Maintenance. This means that the draft makes it clear that an asset’s performance after handover is part of project success. In other words, teams will deliver models with real-world operations data baked in.
Going in depth, now, you can include the followings in the BIM:
- Equipment serial numbers
- Warranties
- Maintenance manuals
- Sensor info.
You can also run integration tests so that the model aligns with the facility management system (FM/CMMS) automatically.
● Demand for Connected Systems
Underlying all of this is a big assumption, showing that teams will use integrated, cloud-based tools, eliminating the use of disconnected spreadsheets or emails. Modern construction is moving toward centralized data platforms and real-time data flows, and ISO 19650 2026 doubles down on that trend.
You’ll need a robust Common Data Environment with live collaboration. Workers in the field must use a tablet app to annotate the model on site, or an automated workflow that pulls data from sensors into the as-built model. The new standard almost requires mobile, IoT and AI integration.
If your process still depends on emailing attachments, you won’t cut it. The ISO revision essentially focuses on upgrading to a single source of truth where every change is logged. In results, it’s promoting an ecosystem where BIM software, cloud services, and factory/prefab data streams align with each other.
Master ISO 19650 compliance—upgrade your BIM workflow today.
Contact UsWhy Is ISO 19650 Being Updated?
You might be wondering, “Why this complete change? What was wrong with the old standard?” Here were the issues that needed to be resolved.
● The Language Was Too Technical for Many Teams
The original ISO 19650 reads like a legal contract in places. Many teams, especially smaller contractors or designers, found it difficult and did not want to add to that headache. The 2026 draft cuts the jargon and long clauses, aiming for plain, straightforward terms.
The idea is that you can hand the standard to an engineer or project manager without manual work. Now, you will get the reports, but in language that sounds like an email, not law documents.
● There Were Unnecessary Repetitions
Another issue with the 2018 version was that it often repeated the same ideas in multiple sections. This made reading boring and confusing. The revision removes duplicate text and repetitions so the document is transparent.
Simply put, you’ll see one clear statement of each requirement instead of overlapping paragraphs. This will make auditing simpler; instead of piecing together bits from 3 sections, you have 1 concise rule to follow.
● Construction Has Moved Beyond Just Building
The way you use BIM has dramatically evolved. Now, BIM isn’t just for finished models; however, it’s at the center of digital twins, smart building controls, and sustainability analysis. PMs now rely on BIM for energy monitoring, predictive maintenance, and integration with smart city infrastructure long after construction ends. The old standard didn’t emphasize this broader picture, but the updated version does.
● Global Adoption Needs Global Consistency Now
BIM has become a global practice in the construction world. Governments around the world, including the USA, the UK, UAE, Singapore, and Germany, mandate ISO-aligned BIM. If each country or company treats the rules differently, it defeats the purpose of an international standard.
The revision aims to lock down definitions so everyone uses the same language. For example, IPR or Information Manager will mean the same thing everywhere. This consistency makes multinational projects smoother and prevents arguments over terminology.
Challenges of Adopting ISO 19650 Changes
Of course, implementing big changes brings challenges. Here are 5 to watch and plan for when you plan to adopt ISO 19650 changes:
● Retraining Teams on New Terminology
All those new abbreviations (IPP, IPS, IPR, LOIN, etc.) demand learning. You’ll need to educate everyone, from BIM managers to site supervisors, on the updated language. Plan training sessions or workshops so teams aren’t struggling when the updates arrive.
● Updating Contracts and Documentation
Every place you wrote BEP, LOD, or Information Manager in a contract or template may need revision. That means you must update EIR templates, owner requirements, BIM execution guidelines, and most importantly, the legal documents. It’s challenging, but do it systematically now to prevent issues later.
● Adapting Workflows & Roles
The revision formalizes some roles and responsibilities that used to be confusing. You can officially appoint an Information Manager or split your team between Information Governance and Information Production. That can require reorganizing people or changing job descriptions.
Also, processes will change. For example, you might start involving facility managers in design meetings, or add steps to check data quality before milestone deliverables. And this change is disruptive, as some staff may resist new meetings or stricter checks. The solution is clear communication. Explain why the process is changing and how it benefits everyone.
Note: Focus on learning while expecting a bit of a drop in productivity as teams adjust, but remember this is short-term pain for long-term benefits.
● Upgrading Legacy Systems
If your data is still in email or spreadsheets, get ready for an upgrade. The new standard forces integrated platforms. This means you need to invest in a modern cloud-based CDE or BIM collaboration software (if not added already) to ensure both platforms can handle real-time collaboration, integrated workflows and full-lifecycle data.
This might mean moving to a true cloud CDE (not just network drives) or linking your BIM software directly with facility management systems. These tech upgrades cost money and time, but they’re the only way to meet the new requirements.
● Risk of Short-Term Disruption
Big shifts like this will cause some initial confusion. For a while, teams might not know if they should use the old BEP or start drafting an IPP. Some processes may overlap awkwardly.
To mitigate this, make a clear transition plan. Run a pilot project using the draft framework so teams can learn the workflow. Keep both old and new documents side by side temporarily to avoid a complete shutdown.
The good news: you won’t be forced to make a switch overnight. ISO 19650 updates take time to roll out. Existing certifications and project contracts won’t immediately become invalid. Use the overlap period to train staff and refine your process.
Pro Tips to Prepare for ISO 19650 Changes
Get ahead of these challenges by taking action now. Here are 4 practical tips:
● Assess Your Current Maturity.
Start by benchmarking where you stand now. Use an ISO 19650 compliance checklist or BIM maturity model to audit your processes. Ask the following questions:
- Do you use a proper CDE with version control, or just email folders?
- Do subcontractors follow your BIM guidelines, or do they submit random PDFs?
By knowing exactly what’s missing, you can prioritize fixes, like saving money by not touching areas you already excel in.
● Refine Your Information Requirements.
Review and tighten your EIR/AIR documents now. Make sure each requirement is crystal-clear and outcome-focused. Confusing statements lead to loose interpretations, which is the opposite of what the new standard needs.
Instead of asking for MEP models, specify exactly what MEP data the owner needs and in what format. Also, consider drafting or improving your Information Delivery Specification (IDS). The IDS breaks down each requirement by team and milestone, so everyone knows what to deliver and when.
● Invest in Training.
Don’t wait until the update goes live. Plan workshops or bring in an expert to explain the shift. Your BIM managers, project managers and IT staff should understand the WHY behind the changes, not just memorize new terminologies.
Teach them about information management concepts; run a workshop on how LOIN works or how to fill out an IPP. The more comfortable everyone is with the concepts, the faster you’ll adapt to this change. Also consider specialized training, plus if you’re moving to a new CDE or BIM software version, give your team plenty of time to learn it.
● Upgrade Your Technology.
Now’s the time to evaluate your software. Check if your current tools handle integrated, real-time workflows. If not, plan for it. For example, if your BIM models aren’t already in the cloud, start that migration now. Similarly, if your BIM and FM platforms can’t connect to each other, consider software that does.
In addition, make sure everyone is on compatible file versions and that your network is secure. The standard explicitly expects connected systems. Investing in the right tech, like a cloud CDE, BIM 360, or a digital twin platform, will pay off by making compliance natural.
Conclusion
So, ISO 19650:2026 means considering your building as data from day one. The key points are to manage information across design, construction and operations as one seamless workflow. Plan for the whole lifecycle by setting clear information requirements early and upgrading your processes and tools now. Use the new terms, like IPP and LOIN, as a prompt to revisit how you run BIM, considering ISO 19650:2026 as the updated blueprint for collaboration that just makes sense.
If you are worried about how to adapt to these updates, BIM Modeling’s experts can help your team implement these changes and improve collaboration. We offer hands-on BIM services and information-management consulting to bridge design and operations. Explore our services to see how we streamline workflows and keep projects running smoothly from foundation to finish.
Schedule a consultation to see how our ideas fit into your next project and give you a competitive edge!
FAQs
Why is ISO dropping the term BIM?
Because BIM has become a confusing term now, the revised standard emphasizes information management across the entire building lifecycle. In other words, it’s not about any one software or 3D model; however, it’s about managing structured data from design through operation. This shift clarifies that ISO 19650 is about organizing and sharing data, period.
What is changing in ISO 19650 in 2026?
Major changes include merging the delivery and operational phases into one continuous process and updating key terminology. For example, BEP is renamed IPP, EIR becomes IPR, and a new 9-step information management workflow is introduced. The standard also officially replaces LOD with LOIN, and ties in ISO 7817-1 and ISO 29481-1 for information level definitions. Essentially, the vocabulary and scope have been updated to cover the full lifecycle and make definitions globally consistent.
When will the new version come into effect?
Draft revisions for ISO 19650 Parts 1 & 2 were released for consultation on 10 March 2026. After feedback is collected and final approvals are made, the updated ISO 19650 is expected to be published in 2027. Until then, the existing 2018 versions remain the current requirement. Many teams will use the intervening period to prepare and align with the draft.
Has BEP disappeared?
No. The BIM Execution Plan (BEP) still exists, but it’s simply renamed. In the 2026 draft, BEP is called the Information Production Plan (IPP). Its role is to describe how project information is produced and delivered, which is the same as it was under the term BEP. You’ll just update references and templates to say IPP, but your work process remains consistent.
Who needs to follow ISO 19650?
Essentially, anyone involved in a BIM project should follow it. That includes owners, clients, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and facility managers. Even if you run a small design firm or a maintenance team, understanding ISO 19650 principles will help you coordinate data better.
Where can you access the official ISO 19650 standard?
The official standard documents (Parts 1, 2, 3, etc.) can be purchased from ISO’s website or national standards bodies, like BSI (UK), ANSI (US), DIN (Germany), etc. Many of these organizations also publish free guidance notes or summaries that explain the content. Those can be a good starting point before you buy the official version.
