ISO 19650: Must-Have or Just More Paperwork?

Do you think ISO 19650 is a big efficiency boost or just a bureaucratic nightmare?

This is a question I’ve been thinking about quite a bit lately ??

Let’s dive in.

As someone who’s been a civil engineer, worked as a BIM manager, and now runs a software company focused on ISO 19650 workflows, I’ve found myself right in the middle of this debate.

So, let me share my perspective on the good, the bad, and the reality of ISO 19650.

?? The Good:

• Clear Guidelines for Managing Information: ISO 19650 provides a framework that helps manage project information consistently. This means everyone knows what’s expected, reducing confusion and aligning teams.
• Boosted Collaboration Among Teams: When everyone is on the same page, collaboration becomes easier. ISO 19650 fosters a culture of transparency and teamwork, leading to smoother project execution.
• Improved Quality Control and Fewer Mistakes: With clear standards in place, the chances of errors decrease. This ultimately leads to better quality control and more reliable project outcomes.

?? The Not-so-Good:

• Feels Like Drowning in Paperwork: Let’s face it, implementing ISO 19650 can sometimes feel like you’re buried in documents. The initial setup can be overwhelming.
• Steep Learning Curve at the Start: Getting up to speed with ISO 19650 isn’t always easy. There’s a lot to learn, and the process can be daunting for newcomers.
• Perception as Bureaucracy: Some see ISO 19650 as just another layer of bureaucracy. It’s easy to dismiss it as more paperwork without understanding the benefits.

But here’s the deal: ISO 19650 isn’t about making our lives harder.

It’s about establishing a universal standard that everyone follows.

Why Should We Care?

Dealing with ISO 19650 might feel like a headache initially, but in the long run, it’s a massive boost.

It can save time+money, streamline processes, and prevent potential legal issues if things don’t go as planned.

Imagine playing a game without clear rules – it'd be chaos, right?

The same goes for managing project information.

A little of my advice:

• Keep it Simple: Use templates to streamline the process. Templates can significantly reduce the learning curve and make implementation easier.
• Leverage Free Resources: There are plenty of free templates and guides available, including those on our platform, to help you get started.
• Automate Tasks: Automation is your friend. Tools like auto model checking (also available on Plannerly!) can save you tons of time and ensure consistency across projects.
• Focus on the Perks: Don't focus on checklists, keep your eyes on the prize – better collaboration, fewer mistakes, and a smoother, more efficient workflow.

So, Is ISO 19650 a Must?

I’d say yes!

Not because it’s perfect, but because it offers a structured approach that, when used correctly, simplifies and enhances the entire information management process.

What do you think? Is ISO 19650 essential, or do you find it a bit too much?