ISO 19650 Revision in 2026 — The End of "BIM", the Rise of Information Management
On 2 March 2026, in a webinar attended by over 900 participants, proposed changes to ISO 19650 were announced — the international standard that defines how information is managed in construction projects. The changes are groundbreaking: the standard officially moves away from the term "BIM" in favour of "information management", merges the delivery and operational phases, and renames key documents. Here is what you need to know.
What is happening — context
ISO 19650 is the series of standards defining how to manage information in construction projects using BIM. It underpins BIM mandates worldwide — from the UK BIM Framework to Poland's BIM Standard PL document templates.
The revision was announced by Anne Kemp, chair of nima (National Institute of Management Advisors) and ISO 19650 convenor, alongside the standard's authors David Churcher MBE and Paul Shillcock. Draft revisions for Parts 1 and 2 were made available for consultation from 10 March 2026, with Part 3 expected from early June.
This is not a minor update. It is a philosophical shift.
The 4 most important changes
1. One process — from design to operations
Previously, ISO 19650 clearly separated the delivery phase (Part 2) from the operational phase (Part 3). In practice, this led many firms to treat BIM as a design tool — and after building handover, the model went into a drawer.
The new revision merges both phases into a single coherent process. This is a direct response to the biggest mistake of the UK's BIM implementation — neglecting the operational phase.
The consequence? From the very start of a project, you must consider what data the building manager will need. Information requirements must cover the entire lifecycle — they do not end at handover.
2. From "BIM" to "information management"
David Churcher, co-author of the standard, stated explicitly: the emphasis is shifting from "BIM" as a term to "information management". The phrases "information management" and "information production" will be used to signpost specific activities in the process.
Why? Because "BIM" had become loaded with confusion. For some it meant Revit, for others 3D modelling, for others a process, a standard, or a philosophy. Terminological ambiguity was hindering adoption. The revised standard says clearly: it is about managing information, not about software.
This follows the same direction taken by the UK, which changed its "BIM Mandate" to the "Information Management Mandate".
3. BEP becomes the Information Production Plan
The "BIM Execution Plan" (BEP) — one of the most important documents in any BIM project — is being renamed to "Information Production Plan".
The name changes, but the function remains: it is the document describing how information will be created, managed, and delivered in a project. The new name more accurately reflects the scope — it is not just about "executing BIM", but about planning the entire production of information.
For design offices, this means updating templates and documentation. But the name change is also an opportunity to review and improve existing processes.
4. Connections to new related standards
The Part 1 revision introduces references to two important related standards:
ISO 7817-1 — concerning level of information need. This replaces the ambiguous "LOD" (Level of Development/Detail), which caused confusion for years — different countries and organisations defined LOD differently.
ISO 29481-1 — the IDM (Information Delivery Manual) standard, defining how and when information should be delivered between project participants.
These references create a more complete ecosystem of standards — ISO 19650 no longer operates in isolation but as part of a coherent family.
What this means in practice
For design offices already working to ISO 19650
Short term — follow the consultations, review the draft revisions. Your current documentation (BEP, EIR, templates) still works, but understanding the new language is essential.
Medium term — plan documentation updates: BEP → Information Production Plan, "BIM" terminology → "information management". Train your team on the new approach.
Long term — start thinking about the entire lifecycle, not just the project phase. Involve facility managers (FM) in defining information requirements from day one.
For firms just beginning their BIM journey
Paradoxically, this is an excellent time to implement. Instead of learning "old" BIM language and then updating it, you can adopt processes aligned with the new approach from the start. A free BIM audit will help you build on the right foundation.
The bigger picture — March 2026 in BIM
The ISO 19650 revision is not happening in isolation. At the same time:
Trimble releases Tekla 2026 (11 March) with AI tools and real-time model-to-documentation synchronisation.
Autodesk connects Revit to Forma — Revit becomes the first "Forma Connected Client," with access to cloud analytics and the AI-powered Autodesk Assistant directly from within Revit.
The BIM market is growing from $9.03 billion (2025) to a projected $15.42 billion (2030) — 11.3% annual growth. Cloud, AI, and digital twins are driving the expansion.
Startups are challenging Revit — AEC Magazine writes about "agentic BIM": platforms that automatically validate models, detect inconsistencies, and check standards compliance in real time. Without manual quality control.
The direction is clear: BIM is ceasing to be "a 3D modelling programme" and becoming the information management infrastructure for construction — integrated with AI, cloud, and IoT. The ISO 19650 revision is the formal confirmation of this evolution.
Don't wait — prepare now
The public consultation on ISO 19650 Parts 1 and 2 draft revisions is open from 10 March 2026. After consultation and amendments, the new version is expected in 2027.
You do not need to wait for publication to prepare. The key concepts — lifecycle information management, FM engagement from the start, structured information production — can be implemented today.
We'll help you prepare your firm for the new era of information management. 60 minutes, PDF report, action plan.
Frequently asked questions {#faq}
What is changing in ISO 19650 in 2026?
Merging delivery and operational phases, shifting from "BIM" to "information management" terminology, renaming BEP to Information Production Plan, and referencing new related standards.
When will the new version come into effect?
Draft revisions for Parts 1 and 2 available from 10 March 2026, Part 3 from June. Publication expected in 2027.
Will BEP disappear?
No — the document remains but is renamed to Information Production Plan. Same function, broader scope.
Why is ISO dropping the term BIM?
The term "BIM" was confused with "3D modelling." The revised standard emphasises information management across the entire building lifecycle.
What does this mean for design offices?
Firms working to ISO 19650 should follow consultations and plan documentation updates. Firms starting their BIM journey should adopt the new language from the outset.
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