Information Delivery Manual (IDM)
An Information Delivery Manual (IDM) or Information Delivery Specification (IDS), can be used to identify discrete processes that are undertaken during the lifecycle of a built asset, and to detail the information required to carry them out.
The standards for IDM's are set out in:
- ISO 29481-1:2016, Building information models -- Information delivery manual -- Part 1: Methodology and format.
- ISO 29481-2:2012, Building information models -- Information delivery manual -- Part 2: Interaction framework.
- ISO/WD 29481-3, Building information modelling -- Information delivery manual -- Part 3: Model View Definitions.
The standards define an IDM as:
| documentation which captures the business process and gives detailed specifications of the information that a user fulfilling a particular role would need to provide at a particular point within a project |
They suggest that:
|
An IDM provides help in getting the full benefit from a BIM (building information modelling). If the required information is available in the BIM to support a construction process or use case, and the quality of information is satisfactory, then the process itself will be greatly improved. For this to happen, there needs to be a common understanding of the processes involved across the entire life cycle development of a built environment project, including the information that is required for and results from the execution of that process. This applies to any activity that results in an exchange of information and may not relate directly to a BIM, e.g. the process to arrive at a work plan or contractual agreement. |
IDM's include:
- Interaction maps: Representation of the roles and transactions relevant for a defined purpose.
- Transaction maps: Representation of a set of messages that are exchanged between participating roles for a particular purpose.
- Process maps: Representation of the relevant characteristics of a process associated with a defined business purpose.
- Exchange requirements: A defined set of information units that needs to be exchanged to support a particular business requirement at a particular process phase.
For the users of BIM, it provides an easily-understandable description of:
- Built asset lifecycle processes – where they fit and why they are relevant.
- The requirements for information to be provided for the process to be carried out successfully.
- Who the parties are who create, consume and benefit from the information.
- Additional information that may be needed from the user.
- How the information should be supported by software solutions.
- The expected end results.
IDM 's help to improve the reliability of information exchanges between the project participants, and help improve information quality, decision making, and the effectiveness.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February