ISO 29481-1-2016 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 29481-1:2016 — Building information models — Information delivery manual — Part 1: Methodology and format. This part defines the methodology for creating an Information Delivery Manual (IDM) that links business processes to the information required by those processes and provides a standardized way to describe information exchanges across the life cycle of construction works (briefing, design, documentation, construction, operation and maintenance, demolition), with the aim of facilitating digital collaboration and software interoperability.

Abstract

ISO 29481-1:2016 specifies a methodology to map business processes to information requirements and a format for describing information processes across the life cycle of built assets. It is intended to support interoperability between software applications used at all lifecycle stages and to provide a basis for accurate, reliable, repeatable and high-quality information exchange through an Information Delivery Manual (IDM).

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded (replaced by ISO 29481-1:2025).
• Publication date: 2016-05 (published 1 May 2016 by ISO).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 35.240.67 (IT applications in building and construction industry); 91.010.01 (Construction industry in general).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2016).
• Number of pages: 29 pages (typical publishing metadata).

Scope

Specifies a methodology that links business processes undertaken during the construction of built facilities with the specification of the information required by those processes, and provides a way to map and describe information processes across the life cycle of construction works. The scope explicitly aims to facilitate interoperability between software applications used during all lifecycle stages and to support digital collaboration among project participants.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and use of Information Delivery Manuals (IDMs) to record which information is required, by whom and when during lifecycle processes.
• Methodology to capture business processes, use cases and associated information exchange requirements.
• Formats and conventions for specifying information exchanges to promote consistent interpretation and software interoperability.
• Mapping of responsibilities, roles and interactions in the context of information delivery (basis for coordination and traceability).
• Foundation for later technical parts of the series (e.g., data schema and interaction frameworks) that enable machine-readable IDM specifications.

Typical use and users

Used by BIM managers, information managers, architects, engineers, contractors, facility managers, owners/clients, and software vendors to define, agree and implement what information should be exchanged at specific lifecycle stages and within specific use cases. Also used by standards bodies and consultants when preparing contract information requirements, employer’s information requirements (EIR), and protocol documents.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 29481 IDM series. Closely related and complementary documents include ISO 29481-2 (Interaction framework) and ISO 29481-3 (Data schema). The 2016 Part 1 edition replaced the 2010 edition and was itself replaced by ISO 29481-1:2025 (Edition 3). Other adjacent standards in the ISO/TC 59/SC 13 family (for example ISO 6707-1 and ISO 19650 series) are commonly referenced for vocabulary and information management practices.

Keywords

Information Delivery Manual (IDM); Building Information Modelling (BIM); information exchange; interoperability; use case; information requirements; lifecycle information; digital collaboration; information delivery; data schema.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 29481-1:2016 is the second-edition international standard that defines the methodology and format for Information Delivery Manuals (IDMs) used in conjunction with Building Information Modelling (BIM) to specify information exchanges required by construction lifecycle processes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers how to link business processes to the information needed by those processes, how to document use cases and exchange requirements, and how to format and map information processes across the asset lifecycle to promote reliable and repeatable information exchange.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: BIM managers and coordinators, architects, engineers, contractors, facility managers, owners/clients, consultants and software developers who need to define, agree and implement precise information exchange requirements across project stages.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 29481-1:2016 has been withdrawn and superseded by ISO 29481-1:2025 (published 2025). For new projects and implementations, refer to the 2025 edition (ISO 29481-1:2025) which updates and replaces the 2016 content.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 29481 is a multipart series. Key companion parts are ISO 29481-2 (Interaction framework) and ISO 29481-3 (Data schema); together these parts cover methodology, interaction/coordination definitions and machine-readable data schema for IDM specifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: IDM, BIM, information delivery, information exchange, interoperability, use case, information requirements, lifecycle information, data schema.