5 Common Challenges in ISO 19650 Implementation
The benefits of adopting ISO 19650 for managing information in construction and asset management are compelling – improved efficiency, reduced risk, better collaboration, and enhanced long-term value. However, as we’ve seen in many of the organisations we work with, the path towards successfully implementing this global standard isn't always clear. Recognising the common pain points is therefore a crucial first step towards developing effective strategies to address them.
For expert insight on the key challenges organisations typically face when trying to align with ISO 19650, you can view our recent webinar here: ISO 19650 – The Global Standard for Information Management in Construction
You can find more in-depth discussion on trends in digital construction in our upcoming webinars
Challenge 1: Cultural resistance and shifting mindsets
The most significant barrier to successfully implementing a new framework or set of standards isn’t usually technical but cultural. Entrenched ways of working, typified by a "we've always done it this way" resistance to change create inertia and friction.
There’s a common misunderstanding around concepts such as ISO 19650/BIM, which compounds this: that successful implementation is simply a case of upgrading technology, rather than step changes in how people work and collaborate. And if senior management only sees another overhead on the balance sheet without grasping the tangible benefits, securing genuine buy-in can be difficult.
How to address this:
Prioritise clear communication focused on value, inform leadership to create advocacy, and adopt a gradual, phased approach to implementation.
Challenge 2: Bridging the capability and skills gap
Implementing ISO 19650 effectively requires specific knowledge and expertise that may not readily exist within an organisation. A lack of understanding of the standard's detailed requirements, processes (like CDE workflows or information exchange protocols), and associated terminology is common.
On top of this, there is often insufficient budget or a lack of dedicated resources allocated for essential training and upskilling. The construction industry is also facing a broader shortage of experienced information management professionals, making it difficult for some firms to recruit or develop the necessary talent internally.
How to address this:
Invest in targeted training, leveraging external consultants for initial support, and identifying and empowering internal champions to drive adoption.
Challenge 3: Defining clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability
A common misconception we encounter is that firms need only appoint a BIM Manager to take on responsibility for “all the BIM stuff”, and the problem can be marked as solved. Of course, that’s an unrealistic view (to say the least). Information management is a collective responsibility involving multiple roles across the project team.
If there’s ambiguity regarding who is responsible for specific information management tasks throughout the project lifecycle, gaps in process execution emerge. A lack of clearly defined accountability for information delivery standards within contracts can also weaken the imperative for adherence and make enforcement difficult.
How to address this:
Apply tools such as responsibility matrices (RACI), ensure a formal definition of roles at project initiation, and embed specific information management duties within contractual frameworks.
Challenge 4: Integrating standards into practical workflows
Moving from understanding the standards to consistently applying them in day-to-day workflows presents another layer of challenges. While the theory may be clear, in reality, teams can struggle to adhere to standardised naming conventions, correctly utilise CDE status codes for information sharing, or follow agreed-upon information exchange protocols.
There are also technical hurdles to overcome, such as designing, configuring and managing a Common Data Environment effectively to enforce the required workflows or ensuring smooth data exchange between different software platforms used by various disciplines. As we highlighted in the webinar, this underlines the importance of concepts such as Open BIM and IFC.
How to address this:
Develop robust internal protocols, provide practical, tool-specific guidance, and maintain a focus on the underlying process that the technology supports.
Challenge 5: Justifying the investment and demonstrating ROI
Implementing ISO 19650 requires a significant commitment of time and resources, including, in some cases, purchasing new software, funding training programmes, and even recruiting additional talent. As many benefits, such as reduced rework, long-term operational savings, risk mitigation, and improved compliance, accrue over time, it can be challenging to quantify the tangible return and make the case for upfront investment.
The danger here is that the implementation is seen primarily as an overhead, rather than a strategic investment, and that leadership focuses on the capital costs, overlooking the significant whole-lifecycle value proposition that effective information management unlocks.
How to address this:
Clearly articulate the long-term operational and strategic benefits, and frame the implementation around value, e.g. efficiency gains, risk reduction, meeting compliance needs, enhancing work-winning potential.
Unlocking the long-term benefits of ISO 19650
While implementing ISO 19650 presents genuine challenges relating to people, processes, and technology, the significant, long-term benefits far outweigh the cost and resources required in the initial phase. What’s needed is a structured approach to implementation that helps key stakeholders understand the long-term vision and shores up internal support and investment to drive the project to completion.
At Majenta, we’ve been helping construction sector organisations of all sizes achieve ISO 19650 compliance since the standard was published in 2019, from reviewing current practices to optimising processes, implementing more effective information management and building a strategic roadmap towards accreditation. Get in touch using the link below to learn more.
