Information management: the experts’ reasons for change

Over the course of 30 minutes, DC+ questioned the quartet about the importance of information management and the IMI. Here are the highlights.

Bolton, very much with her Built Environment Connective hat on, pointed out that it is only from a solid foundation of structured and managed information that we can tackle the greatest challenges that society faces. She said: “We have some huge challenges – locally, nationally and globally – and these are all interconnected and complex, wicked problems. They require us to think about the system and how the different systems interconnect.

“But we don’t generally work or think in a joined-up manner, and we know that both our organisations and our information are not joined up. Almost all of these grand challenges that we face have their roots in the built environment, and therefore, the solutions are in the built environment. Why change? Simply, we can’t begin to solve these wicked problems of our time if we don’t have the correct information, and that information is interoperable and managed correctly.”

White emphasised how the management of data and information enables value to be realised. He said: “I’ve been involved in major project delivery and enterprise digital transformation for quite a while now, and major infrastructure projects, in particular, are becoming more and more complex with vast amounts of data. If that data is not managed correctly, then it can become noise, and it can cost time and it can cost money.

“If we’re going to meet the requirements of the Construction Playbook and look at efficiency in terms of both time and productivity as well, you’ve got to be data-driven, and you can’t really be data-driven if you don’t fully follow information management best practices.

“Where it is managed correctly, on projects like Hinkley Point C, we’re seeing where the value of information management and the Information Management Initiative can actually turn that noise into value.”

Rico drew on her experience with the National Underground Asset Register to echo White’s point. “I believe that we can really unlock a lot more value when we’re sharing information rather than keeping it closed up. We have the ability, the tools and technologies to actually make the next step change in how we use information of the built environment – not just building information management, but also information for asset management.

“The National Underground Asset Register, for example, improves access to data of utilities that are buried, so we can see how we can avoid asset strikes and reduce delays, and ultimately save lives. It’s a massive case for exchange of information in a way that is secure and safe, and it really demonstrates how you can unlock not just individual organisations’ value, but also economic value across the country as well.”

Alfaour added: “We’re dealing with more and more data, more stakeholders, tighter regulations. Information management isn’t just about storing data: in many ways, it’s about trust. If you can’t find what you need when you need it, you’re flying blind. Information management, the IMI: they’re aiming to give that visibility and confidence to build smarter and safer.”

So change is upon us: does it matter how quickly we adapt and adopt? Does it matter if some parts of the supply chain surge ahead while others lag behind? There was a clear consensus from the panel.

“I don’t think it’s necessary for all parts to change at the same pace, there will always be leaders or followers or early adopters,” said Bolton. “I think that procurement has a vital role to play, making sure that strong information management is embedded in the contracts, because we’re all tied to what it says in contracts.”

Rico added: “I think it’s really important to make sure that we are sharing our experiences that quantify how information management actually supports a faster or safer delivery. When there is a pound sign, you can actually start to build the evidence base for everyone to embrace this change.”

White emphasised the importance of people: “It’s a people challenge – it’s not really a technical challenge. And everybody’s at a different level of maturity. I’m having the same conversations today that I was having 15 years ago with people, and that’s okay, because everybody is at a different level of maturity, and we have to accept that.

“If you make [the reason for change] pragmatic and meaningful and people understand why they’re changing, then that’s when you get real-world progress.”

The session ended with a call to action from each member of the panel. Alfaour called on the industry to simply get going: “Don’t treat information management or change management like an IT initiative. It’s a business enabler and essentially, if you approach it right, it’s going to enhance you and your stakeholders day-to-day. Start small, map one process, standardise one folder structure, roll it out, repeat, and then the momentum will build off of that – quick wins, small wins, anything’s a win. Go ahead, get out there and get your first win.”

Rico called for the data user to be the focus: “What is it that you’re trying to achieve? First, who is going to be using this information? And then think about getting the right information or data to that person, taking a user-centric approach.”

White declared: “Powered by data, driven by people. Information management and data can be a little bit of a dry subject, but Formula One’s not a dry subject – it’s exciting – and that’s powered by data, driven by people. If we own our information, we own our future. But we’ve got to start today. A day that we don’t start is a day that we’re delaying.”

Bolton concluded: “Taking a little liberty with a quote from António Guterres, secretary-general of the UN: ‘Collaborate or perish.’ We need to change the way we build, manage and run our infrastructure – to join up the siloes, the organisations, the people and the information; to start with the outcomes before considering the interventions; and to think about the built environment as a system of complex and interconnected systems, rather than a series of individual projects. Strong, outcomes-focused uses of digital, AI and IM are vital enablers of this change.”

The immersive, avatar-driven nima conference, staged on 6 November, drew nearly 350 attendees. Recordings from the conference should soon be available to watch on nima’s YouTube channel.

Keep up to date with DC+: sign up for the midweek newsletter.