BIMINAM AS BUILT INFORMATION MEETING, 05-06-2026
The fourth As Built Information Definition Sub-Group meeting marked a significant shift from debating the definition of As Built Information to developing practical guidance on how it should be applied, managed and maintained throughout the lifecycle of a built asset. The group reviewed a draft industry guidance document and discussed how it could be structured to provide a clear, consistent and accessible framework for clients, designers, contractors, asset owners and operators. A strong consensus emerged that the guidance must be understandable and usable by organisations of all sizes, from small specialist contractors to major Tier 1 organisations, while remaining sufficiently robust to support regulatory compliance and operational needs.
A major theme throughout the discussion was the need to treat As Built Information as part of a continuous lifecycle process rather than a one-off handover exercise. Participants explored the relationship between project information, asset information and operational information, with several contributors advocating for a single, version-controlled thread of information that evolves from design through construction, handover, occupation and future alterations. Considerable attention was given to the relationship between Project Information Models (PIM), Asset Information Models (AIM) and the long-term management of information once a building enters operation. Contributors highlighted the importance of maintaining information as assets change over time, raising questions about how information becomes "as-maintained" and how information should be validated, retained and updated.
The group also discussed the practical responsibilities for creating and maintaining As Built Information. There was broad agreement that responsibility must be clearly allocated through defined roles and responsibilities, supported by contractual requirements and discipline-specific professional guidance. Several participants stressed that while software can assist information management, the primary requirement is clear engineering logic, professional accountability and consistent information structures. The discussion reinforced that information should be created progressively throughout design and construction by the people with the greatest knowledge of the work, rather than assembled retrospectively at project completion.
Building safety remained a central consideration. Participants highlighted the growing importance of accurate and verified information following the Building Safety Act and noted that liability for Building Regulations non-compliance now extends significantly beyond previous limitations. The group agreed that reliable information is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for supporting safe operation, maintenance, future alterations and asset management throughout the building lifecycle.
The accompanying chat discussion expanded on these themes, exploring information governance, validation, accuracy, precision, retention periods, security classifications, technical assurance, certification requirements and the role of subject matter experts. There was strong support for viewing information as a continuous "golden thread" that follows the asset throughout its life and remains accessible to users with varying levels of technical competence. Contributors also highlighted the importance of defining information from the perspective of its intended users and ensuring that information supports operational decision-making rather than simply satisfying project handover requirements.
Key Outcomes
- Progression from defining As Built Information to developing implementation guidance.
- Agreement that information should be managed as a continuous lifecycle asset.
- Recognition that responsibility and accountability must be clearly defined.
- Support for progressive creation and validation of information during project delivery.
- Increased focus on information usability, accessibility and operational value.
- Strong alignment between As Built Information, Asset Information Models and Golden Thread principles.
- Identification of further work required on validation, maintenance, retention and lifecycle governance of information.