taxonomy
A system for naming and organizing a set of words or phrases, into groups that share similar qualities, used for organising information and primarily intended for browsing. In BIM contexts its classification of concepts and terminology according to a clear structure. The term “Taxonomy” comes from terms “Taxos”, ordering and “nomos”, rule. [1], Taxonomy is […]
Point of Adoption
a moment in time where an organisation’s readiness, change into organisational capability/maturity Macro-BIM adoption: Conceptual structures Bilal Succar Mohamad Kassem Tweet The Point of Adoption (PoA) is not to be confused with the critical mass ‘inflection point’ on the S-curve [67,68]; or with the ‘tipping pint’, the critical threshold introduced by Gladwell [22]. [22] M. […]
diffusion
a process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among the members of a social system E.M. Rogers, Diffusion of Innovations, Free Press, New York, 1995. p.5 the third and final phase of the well-noted Schumpeterian Trilogy: “invention(the generation of new ideas), innovation (the development of those ideas through to the […]
macro diffusion dynamics
adoption model which identifies three diffusion dynamics top-down, bottom-up and middle-out Macro-Diffusion Dynamics model v1.1 (full size, current version). Macro-BIM adoption: Conceptual structures http://bit.ly/BIMPaperA8
Asset Information Model (AIM)
The Asset Information Model or AIM is a term used to define the set of information gathered from all sources that support the continuing management of an asset
Asset Information Requirements (AIR)
Term introduced by ISO 19650 set of standards is related to information required during the operation phase of an asset AIR define managerial, commercial and technical aspects of information production, by the introduction of standard method and procedures (SMPs) which shall be used by the delivery or maintenance teams The AIR information helps to define […]
Common Data Environment (CDE)

ELI5-S1: BIM Basics E2: CDE Explained The purpose of using Common Data Environment (CDE) on a project is to provide the right person with the right information at the right time.[1] The CDE is a tool used to exchange, view, analyze, share, and manage project information whilst maintaining data integrity. CDE can be used at […]
Computer aided facility management (CAFM)
Originally coined in the 60s, The acronym has become a catch-all for a wide range of Facilities Management platforms and software. A CAFM system can be broadly defined as a collaborative, work order, and workflow management tool that provides visibility, financial control, and business intelligence to facilities teams in their pursuit of a data-driven strategy. A […]
Gross Internal Area (GIA)
The total area of buildings owned, occupied, or maintained, measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level, is referred to as GIA (i.e. the footprint of the building excluding the width of the outside walls)
Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
KPI is an abbreviation for key performance indicator, which is a quantifiable measure of performance over time for a specific goal. KPIs provide goals for teams to aim for, milestones to track progress, and insights to help people throughout the organisation make better decisions.
Operations and Maintenance (O&M)
Describes the functions, duties, and labour associated with the operations of an asset, including repairs, replacement of parts and structural components, and other activities needed to maintain an asset.
Organizational Information Requirements (OIR)

ELI5-S1: BIM Basics E7: OIR explained information requirements in relation to organizational objectives BS EN ISO 19650‑1:2018 (3.3.3)
Portable document format (PDF)
It’s a versatile file format developed by Adobe that allows people to easily present and exchange documents – regardless of the software, hardware, or operating systems used by anyone who views the document. The International Organization for Standardization now maintains the PDF format as an open standard (ISO). Links and buttons, form fields, audio, video, […]
Project Information Model (PIM)
It is a term introduced in PAS 1192‑2: 2013 and ISO 19650 set of standards. It means any graphical or non-graphical information such as: Structured information, i.e.: schedules, costing and databases Unstructured, i.e.: method of construction, performance requirements, details of installed systems, components and equipment, maintenance requirements, video clips and sound recordings. Geometrical information i.e. […]
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
RIBA Plan Of Work 2020 0 – Strategic Definition is about determining the best means of achieving the client’s requirements. An open mind is required because a building might not be the most appropriate solution 1 – Preparation and Briefing is about developing the detail of the brief and making sure that everything needed for […]
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
An internationally recognized green building certification system confirms the level of the sustainability performance of an asset. Confirming the level at which the asset was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, availability of resources and […]
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)
It is a UK green building certification system, launched in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), similar to LEED. Both systems confirm the level of the sustainability performance of an asset. Confirming the level at which the asset was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter […]
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A geographic information system (GIS) is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates many types of data. It analyzes spatial location and organizes layers of information into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes. With this unique capability, GIS reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, […]
task team
The term, introduced by ISO 19650, describes a team of people working together on a specific task. task team might be an individual appointed party, and the appointed party might include several task teams; also task team might involve many appointed parties Impact of ISO 19650 on an appointed party and a task team is […]
Tier 2
In the construction industry, Tier 2 is a Contractor referred in ISO 19650 as the Appointed party with a sub-contract who provide goods or services directly to the Lead Appointed Party (Tier 1)
Tier 3
In the construction industry, Tier 3 is a sub-contractor referred in ISO 19650 as the Appointed party and Task Team, with a sub-contract who provides goods or services directly to the Tier 2 Appointed Party
volume

ELI5-S1: BIM Basics E10: Volume Strategy (spatial) explained a term defined by BS 1192:2007 means a spatial subdivision of a project to allow multiple people to work on Project Information Model simultaneously, i.e. Revit. Volumes illustrate how Project Information Models can be divided into independent units, for a range of purposes. also two character volume/system […]
Project Team

All parties appointed for the project are defined as members of the Project Team. Each function can be fulfilled by either an individual or multiple people throughout the course of the project. Function responsibilities can be transferred as the project progresses. Thus, project team can be formed by one or many companies or individuals who […]
Crown Commercial Services (CCS)
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is an administrative agency and trading fund of the Cabinet Office of the UK Government, responsible for the supervision of the procurement of common goods and services on behalf of the government The aim of using CCS agreements is to find cost-effective procurement frameworks to buy commonly used goods and […]
Cost Led Procurement
A procurement method introduced by Constructing Excellence and the Cabinet Office intended to allow industry to use its experience and knowledge to develop innovative solutions through leveraging design, materials, subcontracting, direct labour and experience to the advantage of the Public Sector Client.
Integrated Project Insurance (IPI)
The integrated Project Insurance model (IPI) coupled up with Insurance Backed Alliancing is a framework which encourages and empowers project teams to work together. The procurement method introduced by Constructing Excellence and the Cabinet Office collectively insures the client and all the other Alliance partners: consultants, specialists, manufacturers, construction managers and their supply chains.
Insurance Backed Alliancing
A new procurement method coupled up with Integrated Project Insurance model (IPI) is a framework which encourages and empowers project teams to work together. The procurement method introduced by Constructing Excellence and the Cabinet Office, collectively insures the client and all the other Alliance partners: consultants, specialists, manufacturers, construction managers and their supply chains.
Two Stage Open Book
A procurement method introduced by Constructing Excellence and the Cabinet Office where a client invites prospective integrated teams to bid for a project based on their ability to deliver an outline brief and cost benchmark In the two-stage, open-book bidding process, an outline bid and benchmark cost are provided to prospective project teams. Following the first stage, […]
tertiary power source
A Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or standby generator connected to dedicated final circuits of the distribution infrastructure. Enhance the infrastructure resilience and can improve maintenance opportunities and business continuity for the higher risk areas. Typical tertiary power supplies: batteries for UPS systems, inverter units and generators; HV/LV tripping/closing batteries; UPS systems; inverter units for […]
secondary power supply (SPS)
alternative or supplementary electrical energy sources has become more viable, typical secondary power supply (SPS) Photovoltaic (PV) power Wind turbine power standby generator