Introducing a new framework for using generic Information Delivery Manuals

Information flow management plays a significant role in ensuring the reliable exchange of Building Information Modeling (BIM) information between project participants in the Architecture, Engineer-ing, Construction, and Facility Management (AEC/FM) industry. The buildingSMART standard approach to resolve this issue is based on the Information Delivery Manual (IDM). The IDMs in current use indicate that focus has mainly been on formalizing multifaceted and wide-ranging AEC/FM processes, and therefore often involve multiple use cases. Because IDMs typically describe such complex processes, they are difficult to manage and complicated to implement in real-life AEC/FM projects. In this study, we address these challeng-es by proposing a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) methodology, breaking down the IDMs into smaller IDM Packages. We introduce a modular IDM Framework aimed at defining and organizing generic IDM Packages for all main use cases of the AEC/FM project life cycle. In this methodology, an IDM Project Plan can be created by selecting the specific IDM Packages required for the specific AEC/FM project. Ultimately, we believe that the IDM Framework will help improve information flow management and the reusability of IDM Packages amongst unique AEC/FM projects. In addition, we believe that the IDM Framework will sup-port the potential harmonization of the development of new IDMs, as the specific context of each IDM Pack-age, and the relationship to other IDM Packages, becomes clearer. Such harmonization is also necessary, if improved interoperability between AEC/FM software tools is the goal.