The following blog was written by Nicola Pearson, Engagement Lead for the Government and Industry Interoperability Group (GIIG).

Reliable information is the life blood of an organisation, essential for a wide range of decision-making.

In the context of building safety, for example, the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety said:

“The purpose of the digital record is to ensure that accurate building information is created, updated and accessible, at points throughout the building life cycle.”

The GIIG works with the public and private sectors to improve their ability to exchange and use information, ensuring that the information is independent of the technologies used to deliver it. In 2022, the group conducted a survey into the effects of poor interoperability. One organisation reported an increase in staff turnover: frustration over the amount of time spent manipulating files was cited in exit interviews.  Another organisation estimated that it had spent approximately £1.24 million over seven years on repeat surveys and reproducing information.

Working with cross-industry stakeholders, the GIIG has drawn up a code of practice to establish and promote good interoperability in the technologies used in planning, design, construction and asset management. This code may be used to demonstrate whether technology products support interoperability.

Paul Wilkinson, chair of the Code of Practice working group, explained why the Code of Practice is important:

“Government is calling for the sector to deliver better whole-life outcomes. To do this, we need to work more effectively, to share information between supply chain partners and deliver it to asset owners in forms they can use throughout the life cycle of their assets. Increasingly, clients are seeking to manage their information independent of the technology used to create it, but this is currently challenging to deliver. The Code of Practice is tackling these challenges, setting some core principles and providing supporting technical recommendations to software providers and to the wider industry.”

Paul will be presenting at DCW 23 on 17th May when you will be able to learn more. Before then, the Delivering Valuable Data is being launched on Monday 17th April 2023 at the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Come along to learn about the Code of Practice, how it can support procurement to improve data delivery, and opportunities for its future development. Join policymakers, public and private asset owners, technology providers and industry supply chain professionals to learn about the benefits the code will deliver and how you can participate in its future. Sign up for free launch and networking lunch.