Chapter 8 – Step 1 – Prerequisites

In order to determine the level of information need in line with requirements, the necessary objectives must first be clarified. These form the prerequisite, but are not themselves part of the level of information need.

Definition of the prerequisite (why, when, who, what)

The method in SN EN 17412-1:2020 for designating the level of information need (LOIN) is based on the assumption that there is a specific need for information at a certain point in time.

Why

The purpose and intended use, applications and use → form the basis of the information provided.

The purpose of providing information is to support a specific process, a specific application during planning, construction or operation. The required information must serve precisely this purpose; further information does not have to be supplied. This ensures efficiency and avoids contradictions (as little as possible, as much as necessary).

The information is provided geometrically, alphanumerically or via documents. The best way to describe the intended use is in use ^cases4.

Examples:

• Quantity take-off, quantity determination for the cost estimate or cost estimate
• Penetrations of components, coordination of recesses in load-bearing and non-load-bearing components
• Fire protection zones, escape routes and fire protection classes of the components to ensure the structural implementation of fire protection

When

Time at which a specific delivery object is expected, delivery object – information delivery milestone

The information is required by the user at a specific point in time and must be available at that precise moment. It is important to allow for a certain lead time, which is determined by all those involved in the work and planning process, for the development and coordination. The so-called “planning of planning” helps to ensure an efficient process.

Examples:

• Provision of the area and usage types (SIAd0165), such as the gross floor area for the building application
• Provision of the technical models for the BIM overall coordination cycles
• Provision of the final documentation when the building is handed over to the client

Who

Actors in the project who are recipients of information (information providers) or producers of information (information suppliers).

Roles and responsibilities must be clear in the project and in the deployment process. For the when, what and why to work, it must be clear who has to do what and when – independently and/or in coordination with other stakeholders.

Example:

• Provision (upload) of the model on the agreed date
• Checking the model before uploading
• Assignment of tasks to the responsible body

What

Information content that is defined in a certain depth of information need, the level of information need.

To ensure that the required information can be used, the structure with the necessary conventions in which it is delivered must be defined in advance. The same applies here: as much as necessary and not as much as possible. Ideally, the expected structure corresponds to the structure that the creator sets up. Translations (mapping) of different structures are possible, but not in every case.

Examples:

• Spatial or constructive criteria, e.g. project, object, room, storey, component, etc.
• Categories of information management, type of information, such as building model, lists, diagrams, etc.
• Classification systems, such as usage, area, cost types, etc.

⁴ Use case – UCM Use Case Management Service from buildingSMART international: https://ucm.buildingsmart.org/