The recent evolution of the ISO 19650 series marks a significant turning point for our industry. With the harmonization of the delivery and operational phases—effectively merging the principles of Part 3 into the workflow of Part 2—Assets have officially taken center stage.
This isn’t just a technical adjustment; it’s a fundamental shift in how we perceive the “end product” of construction. We are no longer just handing over a physical building; we are handing over a high-tension, high-quality digital asset.
The Proven Power of COBie
With assets becoming the star of the show, we must return to the fundamentals of structured data. For me, this means a renewed focus on COBie (Construction Operations Building information exchange).
I know, I know—mentioning COBie in a room full of BIM managers can sometimes lead to groans. Many people have learned to hate it, but that usually stems from seeing it used incorrectly. COBie isn’t about the “junk reps” of backfilling 3D models with every conceivable piece of unnecessary data. It is a proven, understood system designed for one thing: the handover of structured, usable data.
Structure Through Classification
To make an asset-centric workflow work, your COBie data needs a skeleton. This is where classification systems like Uniclass or OmniClass are non-negotiable.
Assets must be listed by category to provide a legible structure. By using COBie Type names in conjunction with ISO 22014 object libraries, we can ensure that every asset type name is unique and standardized across the project. The goal here is “Minimalist Selection”: capture only the data that is strictly required and ensure it gets to the right place.
Real-World Execution: From Model to Site
In my own workflow, I use Autodesk Build to bridge the gap between the virtual and the physical. By linking the 3D models directly to the Assets module in Build, the site team can take over. We use iPads on-site to capture the “As-Built” reality—serial numbers, installation dates, and photo evidence—at the exact moment the “intervention” happens.
However, we must acknowledge that not every project has a “Tier 1” budget for expensive hosting and subscriptions. This is where the work of Bill East is a game-changer. His COBieForms and COBieOM tools provide incredibly reasonably priced alternatives that deliver structured results without the heavy overhead of major software suites. They allow for a “snappy,” efficient process that doesn’t sacrifice data integrity.
The Collaborative Chain
The “Golden Thread” only stays unbroken if everyone plays their part in the 9-step process:
- The Design Teams: They must engage early to set up the COBie structure correctly. This means identifying maintainable assets properly within the model so the “DNA” of the asset is correct from day one.
- The Contractors: Once the structure is handed over, the contractor’s job is to “flesh out” the data—filling in the site-specific details (the serial numbers and warranties) before the final handover.
When we all work to this standard, we move away from “Doing BIM” as a localized task and toward true Information Management. We stop worrying about the “burn” of data entry and focus on the “pop” of high-quality, lifecycle-ready assets.
Coulter BIM Information Management 
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