‘Evolving the IMI Framework for FM’
Launched in November 2024 (news), the Construction Leadership Council-led and nima-supported Information Management Initiative (IMI) aims to progressively transform data and information management practices across the built and managed environment.
To help implement the IMI, the IMI Framework (formerly the UK BIM Framework; news) is intended to provide guidance and related resources, and it is now evolving to more fully embrace the operational phases of the asset lifecycles. In an article for DCplus, Dan Rossiter of the BSI and Gordon Mitchell of Wholus detail some recent progress.
Operational use of information
Rossiter (left) and Mitchell (right) highlight that the majority of spend occurs during the operation of our buildings and infrastructure (illustrated by reference to a 2005 Constructing Excellence paper, Be Valuable, by Richard Saxon). It is important, therefore, to consider information and its lifecycle capabilities. They argue:
“Given the scale of operational impact, designing for operability is not a nice to have, it is a foundation for value, performance and return. In fact, this is one of the reasons why BS 8536 (design, manufacture and construction for operability) is a core part of the IMI Framework. … However, unlike the static BIM Level 2, the IMI Framework can extend and evolve as the idea of good practice and sector requirements mature.
Rossiter and Mitchell outline the need for more targeted guidance and standards that talk to other parts of the lifecycle in their language. This included actors such as manufacturers, insurers and facility managers. They chose facility managers as their initial focus and worked with the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) to run a workshop on how the IMI Framework could best support its FM members. Current standards, guidance and resources were presented with an opportunity for IWFM members to discuss and comment. The IWFM members recommended:
- additional standards be included, including BS 8587 on facilities information management, and BS 8544 on lifecycle costing;
- additional guidance be produced relating to information management for existing buildings and infrastructure works, as well as more FM-related examples to be included throughout the existing guidance; and
- additional resources be cited, such as the BSRIA guides on O&M manuals, building user guides, and inspection checklists.
Evolving the IMI Framework for FM
As a result, by the time of Digital Construction Week (4-5June 2025), the IMI Framework included a schedule of operating and maintenance standards, including the IWFM recommended standards. Further work will be undertaken with the IWFM to produce additional guidance, as well as to cite the identified resources.
Rossiter and Mitchell say:
To truly power a digitally enabled future, our sector must unite across the entire lifecycle, aligning around shared outcomes and collective ambition. The built environment has long been defined by fragmentation, which is precisely why the IMI Framework is so vital. It offers a common platform where every actor can get support, contribute, collaborate and co-create. By aligning our efforts through a single, evolving framework, we not only accelerate value creation, but ensure that no part of the community is left behind. This is how we amplify impact and unlock an exciting future for us all.
Read the full DCplus article here.
