XD House: securing ISO 19650 certification
In 2024, XD House (a design consultancy based in London and Dubai) embarked on its journey to obtain ISO 19650 Kitemark certification as an Appointed Party.
The Challenge
Among the most pressing obstacles was finding a way to align with ISO 19650 standards without relying on the industry’s conventional methods, such as static Microsoft Office documents which are often used in silos and can hinder collaboration.
Under the new BSI regulations, aiming to achieve both Part 2 and Part 5 certification certainly came with its challenges—especially in navigating the relatively uncharted waters of Part 5, which emphasises information security. With limited guidance available, XD House consulted with the UK BIM Framework and worked closely with BSI to interpret and implement the requirements. By tackling these challenges head-on, XD House not only met Part 5 requirements but also set the foundation for continued excellence as these standards evolve.
The Solution: Innovative use of Morta
At the heart of this success was Morta, a cloud-based relational database management system.
From the outset, XD House recognised that traditional methods of managing information through static Microsoft Office documents would not suffice. This is not the way it collaborates. Instead, the team turned to Morta to design a dynamic, cloud-based template that aligned seamlessly with ISO 19650 clauses. This tool allowed the team to create a logical structure for information management, with clear narratives and responsibilities embedded into every workflow.
Each section of the ISO 19650-aligned template corresponded to specific clauses in the standard, ensuring consistency and clarity. Internal teams, along with lead-appointed and appointing parties, benefited from workflows that detailed responsibilities and streamlined collaboration. The result was a powerful integration of tools and processes that impressed BSI assessors and set XD House apart in the certification process.
World-Class IM Training
This innovation went hand-in-hand with extensive team development; XD House invested heavily in training. Every team member achieved the Operam Information Management Practitioner certification, ensuring a deep understanding of ISO 19650 principles.
Armed with this expertise, the team conducted capability and capacity assessments using Morta, mapping roles, responsibilities, and workflows to ensure readiness for project demands.
A Call to Action
XD House advocates for enhanced guidance on ISO 19650 Part 5 and is calling for its integration into the broader ISO 19650 framework to streamline workflows. XD House also emphasises the importance of sharing knowledge across the industry to elevate baseline competencies in information management.
Throughout this journey, XD House maintained a focus on the “how.” Every step, from cloud-based data management to collaborative workflows, was designed to the highest IM standards and demonstrated readiness for future assessments. By leveraging Morta and focusing on practical implementation, XD House aims to set a benchmark for other Appointed Parties worldwide and is always open to sharing its solutions with others.
