IMI Scheme to Get AI and Modern Tech to Transform Construction

A NEW SCHEME aims to transform the way modern tech such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins are used in the construction industry.

The Information Management Initiative (IMI) led by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is being supported by NIMA, formerly the UK BIM Alliance.

The scheme is setting out sector-wide principles for approaching information management and a route-map through to 2030. It is inviting organisations to sign up to these over-arching principles – step one of the scheme.

It is encouraging organisations to create organisation-wide mandates and setting out desired outcomes for them to aim for – step two of the initiative.

The IMI will provide a framework and resources to support organisations in applying role-specific rules, standards and guidance.

Modern Tech to Transform Construction

The CLC is building on the past 15 years of promoting building information modelling (BIM) as standard and embedding industry best practice. With NIMA, CLC has refreshed existing guidance (including the UK BIM Framework).

The CLC now wants to increase take up of sector-transforming capabilities in applying emerging digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT) and digital twins.

The CLC and NIMA believe the IMI will deliver benefits improvements in cost, value, health and safety, sustainability and performance.

CLC co-chair and President UK and Ireland, AtkinsRéalis, Richard Robinson says: “Effective management of trusted, quality information across the whole life of built and managed assets is a key foundation for growth, supporting a safe, healthy and sustainable environment where people, businesses and civil society can thrive.

“Today’s launch of the Information Management Initiative, IMI, is just the latest step in a process the CLC started a year ago. Going forward, it will also require support from across the sector to bring about the changes in information management needed to become a more digitally-enabled industry.”

NIMA-CLC Task Group chair Dr Anne Kemp said: “The aim is to ensure the new approach – the IMI – is relevant and achievable across the whole of the built and managed environment.

“The aim is not to hinder, but to help, making things clearer and less ambiguous.”

The IMI was born out of organisations recognising the environmental, social and business benefits and competitive advantages offered by them adopting information and data management best practices.

Thirteen organisations – including AtkinsRéalis, BEAMA, BSI, Binnies, the CICES, the Construction Products Association, McGee and the National Housing Improvement Council – were already signed up as IMI sponsors and supporters ahead of the IMI launch at nima’s autumn virtual conference on 7 November 2024.

To support the IMI and extend awareness, interest and its adoption, the CLC is seeking further sponsors and supporters from across the sector.

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