ISO 19650 Updates 2026: What’s Changing in Parts 1, 2 and 3

By Paul Shillcock, Project Leader for ISO 19650-2 within ISO/TC 59/SC 13/WG 13

The ISO 19650 updates scheduled for 2026 mark the first revisions since the first editions were released in 2018 and 2020. With Parts 1, 2 and 3 now moving through systematic review and international consultation, professionals across the built environment are preparing to have their say on the draft international standards – including a unified information management process and new implementation guidelines.

This guide provides an overview of the proposed ISO 19650 revisions, why they are happening, how they are being developed, and what industry should expect next.

Summary of the ISO 19650 Updates (2026 Draft)

• Revisions planned for Parts 1, 2 and 3
• Parts 2 and 3 combined into a single unified information management process
• Part 3 re-scoped to provide implementation guidelines
• Re-emphasis on information management across the whole life of assets
• Simplified terminology that is easier to understand, explain and translate
• Public consultation led through national standards bodies in 2026
• International consensus process to follow before publication

Watch: Overview of the ISO 19650 Updates (2026)

Watch Paul Shillcock explain the proposed revisions to the ISO 19650 standards.

In this brief Academy Talk, Paul provides an overview of the ISO 19650 updates from his perspective as project leader for Part 2.

Why Is ISO 19650 Being Updated?

Every ISO standard undergoes a systematic review every five years, allowing national standards bodies to decide whether a standard should be retained, revised, or withdrawn. In late 2023, the review process began for ISO 19650 Parts 1 and 2.

Following voting and feedback from national standards bodies:

• Parts 1 and 2 were approved for revision.
• Part 3 was added to the scope due to its close relationship with Parts 1 and 2.

This triggered a coordinated effort to modernise the series, reflect industry maturity, and incorporate lessons learned from global adoption.

Who Is Updating the ISO 19650 Standards?

The revisions are being developed by an international working group established by the ISO subcommittee overseeing the 19650 series.

The group includes:

• Experts nominated by national standards bodies
• Project leaders for each standard
• A convenor responsible for alignment with subcommittee objectives

The working group drafts the revised standards, but direction and content are shaped collectively, ensuring global consensus.

All revisions must undergo formal ballot processes, meaning every proposal is scrutinised, debated, and refined until an international consensus is reached.

Watch: Hear Paul discuss the revisions during a BSI-hosted webinar.

In this independent webinar, hosted by the British Standards Institute (BSI), Paul joins Dr Anne Kemp OBE and David Churcher MBE to explore how Parts 1, 2 and 3 are being reshaped and what national standards bodies are looking for during the consultation.

What’s Been Decided So Far?

National standards bodies have agreed to:

• Revise ISO 19650 Parts 1, 2 and 3
• Combine Part 3 with Part 2, forming a unified information management process
• Revise Part 3’s focus to guidelines for implementing the information management process

This represents the most significant structural realignment the ISO 19650 series has seen.

ISO 19650-1 Updates Explained – Less Bloat, More Concepts

Part 1 will continue to cover key concepts and principles, but the revised draft proposes several changes.

Removal of delivery vs operational phases

To reinforce whole-life information management, the distinction between delivery and operational phases is being removed.

Proposed reorganisation of content

The draft proposes simplifying and reorganising content to improve clarity and usability.

Possible relocation of guidelines

Some annex material and diagrams may move to Part 3, where implementation guidance will be provided.

Strengthened alignment with other standards

Proposals also aim to strengthen alignment with related standards including:

• ISO 7817 (Level of Information Need)
• ISO 29481 (Information Delivery Manual)
• Other ISO 19650 standards introduced since 2018

ISO 19650-2 Updates Explained – A Unified Information Management Process

Part 2 will no longer focus solely on the delivery phase. Instead, it will define a unified information management process covering the entire asset lifecycle.

The revised structure aims to:

• Incorporate global lessons learned since 2018
• Maintain familiarity for experienced users
• Follow a clear step-based business process
• Include clause mapping to help users transition between editions

The revised Part 2 is also expected to include new annex material, including:

• A terms-mapping annex
• A clause-mapping annex linking the first and second editions

ISO 19650-3 Updates Explained – New Scope and Practical Guidelines

Part 3 is being re-scoped to provide guidance for implementing the unified information management process.

The working group identified several areas where practical guidance will help organisations apply the standards more effectively.

These include:

• Projects with differing complexity
• Collaboration across varied team sizes and structures
• Different perspectives of the various project parties
• Information production planning
• Common Data Environment (CDE) deployment

How to Get Involved in the ISO 19650 Review

Each national standards body is currently:

• Preparing for public consultation on the draft standards
• Seeking feedback from industry and academia
• Developing a national position before voting

You can influence the final published standards by:

• Submitting clear, constructive comments
• Sharing what you like – not just what you dislike
• Providing specific proposals for the working group to consider

Your input directly shapes international consensus.

Read: Paul’s Personal Reflections on the 2026 Revisions

In this LinkedIn post, Paul shares his own perspective on the updates – offering a more informal, behind-the-scenes look at the thinking that shaped the draft standards.

Read Paul’s reflections on LinkedIn →

ISO 19650 Timeline (2018–2026)

More in this ISO 19650 updates series

This article is part of a short series unpacking the ISO 19650 updates.

• ISO 19650 Updates 2026: Proposed Unified Information Management Process
  
• ISO 19650 Updates – Proposed Terminology
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the ISO 19650 updates and the proposed changes to Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the standards.

What are the ISO 19650 updates in 2026?

They include the restructuring of Part 1, combining Parts 2 and 3 into a unified information management process, and re-scoping Part 3 as implementation guidelines.

Why are Parts 2 and 3 being combined?

To remove delivery–operational silos and reflect how asset-related information is managed across the entire life cycle.

Will the 2018 and 2020 editions remain valid during 2026?

Yes. The 2026 drafts are consultation-only. The current editions remain valid until revised standards are formally published following international review and consensus.

When is the public consultation?

The public consultation period for the ISO 19650 updates is expected to take place in 2026, when the Draft International Standards are circulated via national bodies. During this time, stakeholders and the public can review and provide comments before final publication and consensus building, which will occur in late 2026 through 2027.

How do I submit comments?

To submit comments on the ISO 19650 updates during the public consultation period, you should contact your country’s national standards body. Draft International Standards will be made available through these organisations, which will provide instructions and official channels for submitting feedback.

Multimedia Summary

• Video: Overview of the ISO 19650 Updates (2026)
  
• Webinar: BSI-hosted discussion on the ISO 19650 revisions
  
• LinkedIn: Paul Shillcock’s personal reflections on the 2026 drafts
  

About the Author

Paul Shillcock

Paul is the project leader for ISO 19650-2 and has been directly involved in the development of ISO 19650 standards for over a decade, contributing to international working groups and helping organisations around the world implement information management best practice.