### Publication of the EN ISO 7817-1:2024 Standard: Concepts and Principles of the Information Need Level

Recently, the international standard EN ISO 7817-1:2024 was published, marking a significant event in the landscape of regulations concerning information management in projects. This standard serves as a central reference for understanding what is defined as the “information need level,” a concept already introduced in the ISO 19650 series in 2018 and further developed in Europe with the UNI EN 17412-1 standard in 2020.

### What is the information need level?

The information need level describes how information requesters (such as clients or engineering professionals) can specify and manage the necessary information throughout a project’s life cycle. This standard allows for more efficient and accurate information management, moving beyond the traditional approach that relied on simple labels such as Level of Development (LOD/LOG/LOI). With the recent publication, the UNI EN 17412-1 standard has been repealed; now every reference to the information need level must be made using the text of EN ISO 7817-1:2024.

### Changes from previous standards

At first glance, the transition from UNI EN 17412-1 to EN ISO 7817-1:2024 may seem lacking substantial differences, but it is important to note that significant updates have been made to align terminology and regulatory provisions with international practices. The most relevant changes include:

– **Foreword and Introduction**: The standard now addresses a global audience, broadening its scope beyond European borders.
– **Terminology**: Improvements have been made to terms and definitions, including those related to geometry and alphanumeric information, and the term “information delivery” has been added.
– **Information Provider and Recipient**: New categories, such as those of information provider and recipient, have been included to enhance clarity.
– **Aspects and Characteristics**: The terminology has been refined, with “attributes” now defined as “characteristics” within the context of shading.
– **Identification and Verification**: References to related standards have been updated and clarified, improving consistency with existing practices.

The informative annex provides successful interpretation windows, illustrating the links between different standards through updated texts and graphics.

### The path forward

From a strategic perspective, the publication of EN ISO 7817-1:2024 is just the beginning. Work is currently underway internationally to further develop other parts of the ISO 7817 series. Part 2 will focus on the practical implementation of the information level in projects, while Part 3 will define a scheme for the information need level in software applications. These developments promise to further refine the tools available to industry professionals.

In Italy, alongside these initiatives, work is also being done to update the UNI 11337-4 standard to align it with the provisions of EN ISO 7817-1.

### Why is it so important?

Adopting EN ISO 7817-1:2024 means creating a more effective and precise information management process. This not only facilitates communication within project teams but also helps reduce risks associated with errors and misunderstandings, promoting a smoother and more sustainable project life cycle. Referring to the new concept of the information need level is essential, as it offers a more detailed and less subjective approach compared to previous models.

### Call to the Community

In conclusion, we want to emphasize that the adoption of EN ISO 7817-1:2024 represents a great opportunity for growth for industry professionals. Staying updated and engaged with these standards is crucial for the progress of effective information management practices.