14th August 2002

New production information code

The Construction Project Information Committee (CPIC) has entered into a contract with DTI to prepare a Code of Procedure for Production Information under the Government Partners in Innovation scheme. CPIC is a joint committee of the RIBA, RICS, CIBSE, ICE and CC, which was set up to promote good practice in the preparation of drawings, specifications and schedules of work.

It has long been recognised that inadequate production information has a significant adverse effect on the efficiency of the construction process. This was further confirmed recently when 3D computer modelling was used on an Egan demonstration project to check the adequacy of the production drawings which had been prepared using 2D CAD systems. The 3D model revealed co-ordination and dimensional discrepancies, the rectification of which would have cost 10% of the total project cost.

The new Code will focus on the more effective use of 2D CAD systems in producing production information. It is expected that adoption of the new practices set out in the Code will lead to significant improvement in the quality of production information, with benefits for clients, designers and contractors.

CPIC has set up a representative expert steering group under the chairmanship of Keith Snook, Director of Practice at the RIBA, to carry out the work and the first draft will be available for industry comment in September 2002.

Publication is expected in the Spring 2003.

Further details from the Project Manager, P. G. Jordan CEng. MICE. FCIOB.
e-mail: pg.jordan@virgin.net.