Standards

A standard is a document that provides requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.  

A standard is a formalised method of achieving an interface between one entity, e.g. an organisation, and another. The process of applying a standard is repeatable, open and quite often transparent to the user, creating an information environment where the maximum amount of information is available to the maximum number of users.  

The core process of this framework is based on the ISO 19650 Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling suite of documents, in particular the relationships between information requirements and information models. 

The NSW Asset Management Policy (TPP 19-07) was developed in line with the requirements of AS ISO 55000:2014 Asset management — Overview, principles and terminology , and agencies can use the requirements in AS ISO 55001:2014 Asset management — Management systems — Requirements to assist with the establishment, implementation, maintenance and improvement of their management system for assets. ISO 55001 also provides requirements on Asset Management Data that range from understanding the information needs to having processes in place for effective management of information. 

Using common security standards and frameworks assists agencies managing their security risks. This includes risk and security management standards such as theAS ISO 31000 Risk management series of standards and the ISO/IEC 27000 Information technology - Security techniques - Information security management systems series. These can also help agencies align to the mandatory requirements of the NSW Cloud Policy, NSW Cyber Security Policy, NSW IoT Policy, etc. 

Data standards – which include semantics, naming conventions, formats, and classifications – help to ensure there is a common understanding of the meaning of the data among stakeholders and that data can be exchanged, leveraged and reliably re-used by all parties interacting with the infrastructure.  

It is best practice to adopt standards that are open, widely adopted and utilise global best practice, as opposed to custom or bespoke standards. This will ensure the data is transferrable across the asset lifecycle, as well as across different data platforms. This will also help support state-wide activities, such as the NSW Digital Twin, which relies on a range of standards including the NSW Standard for Spatially Enabling Information.

Standards will be identified and developed for use as part of the Infrastructure Data Management Framework over time, as agencies identify demand for further specific guidance. NSW Government is actively participating in the development of Australian and international standards, with the NSW Chief Data Scientist leading coordination of NSW Government input to smart places and data standards in collaboration with Standards Australia. A list of relevant international and Australian Standards is provided at Appendix C – Standards, and will be maintained on the IDMF website.