Thanks for visiting the new Plain Language Group blog.
What is the Plain Language Group?
The Plain Language Group is an independent advocacy group dedicated to broadening and improving the understanding and use of digitisation in the construction industry. You can read more about us here.
We started our work in December 2017 because we were concerned that advocates in the construction sector for what was then known as BIM were not aware of the complexity of trying to access reliable information about construction products because this information did not travel through the construction cycle.
Dame Judith Hacket’s Interim report into the Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety had just been published and mentioned the ‘golden thread’ for the first time, but the implications for product information were yet to be explored, even though construction products and systems provide much of the information that needs to be retained.
Following a conversation with Anne Kemp, chair of the UK BIM Alliance, one of our group, Su Butcher, facilitated a meeting in January 2018 between manufacturers, clients, contractors and data companies which led to the formation of the Product Data Working Group which Su chaired and which we were all part of. This group produced our first publication “A Fresh Way Forward for Product Data: State of the Nation”. At the core of this document is the case for product information to be made available in a structured, digital form.
Since then we have published several documents including a guide to digitisation for construction product manufacturers. You can view and download all our publications here.
What is the Group Doing Now?
For several years we have had a home at the Institution for Engineering and Technology (IET), and whilst we continue our collaboration with organisations and associations across the sector, it was time to set up our own home online, and here it is!
Whilst the introduction of digital technologies in the construction sector remains a key factor in improving efficiency, safety and profitability, much of the sector is not aware of the opportunities and risks of a digital future and there is a dearth of digital skills. Understanding of the digital management of information is still out of reach for many of us, and we will not be able to benefit from these improvements or avoid the pitfalls.
Last year we commissioned research into the views of construction product manufacturers, the findings of which will be published by the Construction Leadership Council later this month. They make sobering reading.
The Plain Language Group is dedicated to changing this. We want to continue to articulate the needs of people in the sector, to help them navigate and benefit from the changes that are coming and to help bring those changes about, with honesty and integrity.
Come on the journey with us.
You can contact us at plg@justpractising.com or sign up to our mailing list to keep in touch.
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