A sector first that will change how we deliver projects

A blog by Simon Fraser - Strategic Portfolio & Engineering Director

22 June 2026

We’ve achieved a sector first for UK transmission operators with our ISO 19650-2 certification for BIM – Digital Information Management (DigIM).

While the certification itself is an important achievement, what really matters is what it will help us do.

As we deliver the largest investment programme in the history of our network through Pathway to 2030, the scale and complexity of our projects continue to grow. Having the right information available, in the right place, at the right time helps our teams work more effectively, improves collaboration with our construction partners and gives us greater confidence in delivering projects safely, efficiently and on schedule.

It also helps reduce duplication and waste, improves predictability around cost and delivery dates, and supports better decision-making across projects and teams. This is about building better ways of working that will support how we deliver projects now and in the future.

What is DigIM?

Digital information management, or DigIM, is the set of practices, processes, and standards that ensure project, asset, and operation information is structured, governed, accessible, and trusted across the organisation using ISO 19650-2.

Where ISO 19650-2 fits

ISO 19650-2 is part of the international ISO 19650 series, which defines how information should be managed digitally using Building Information Modelling (BIM) across the lifecycle of built assets.

Part 2 specifically focuses on information management during the delivery phase of construction and infrastructure projects, from design through construction and handover.

Working to a recognised global standard also helps us collaborate more effectively with international partners and suppliers, giving everyone a consistent approach to how project information is created, shared and managed.

Why this matters

Improving information quality

We have shown our ability to structure, manage and maintain project information in a consistent and trusted way. This is increasingly important as the scale and complexity of our network development continues to grow. As we move forward with our Pathway to 2030 investment programme, the need for well-structured and reliable data is essential. ISO 19650-2 provides a clear framework to manage this across every stage of project delivery.

Supporting teams to work better together

Achieving this certification reflects the collective efforts of teams across the business, including engineering, digital, data and project delivery, as well as our supply chain partners. It supports our shift toward a digitally enabled, data-driven business, simplifying daily tasks and helping our teams make informed decisions based on a single trusted source.

This shared approach to managing information extends to our supply chain partners, improving how information is shared and understood and lowering risk across our delivery network.

By improving how we deliver projects, we can support the development of the network needed for homes, businesses and low-carbon growth across the north of Scotland.

How DigIM supports our transmission goals

ISO 19650‑2 improves safety by ensuring the right information is available, accurate, and accessible at the right time, reducing risk caused by outdated, incomplete, or duplicated design and construction information.
By enforcing consistent information management across the asset lifecycle, ISO 19650‑2 supports better‑informed decisions, and enables a seamless transition of information from projects to asset management.
ISO 19650-2 provides a common data environment for a lot of key project information, providing the foundations for quality data to inform better analytics, risk management and critical decision making. This helps us to maintain our cost, schedule and quality across projects to meet our Net Zero ambitions.
A transparent, standardised approach to information management under ISO 19650‑2 promotes consistency, efficiency, and value for money, supporting fair procurement and sustainable delivery. Furthermore it provides a platform for enhanced tracking and management of sustainability performance.
ISO 19650‑2 provides a common information framework that improves collaboration, trust, and clarity across customers, stakeholders and suppliers throughout the project lifecycle.
By establishing shared standards, roles, and processes for managing information, ISO 19650‑2 helps unite projects, functions, and supply chain partners as one integrated Transmission team.

Looking ahead

This is a significant milestone, but it is only the beginning. Our focus now is on continuing to embed these standards into day-to-day ways of working across all projects, supported by training, guidance and ongoing collaboration with teams across the business.

By continuing to improve how we manage information, we can improve project delivery, increase confidence in our data and unlock even greater value from digital tools and technologies in the years ahead. This work will also support us in maintaining our ISO 19650-2 certification when it is reviewed in February 2027.

Finally, thank you to everyone who has played a part in developing our information management capabilities and supporting this achievement. From shaping processes and standards to supporting projects and preparing for audit, this has been a real team effort and an important milestone for SSEN Transmission. Your dedication and expertise have been instrumental in delivering this key RIIO-T2 commitment.