Challenges impairing the data quality of information deliverables in BIM during the planning phase of office buildings in Germany

The German construction industry suffers from a low degree of digitalisation compared to other European countries. The reasons for this include limited investment in research and development, strong fragmentation, and the insufficient implementation of existing innovations. Building information modelling (BIM) is a prominent example of this deficit, despite evident benefits like integrated project delivery and lifecycle information management. The data quality of information deliverables constitutes one of the biggest obstacles to investment in this context. Therefore, the present study investigated challenges impairing the data quality of information deliverables and existing solutions from the client’s perspective. The focus lay on the planning phase of office buildings in Germany. Data collection was conducted through a focus group interview with ten corporate real estate professionals. Based on the results, eight challenges and solutions were identified. The most affected data quality dimensions are information deliverables' completeness, reliability, and usability. The implementation of solutions should be initiated during project preparation or the early planning phase. Further research might develop approaches to implement these solutions during case studies to derive best-practice advice for future guidance.