The release of the LEXiCON project Phase 2 report from the Construction Innovation Hub brings accurate, reliable product data a step closer, says programme director Keith Waller
The aim of LEXiCON is to provide a common language for construction products to make it easier to compare and categorise information. Developed by the Construction Innovation Hub (the Hub), in partnership with the Construction Products Association (CPA), LEXiCON is more than a data dictionary, though.
Supported by machine-readable Product Data Templates (PDTs), the long-term ambition is to utilise Machine Learning and AI to help specifiers and designers select products which meet their requirements quickly and accurately. As well as reducing errors, software could highlight any potential cost and carbon savings that might otherwise have been missed.
Structured digital product information is the key to driving improvement in the industry
Earlier this year, the Hub published a report outlining the principles of the LEXiCON methodology, including how to manage the creation and maintenance of PDTs. Making this process consistent will make it more straightforward for people to upload, categories and compare construction product information. It is seen as the first step to addressing product data requirements in the industry following the introduction of the Building Safety Act.
Keith Waller, programme director at the Construction Innovation Hub, said: “Structured digital product information is the key to driving improvement in the industry. We need information that everyone can understand, whether a specifier, contractor or end user, that has been gathered accurately and in a consistent way.
“LEXiCON makes product information accessible, auditable and traceable so that owners and occupiers can better understand the products and materials used within their buildings.
“It offers a route for the industry in meeting the obligations for a Golden Thread of information and in creating a more transparent industry, which is crucial to rebuilding trust in a post-Grenfell world.”
Guidance states that multi-disciplinary teams working together is important to meet information requirements
Last month, the Hub expanded the guidance to explain how individuals, organisations and Relevant Authorities would register and use a LEXiCON platform and what their information requirements would be.
It outlines the importance of bringing together multi-disciplinary teams to work together and make sure that all information requirements are met.
A Relevant Authority is defined as a recognised body with expertise relating to the products within its specific area of knowledge. It will oversee the creation, management and maintenance of PDTs within their remit. This includes gaining consensus from others in the industry to ensure that PDTs are fit for purpose and capture the information required throughout the supply chain and by end users.
‘Product data is the DNA of the construction industry’
Peter Caplehorn, chief executive of the CPA, said: “Digitalisation is crucial for the construction industry, but it has been slow to grasp its benefits. Increasingly, the need to have accurate reliable and accessible product information is essential. Product information is the DNA of the industry – everyone needs it in a common language and a common format. LEXiCON will substantially help with that journey.
“Relevant Authorities are keen to get on with this transformation. The work we have done with the CIH has substantially progressed the project and we look forward to the next steps in putting this in the hands of the industry.”
An example of how LEXiCON might work in practice has been demonstrated by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI). The GAI has coordinated the creation of over 30 PDTs on door hardware for its membership over a number of years. It is also working with 12 other industry and stakeholder groups as lead of a Fenestration Relevant Authority to create industry wide templates. One such PDT currently being worked on is for doorsets, which is due to be published by the end of this year.
GAI technical manager Douglas Masterson explained: “Creating PDTs is inevitably a lengthy process. It involves bringing together a lot of people with a broad range of expertise and skills, and then achieving consensus from that group on the format and the information required. And while most of the product information is generally available, it is often fragmented, stored in various formats and locations, and not always shared.
“With so many products to address in our industry, it makes this a big undertaking. But it is incredibly valuable. It allows us all to benefit from structured data in a consistent format that can be stored in one centralised place. That in turn makes the information much more accessible and comparable and ensures that manufacturers can meet their legal obligations and operate in line with best practice standards.”
Beyond the LEXiCON Phase 2 Report
The Phase 2 Report also illustrates how the LEXiCON platform would work if fully adopted, beyond its current proof of concept stage. As well as the registration processes for different user types, it outlines how individuals will be able to interact with working groups and Relevant Authorities and how they can search for and use PDTs.
While guest users will be able to view PDTs and follow Relevant Authorities, the ambition is that they will register on the platform. This will allow them to download PDTs, suggest a PDT that is needed or follow a RA to get notifications when they publish new information.
Registered users can also nominate themselves as an interested party for a working group, comment on public consultations and feedback on existing PDTs.
To encourage adoption, Relevant Authorities will also be able to host their PDTs within bespoke subdomains, allowing them to brand and manage their own parts of the platform.
The Hub has published its Phase 2 report. The next step, it says, is for the industry to test and develop the processes outlined and make its concept a reality.
Keith Waller
Programme director
Construction Innovation Hub
www.constructioninnovationhub.org.uk
