Responsibility matrix
Also: Assignment matrix, RACI matrix
Quick definition: A table that allocates information-management tasks and information deliverables to the parties and task teams responsible for them.
Explanation
Beginner explanation
A responsibility matrix answers "who does what?" in a grid: rows for tasks or deliverables, columns for companies or roles, and a mark showing who is responsible, who checks and who just needs to be informed.
Technical explanation
ISO 19650-2 refers to a high-level responsibility matrix, prepared with the pre-appointment BIM execution plan to show which task team is responsible for each element of the information model, and a detailed responsibility matrix developed after appointment that assigns individual deliverables. Many teams use RACI-style coding (responsible, accountable, consulted, informed), but ISO 19650 does not mandate a specific coding scheme.
Practical example
On an arena project, the detailed matrix shows the steel fabricator responsible for connection modelling from 90% design, the structural engineer accountable for review, and the architect consulted on exposed steel finishes.
Why it matters
Gaps and overlaps in responsibility are a frequent cause of missing information and duplicated modelling effort.
Standards and references
- ISO 19650-2:2018 — Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling — Part 2: Delivery phase of the assets. ISO, 2018. Clauses 5.3 and 5.4.Original VDC Stack.io wording, based on the standard
Supports: High-level and detailed responsibility matrices · Status: Stage 90.92 (to be revised). Revision ISO/DIS 19650-2 at stage 40.93 on 2026-08-18 (decision for new DIS ballot). - BIM Harmonisation Guidelines for Works Departments — Appendix I: ISO 19650 Terminologies (v2). Development Bureau, Government of the Hong Kong SAR.Widely accepted professional interpretation
Supports: Responsibility matrix / assignment matrix terminology
VDC Stack.io writes its own explanations and does not reproduce copyrighted standards text. Consult the cited standard for normative wording.
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VDC Stack.io. (2026). Responsibility matrix. In VDC Stack.io Knowledge Dictionary. Retrieved from https://vdcstack.io/dictionary/responsibility-matrix/