A first for Africa as Zutari achieves specialist ISO certification for BIM
Infrastructure engineering and advisory practice Zutari has achieved a rare specialist ISO certification for Building Information Modelling (BIM). It underwent a rigorous certification process with the renowned international certification body LRQA. Zutari received certification to ISO 19650 at both Lead Appointed Party and Appointed Party levels. The scope of certification includes all Zutari offices in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the Cape Town office and the Tshwane head office in South Africa.
Zutari’s Head of Digital Operations, Herman Ferreira, explains: “Certification demonstrates a commitment to quality and best practices in BIM and information management. This provides Zutari with a competitive advantage when bidding for projects, especially those that require compliance with ISO standards. Adhering to ISO 19650 leads to more efficient processes for managing information throughout the project lifecycle. This results in cost savings, fewer errors, and smoother project delivery.”
Sonja de Klerk, Zutari’s Lead of Quality, Environment and Sustainability, elaborates what makes this certification special: “To our best knowledge, Zutari is the first African-headquartered company to achieve this sought-after certification.” There are currently only three certification bodies worldwide permitted to offer accredited certification to this standard. Zutari has a long relationship with LRQA, one of the three certification bodies, its assessor of choice for this endeavour.
Some international companies active in Africa and the Middle East hold ISO 19650 certification, but none which are local to the continent. “We are very proud that this certification puts Zutari on the map as an advanced digital engineering company, and that our BIM Management System reflects the best international practice,” says de Klerk. “BIM is disrupting the way in which engineering projects are conducted. We are confident that Zutari is ready for this fundamental shift for the benefit of our clients in the Middle East, Africa, Australia and Europe.”
The certification scheme is so new that the assessments were conducted by Sean McCormick, LRQA’s BIM and BOPAS Services Lead, based in the UK. Zutari underwent a rigorous assessment process, which included a gap analysis, documentation-focused Stage 1 assessment, and project-focused Stage 2 assessment.
McCormick states: “I can see Zutari put a lot of work into its BIM Management System, and I have been impressed with the processes and procedures in place to meet ISO19650 requirements. LRQA is delighted to present Zutari with its certificate, especially because it is LRQA’s first client with headquarters in Africa.”
