Ventspils Residents Learn About the Digital Processing of Construction Documentation
In October, a large-scale transition and training process began throughout Latvia to document the construction process in electronic format. The use of the Construction Information System (BIS) and the electronic circulation of construction process documentation will be mandatory for everyone from 1 January 2020—including those wishing to carry out smaller construction works, such as building a greenhouse.
A regional seminar on the use of BIS was also held in Ventspils on Tuesday, attracting considerable interest from people involved in construction. The State Construction Control Bureau (BVKB) invites those who were unable to attend the seminar, or who wish to improve their current knowledge of the enhanced system in addition to the information gained there, to register for online training sessions—webinars demonstrating BIS functionality.
“Latvia has become a leader in the digitalisation of the construction sector, as from 1 October we are ensuring the fully electronic circulation of documentation—from the initial concept to the commissioning of a building. From 1 January, the construction process may only be initiated digitally, so preparing users in good time is our priority. I urge participants in the construction process to be active not only at regional seminars by asking questions, but also to take the opportunity to register for webinars,” emphasises the Director of the State Construction Control Bureau Svetlana Mjakuškina.
BIS will apply to all properties where construction is planned, as it is intended to electronically document all construction processes in Latvia, from the development of the initial concept through to the commissioning of a building. Therefore, it should be noted that the enhanced BIS will also have to be used by Latvian residents wishing to make changes to their homes, even changes as simple as replacing radiators or building a greenhouse in their garden.
The introduction of BIS was welcomed by Zaiga Gaile’s office interior architect Zane Dzintara, who attended the regional seminar in Ventspils in person on Tuesday. “My colleagues and I view the new system very positively—there is no longer any need to print documents or use up resources. We have already worked with BIS; this system makes our work considerably easier, as we no longer have to number pages or deal with other minor matters. I believe these information seminars are very valuable for people. I have already submitted a project through this system myself, and I understood everything from the video provided by the BVKB on its YouTube channel,” says Z. Dzintara.
A total of 15 in-person information seminars are planned throughout Latvia, informing at least 1,500 system users about BIS functionality, along with a further 99 online training sessions, or webinars, and 10 in-person training sessions for construction specialists delegated by certification bodies. Closer cooperation with local governments is also planned in order to inform residents about the opportunities provided by BIS. Participation in both the seminars and webinars is free of charge.
Webinars take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 to 13:40 and will continue until 20 December.
For further questions about the in-person seminars and webinars, interested parties are asked to call: 28303898 or 26411894.
About the Construction Information System
BIS is an electronic environment that ensures the exchange of information between participants in the construction process, maintains the registers required for the construction process, and provides electronic services related to the construction process and the registers.
