Quality & Inspections · Mandatory · Construction
Drawing Issue Register
A register tracking all drawing issues, revisions, and superseded versions on a project.
Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. Contract / BIM Protocol remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.
| Legal basis | Contract / BIM Protocol (ISO 19650) / CDM 2015 |
| Why a register | Construction from superseded drawings is one of the most common and costly quality failures |
| BIM / ISO 19650 | CDE manages information stages (WIP, Shared, Published, Archived) |
| Revision system | Pre-contract P0, P1...; For construction A, B, C... Issue status S2 (for construction) / S3 (for manufacture) |
| Distribution | Each issue to ALL parties who need it with confirmation of receipt |
1. The Drawing Issue Register — Preventing Construction from Wrong Information
Building from the wrong drawing can range from trivial to catastrophic. The Drawing Issue Register provides a single controlled record of every drawing revision issued to site, who received it, and confirmation that superseded revisions have been recalled or clearly marked. It is the primary defence against construction from wrong information.
In a BIM-managed project using ISO 19650, the Common Data Environment (CDE) manages information through defined stages. However, even with a CDE, a drawing issue register is essential because it records what was physically issued to site, when, and to whom. Site teams do not always work from the CDE in real time, and printed drawings on site must be controlled through the register to prevent superseded information remaining in circulation.
The revision system must follow a consistent convention. Pre-contract revisions typically use P0, P1, P2 etc. For construction revisions use A, B, C etc. Each revision must carry a suitability code indicating its intended use — S2 for construction or S3 for manufacture. Drawings that have not reached the correct suitability status must not be used on site.
Recall superseded drawings immediately
Superseded drawings must be immediately recalled or clearly marked — leaving old revisions in circulation on site leads to building from wrong information. Every new issue must trigger a check that the previous revision has been withdrawn from all holders.
2. Drawing Issue Register — Content
The register must track every drawing from its initial issue through subsequent revisions, recording what changed, who received each revision, and whether superseded copies were recalled. Each row represents a single drawing issue event and provides the audit trail for information management on the project.
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Drawing number | Unique drawing number following the project numbering convention |
| Drawing title | Descriptive title identifying the content and scope of the drawing |
| Drawn by/discipline | The originating designer or discipline responsible for the drawing (architect, structural, M&E) |
| Revision | Current revision letter or number — pre-contract P0, P1...; for construction A, B, C... |
| Issue status | Suitability code per ISO 19650 — S2 (suitable for construction) / S3 (suitable for manufacture) |
| Previous revision | The revision that this issue supersedes, providing a clear revision chain |
| Date issued to site | Date the drawing revision was formally issued to the construction team |
| Distributed to | Names and roles of all parties who received copies of this revision |
| Method of distribution | How the drawing was distributed — CDE, email, hard copy, transmittal |
| Superseded revision recalled | Confirmation that the previous revision has been recalled or marked as superseded from all holders |
| Change description | Summary of what changed between this revision and the previous revision, including cloud markings |
| RFI reference | Cross-reference to any Request for Information that prompted the revision |
3. Common Mistakes
No register — relying on email
Email is not a drawing management system. Drawings issued by email without a formal register are impossible to control — there is no record of who has which revision, no mechanism to recall superseded copies, and no audit trail of what was issued when. A formal register is essential regardless of whether a CDE is in use.
Not removing superseded drawings from site
Issuing a new revision without recalling or clearly marking the superseded version is the primary cause of construction from wrong information. Every new issue must trigger a physical or digital recall of the previous revision from all holders, with confirmation recorded in the register.
Accepting drawing packages without checking IFC status
Drawings must carry the correct suitability code before being used for construction. Building from preliminary, draft, or “for information” drawings that have not been formally issued for construction (S2/IFC) is a significant quality and liability risk.
Not recording what changed between revisions
The register must record a summary of the changes between each revision. Without this, the site team cannot quickly identify what has changed and may miss critical revisions to dimensions, details, or specifications. Cloud markings on the drawing are helpful but the register should also describe the changes.
Not cross-referencing drawings to ITP
The ITP references specific drawings as the basis for quality checks and hold point inspections. If a drawing is revised, the ITP must be checked to ensure it still references the current revision. A register that is not cross-referenced to the ITP creates a disconnect between the information being built from and the quality checks being applied.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CDE?▾
A Common Data Environment (CDE) is a shared digital platform for managing project information. It provides a single source of truth for all project documents, drawings, and models, with defined workflows for review, approval, and issue. Examples include Aconex, Viewpoint, BIM 360, and Autodesk Construction Cloud.
What is the difference between IFC and IFM?▾
IFC (Issued for Construction) means the drawing is suitable for site construction works. IFM (Issued for Manufacture) means the drawing is suitable for off-site manufacture — typically shop drawings or fabrication drawings. The distinction is important because manufacturing drawings require a higher level of detail and dimensional accuracy.
How does the Drawing Issue Register relate to CDM 2015?▾
CDM 2015 requires arrangements for managing project information throughout the project lifecycle. The Drawing Issue Register forms part of these arrangements by ensuring that the correct construction information is available to those who need it, when they need it, and that superseded information is controlled.
What if a drawing is issued after work has already started?▾
Compare the new revision against the previous revision to identify all changes. Assess the impact of each change on work already completed or in progress. If completed work does not comply with the new revision, raise an NCR and agree a disposition with the designer. Record the assessment and any impact in the register.
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Get started freeThis guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, regulations change and individual project circumstances vary. Construction Suite is a trading name of Xzist Digital Ltd, registered in England and Wales.