CPIC started as the Building Project Information Committee (BPIC) established in February 1987 by the RIBA, RICS, ACE, CIBSE and ICE.

The Avanti approach had showed that the use of CPIC materials would improve the quality and reduce the costs of construction projects.

In recent years, CPIC has been a key player in the development of common industry approaches to building information modelling (BIM).

Effective communication of high quality production information between designers and constructors is essential for the satisfactory realisation of construction projects.

It provides pragmatic guidance on use of drawings, specifications and schedules of work and the methods used to co-ordinate the information contained within.

CAWS defines an efficient and generally acceptable arrangement for specifications and bills of quantities for building projects.