Digital twin
- May 8, 2024
The Digital twin is a living, digital replica of the building that not only contains the as-built status, but also continuously updates itself with real-time data about the building’s function, use and condition.


Table of contents
Utilisation of digital twin
The digital twin is a detailed, dynamically updated database of the property, on which target software can be integrated to create a “virtual dashboard“, mainly used for facility management. The closed system is able to provide information to several partner departments (e.g. finance, procurement, senior management, etc.) with a high degree of automation.
The digital twin is fully navigable in virtual space and this makes it clear what is where, what it looks like and what its features are. Data and documents can be recorded for assets and locations, and reports and statistics on their operation can be retrieved. This gives transparency to property assets that are usually opaque using traditional methods.
Digital twin can deliver big results – according to IDC Business Value Report
- 47% reduction in unplanned downtime
- 17% increase in asset lifetime
- Technicians can work 26% more efficiently.
Predictive maintenance
We can predict equipment failure and prevent problems. When you think about the hundreds of millions of pounds lost and the other losses (market perception, risk to customers, safety issues, etc.) that can be caused by an unexpected half-day production stoppage in a tyre factory or electronics plant, you can see why it is worth investing in technology.
Optimizing energy management
Because the digital twin is in constant, interactive contact with your building, you can optimise energy use in real time with the right feedback.
This avoids, for example, overheating an already shaded part of a building, but also – intelligently, taking into account historical data, weather, etc. – optimises the building’s energy supply at night to its peak. Data-driven decision making and automation can make operations simpler and more efficient.
Facilities and asset management
All data (size, layout, movables) of your entire real estate assets can be properly classified and organised in a single database, making it easy to view, manage, query and report on all data, whether by region, site, building or by unit within a site.
You’ll also be within one click of the equipment, furniture, property information and other related data (rentable space, consumption information, number of workstations) in the location. Knowing the occupancy, specific space use information allows us to make better use of the available space, thus improving comfort and space utilisation indicators.
The entire rental contract inventory can be recorded in the asset management software linked to the model, all necessary information can be retrieved for buildings and premises, and automated data provision to document management and controlling is solved.
Manufacturing simulation
With our virtual model, we can simulate and optimise the expected operation of the new part of the plant before the planned plant expansion.
The digital twin displays the finished building in detail and accurately in the virtual space, so we can make informed decisions about the position and number of production units, service units, gate size, workforce, movement, etc., saving cost, time and other problems.
How is a digital twin created?
The need to have an operationally ready digital twin at the end of the project as a BIM goal and the requirements for the software environment should be fixed at the beginning of the project on the client (EIR) side, for which the designer will propose a solution in the BEP document.
- Creating an as-built model: we update the BIM model based on the as-built state of the completed building (i.e. we transfer the changes made during construction), thus creating an “as-built” model
- Installing IoT devices: sensors are installed in the building to collect real-time data on various parameters (temperature, humidity, light, energy consumption, movement, space usage, etc.)
- Data integration: we use IoT platforms to link the data provided by sensors to the BIM model.
- Simulations and analysis: with the digital twin, you can perform simulations and analysis, for example to predict maintenance needs, make informed decisions on the details of a refurbishment or extension, optimise energy use, etc.
☛ Read how to create an as built model using scan to BIM.
The digital twin is preceded in time by the “as-designed” model and the “as-built” model, which represent different phases and stages in the construction process and the lifecycle of the building.
What is the as-designed (as-planned) model?
It reflects the design status of the building; it is based on the architectural, structural, building services, etc. plans, includes all the planned elements and systems, helps with visualisation of the plans, conflict analysis, cost and time planning and many other roles.
Since it contains preliminary ideas and plans for the building, rather than details of the completed building, its content is very different from the actual state. If we were to operate the building on this basis, we would be faced with constant errors, problems and inaccurate results.
☛ Click here to see what BIM data can be used for in design.
What is the as-built model?
It reflects the actual state of the building as it was actually constructed on site. It is based on an “as-designed” or “as-planned” model, but includes changes and modifications to the construction.
During construction, engineers and contractors work together to update the model to match the as-built condition, using laser scanning, drones and other technologies. This ensures that the final model accurately reflects the finished building, which is crucial for operation and maintenance.
What is a digital twin?
A live, digital replica of the building that not only contains the as-built status, but is continuously updated with real-time data on the building’s operation, use and condition.
It is built on an “as-built” model, but its information content is constantly being enhanced with real-time data from various sensors, IoT devices and other data sources. It allows building operators to use it to optimise building operations, improve energy efficiency and predict maintenance needs.
The “as-designed” model is therefore the first step in the design process, from which the “as-built” model is produced during implementation. The as-built model is the basis for the digital twin, which is continuously updated with real-time data during operation.
In summary, the “as-designed” model reflects the design state, the “as-built” model reflects the built state, while the “digital twin” reflects the live, real-time operational state. Together, these models ensure that BIM building projects can be designed, implemented and operated efficiently.
What software do I need for digital twin?
In order for the digital twin to be created and to work effectively, multiple software and technologies need to be integrated.
BIM software
The underlying BIM model for the digital twin is usually created in Revit or ArchiCAD, depending on whether you are using a closed BIM or open BIM workflow for the project.
IoT platform
These systems connect the real world with the virtual: they provide a platform for integrating devices and systems into a BIM model, act as a development environment, collect data and perform analysis. For example, Microsoft’s Azure Digital Twins or Siemens’ MindSphere platform.
Data management and analytics software
Once the connection is made, new target software is needed to process, analyse and maintain the resulting data in real time. IBM’s Maximo suite of applications for intelligent asset management, monitoring and predictive maintenance is widely known, as is PTC’s ThingWorx platform, which focuses on industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions.
Cloud services
Amazon Web Services’ IoT platform enables the connection and management of large numbers of devices and the collection and analysis of data, similar to Google Cloud IoT.
In addition to the above, there are other specialised digital twin platforms, such as Willow, developed specifically for buildings and related infrastructure, or GE Predix, aimed at digital twins for industrial environments.
We regularly use the modules of the Dalux CDE platform in the design and construction of BIM projects. The Danish software developer has also extended the life of the BIM model within the platform towards operations – its Dalux FM and Dalux Handover solution provides quick access to information and documents for all buildings and assets from mobile devices.
These software tools work together to collect, analyse and simulate data in real time to help buildings and systems operate more efficiently and optimally.