Digital twins are revolutionizing facility management, offering more than just digital visibility. As stakeholders integrate this technology with operational data, it opens new avenues for efficiency and cost reduction.
What Happened
Digital twins have evolved from a marketing tool to a critical operational asset for facility stakeholders. Initially used by real estate managers and educational institutions for leasing and recruitment, digital twins are now embedded with operational data to enhance facility management. Matt Judge, senior director of facilities program development at Aramark Facilities Management, highlighted this shift, noting that digital twins are gaining traction for their ability to provide comprehensive visibility and streamline operations. Aramark, through its TwinOptix suite, has implemented digital twins across 20 million square feet in 36 U.S. locations. This solution combines lidar scans, asset information, and operational data, enabling facility managers to share digital notes, take measurements, and create virtual tours. The technology reduces travel and maintenance costs while providing a unified view of building operations, facilitating coordination among contractors, vendors, and designers.
What This Means for Your Business
For businesses in the AECM sector, the integration of digital twins can significantly impact procurement and operational efficiencies. By embedding operational data within digital models, companies can optimize maintenance schedules, reduce labor time, and enhance stakeholder engagement. This technology offers a strategic advantage, allowing firms to demonstrate value to clients and investors through virtual tours and streamlined workflows. Understanding and leveraging digital twins could lead to substantial cost savings, particularly in reducing site survey and travel expenses. For government contractors, the ability to present comprehensive digital models could be a differentiator in competitive bids, especially in projects requiring detailed facility management solutions.
What US Operators Should Watch
Operators should monitor advancements in digital twin technology and its integration with asset management systems. Staying informed about software updates and new functionalities can help maximize the benefits of digital twins. Additionally, understanding federal funding opportunities for technological upgrades may provide financial incentives for adopting this technology. As digital twins become more prevalent, compliance with data management regulations and cybersecurity standards, such as NIST and CMMC, will be crucial to protect sensitive operational data.
Source: https://www.facilitiesdive.com/news/digital-twins-offer-more-than-just-visibility-for-facility-stakeholders-ex/832848/.
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