The Evolution of Digital Twins in AECO: Beyond Modeling to Intelligent Information Management

By Carl Storms

Digital twins are transforming the AECO industry, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. It’s not enough to simply have a digital twin—the real value lies in how we use the information they provide. We’re moving beyond static models to create dynamic tools that drive smart decision-making and boost operational efficiency.

Let’s explore how advanced information management platforms are revolutionizing digital twins. 

If you’re a VDC, BIM, Engineer, or architecture professional, you’re familiar with the basics. So, let’s dive deeper into how these technologies are shaping our industry.

Digital Twins in AECO: More Than Just 3D Models

Digital twins in the AECO world aren’t just fancy 3D replicas. They’re complex information ecosystems that capture the unique challenges of built environments. Unlike twins in manufacturing or aerospace, AECO twins account for changing occupancy patterns and evolving urban contexts.

Recent studies show impressive results: organizations using digital twins in construction projects have cut overall costs by 15-25 percent and improved project delivery times by 20-30 percent  [McKinsey & Company, 2023]. But here’s the kicker—these benefits only materialize when digital twins are paired with robust information management systems.

BIM vs. Digital Twins: The Next Step in Evolution

We’ve likely all worked with Building Information Modeling (BIM), but digital twins take things to a whole new level. While BIM provides a solid foundation, digital twins incorporate real-time data, AI-driven analytics, and predictive capabilities.

The key difference? Dynamism and connectivity. BIM models are typically just that models, but digital twins evolve with the physical asset. This shift allows for unprecedented operational insights and predictive maintenance capabilities.

Advanced Information Platforms: The Brain Behind Effective Digital Twins

Modern project and information management platforms act as the central nervous system for digital twin ecosystems. These platforms do more than just store data. They offer:

• Real-time syncing between physical assets and their digital counterparts
• AI-powered analytics for predictive maintenance and performance optimization
• Seamless integration with IoT sensors and building management systems
• Collaborative environments that break down silos between teams

With a platform that allows you to search and find—every time—users can easily get an impressive 40 percent reduction in information retrieval time and a 30 percent increase in cross-team collaboration efficiency on large-scale construction projects [Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2024].

Harnessing Advanced Platforms for Digital Twin Success

When we combine sophisticated project and information management tools with digital twins, we see numerous benefits:

• Better decision-making through comprehensive, real-time data analysis
• Improved lifecycle management from design through operations and maintenance
• Increased sustainability through optimized energy usage and resource allocation
• Enhanced risk management and compliance through continuous monitoring and predictive analytics

A case study of a large commercial development in Singapore demonstrated the power of this combination. By using information management with digital twins, they reduced energy costs by 22 percent and decreased unplanned downtime by 35 percent [Singapore Building and Construction Authority, 2023].

The Future of Digital Twin Ecosystems

Industry experts are realizing that the future of digital twins isn’t just about the models themselves. It’s about how we manage and use the information they generate.

Carl Veillette, CPO of Newforma, puts it succinctly: “The true value of digital twins isn’t in their creation, but in their ongoing evolution and the insights they provide. It’s about turning data into actionable intelligence that drives better outcomes throughout the asset lifecycle.”

Looking ahead, we can expect to see:

• Greater integration of AI and machine learning for autonomous decision-making
• Expansion of digital twins to encompass entire urban ecosystems
• Increased focus on cybersecurity and data privacy in digital twin environments
• Development of standardized protocols for digital twin interoperability across different platforms and systems
• Creating and Feeding the Digital Twin

The creation of a digital twin is a complex process involving multiple stages and data sources. It begins with developing a detailed 3D model of the physical asset, which forms the foundation of the digital twin. This model is then enriched with real-time data from various sources:

• IoT sensors: Collecting data on temperature, humidity, occupancy, and energy usage.
• Building Management Systems (BMS): Providing information on HVAC, lighting, and other building systems.
• Historical data: Past performance data for predicting future trends and potential issues.
• User feedback: Incorporating occupant experiences and preferences to improve comfort and efficiency.

The key to a successful digital twin lies in the seamless integration of all these data sources. This is where advanced project information management platforms become crucial, acting as a central hub for all project information.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Digital Twin Ecosystem

When selecting a platform to support your digital twin ecosystem, consider the following essential features:

• Centralized Information Management: Look for a platform that provides a unified view for all project information. Let’s be honest, a single source of truth does not exist from design documents to construction data. This centralized approach is crucial for maintaining an accurate and up-to-date digital twin. Finding a tool that doesn’t hold you hostage to one vendor and integrates the information from a myriad of sources without taking the information but pointing to where that information lives is key.
• Real-time Collaboration: The ideal platform should enable real-time collaboration between all stakeholders, ensuring everyone works with the most current information. This is essential for keeping the digital twin synchronized with the physical asset.
• Integration Capabilities: Choose a platform that can integrate various software tools and data sources. This flexibility is key for aggregating the diverse data needed to feed a digital twin.
• Version Control and Change Management: As digital twins evolve, keeping track of changes is crucial. Robust version control and change management features ensure that the digital twin accurately reflects the current state of the physical asset.
• Lifecycle Management: The ideal platform should manage information throughout the entire project lifecycle, from design to operations, ensuring that the digital twin remains relevant and useful long after construction is complete.

Veillette emphasizes that the right platform isn’t necessarily just Enterprise Asset Management Software or a BIM collaboration platform. It’s about making data readily available and easy to find, enabling informed action. The focus is on driving actionable insights, efficiency, and innovation throughout the project lifecycle.

By selecting a platform with these capabilities, you can create a powerful foundation for your digital twin ecosystem. Such platforms act as the central nervous system, connecting all aspects of your project and enabling the full potential of digital twins.

Conclusion

As we move forward in the AECO industry, the line between digital twins and the platforms that manage them will continue to blur. Success will come to those who cannot only create accurate digital representations but also harness the power of the information they generate.

By embracing advanced project information management systems with the capabilities we’ve discussed, we can unlock the full potential of digital twins. 

This isn’t just about keeping up with technology—it’s about driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in our built environment. The future of AECO is here, and it’s more connected and intelligent than ever before.