In the built environment, a digital twin is an accurate digital representation of a physical component, system or process. How sophisticated it is can vary. It can be as simple as a mechanical component for which its performance can be seen, analysed and controlled virtually. Or it could be of a whole system, or system of systems within a building.

However, the foundation of a digital twin lies in the building’s information. The goal is to create a single system of record where all the data related to the asset is easily accessible, consistent and updated throughout its lifecycle – from design and construction to operation and maintenance.

Why do we need Digital Twins?

• Optimising building performance
  A digital twin provides real-time, actionable data on how a building is performing. Whether it’s monitoring temperature, air quality or energy consumption, this live data helps facility managers make informed decisions to optimise the building’s efficiency. For example, integrating a digital twin with a Building Management System (BMS) allows operators to visualise occupancy patterns, lighting needs and energy consumption, making it easier to reduce waste and streamline operations.

  By offering insights into how a building functions under different conditions, asset owners benefit from cost savings and improved asset value. This can be achieved by using the insights to enhance performance, reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability.

• Decarbonising the built environment
  Buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. Reducing this footprint requires smarter, more energy-efficient buildings. Digital twins enable asset owners to simulate and test various energy performance scenarios during design and construction. By creating a “sandbox” environment, they can test the impact of changes in energy consumption, lighting and thermal performance.

  Once the building is operational, the digital twin provides real-time feedback. By tracking and optimising energy usage, operators can make more sustainable decisions. This data-driven approach directly contributes to decarbonising the built environment and aligning with sustainability goals.

• Predictive maintenance
  One of the most valuable aspects of a digital twin is its ability to provide predictive maintenance insights. By analysing real-time data on the performance of building systems, digital twins can detect potential issues before they lead to costly failures. This enables asset owners to schedule maintenance proactively, which helps to avoid unplanned downtime and extends the lifespan of key systems.

  Predictive maintenance helps to reduce operating costs and also enhances the reliability of a building’s infrastructure.

• Enhancing environments
  Digital twins can also enhance the environment for occupiers and building users. They help to improve comfort, air quality and overall wellbeing. By monitoring systems like HVAC, lighting and ventilation, digital twins help ensure that conditions are maintained at optimal levels. This leads to healthier, more comfortable indoor environments. Predictive maintenance can also lead to reduced downtime caused by equipment failures, ensuring facilities run smoothly and minimising disruptions for occupants.
• Improving collaboration and productivity
  Digital twins centralise all asset information in a single platform. This makes it more accessible to key stakeholders during the building’s lifecycle. Design documents, material specifications, maintenance schedules and performance data can be easily shared and accessed in real time. This improves collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors and facility managers. In turn this reduces the risk of any miscommunication and errors. Everyone benefits from smoother project execution and better long-term management.
• Whole-life value and ROI
  The return on investment (ROI) for digital twins stems from the long-term savings and efficiencies gained through better data management, decision-making and maintenance. By predicting maintenance needs, optimising energy usage and improving overall asset performance, digital twins help asset owners reduce operational costs and maximise the lifetime value of their buildings.

  When asset owners are able to accurately demonstrate the current condition of the building, and its previous history, it can increase the value of the asset significantly. Additionally, the insights gained from digital twins can help improve future designs and construction projects.

The future of Digital Twins: AI and machine learning

As AI and machine learning technologies continue to advance, future digital twins will be capable of even more sophisticated analysis. These systems could learn from historical data and operational patterns, automatically adjusting building controls to optimise energy efficiency, comfort and safety without any or very little human intervention.

This shift towards autonomous buildings will revolutionise facilities management. Not only will it help to drive down costs, it will also ensure buildings meet the highest standards of sustainability and performance.

Transforming the future of buildings

Digital twins are more than just digital representations of physical buildings. They can be used to help asset owners manage, optimise and future-proof their buildings. By providing real-time data, enabling predictive maintenance and improving energy efficiency, digital twins help asset owners stay ahead of the curve. As the built environment faces increasing pressure to decarbonise and operate more sustainably, the adoption of digital twins will only continue to grow and become an essential part of modern asset management.

To find out more about how Glider helps to enable digital twins, get in touch.

BIM enhances design and construction but its full potential is often lost in operations. This leads to inefficiencies and frustration among facilities teams. Here are some of the common challenges we see in the transfer of information from construction to operation.

The construction-operations disconnect

One of the biggest issues in digital building projects is the lack of alignment between construction data and operational requirements. Facilities teams often receive incomplete or disorganised asset information, making it difficult to manage and maintain smart buildings efficiently.

Lack of early stakeholder engagement

A major contributor to this disconnect is the absence of early and consistent engagement between key stakeholders. This includes construction teams, facilities management and end-users. Without clear communication and agreed data structures from the outset, project teams risk delivering asset information that does not meet operational needs.

Data transfer and management challenges

Even when asset data is available, it’s often messy, inconsistent or hard to use. Different naming conventions, missing standard formats and siloed systems create major roadblocks. This makes it tough to plug BIM data into smart building management. The result? Inefficiencies in maintenance, energy use, and space management.

An industry skill gap

There is a shortage of professionals who understand both digital construction and smart building operations. Many facilities teams aren’t equipped with the necessary expertise to leverage BIM data, leading to a reliance on outdated or manual processes.

The evolving role of technology

The adoption of AI, robotics and digital twins, calls for structured, accurate asset data. Without a well-planned digital soft landing strategy, organisations will struggle to take full advantage of these emerging technologies, missing out on opportunities to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Implementing a digital soft landing strategy

Adopting a Digital Soft Landings approach can ensure a seamless transition from BIM to smart building enablement.

Here are some of our top ways you can achieve success:

• Involve facilities managers, end-users and technology providers from the design stage.
• Establish clear data requirements and operational needs before construction begins.
• Implement industry-wide standards for asset information to ensure consistency.
• Define structured naming conventions that align with both construction and operational systems.
• Ensure that BIM data is structured in a way that can be directly integrated into FM software, IoT platforms and digital twins.
• Utilise open data standards to improve interoperability.
• Equip FM teams with the knowledge to interpret and utilise BIM data effectively.
• Consider contracts that incentivise long-term building performance rather than just project completion.
• Appoint accountability for the quality and usability of asset information throughout the building lifecycle

Future trends for lifecycle-focused building management

Looking ahead, the industry is moving towards a more holistic, lifecycle-focused approach to building design and management. Some of the benefits that we can look forward to include:

• A greater reliance on AI to analyse and optimise building performance.
• Increased adoption of digital twins to provide real-time insights into asset condition and usage.
• Better sustainability and energy efficiency, driven by better access to accurate building information.

By implementing a Digital Soft Landing strategy, organisations can ensure that smart buildings truly deliver on their promise. The result is improved building efficiency, sustainability and user satisfaction throughout the entire asset lifecycle.

Summary

The transition from BIM to smart building enablement does not have to be a fragmented and frustrating experience. By adopting a digital soft landings approach, organisations can bridge the gap between construction and operations. In return they can unlock the full potential of digital buildings.

Next steps

Glider specialises in providing asset information management solutions that ensure a smooth and efficient digital soft landing. If you’re looking to optimise your building’s performance through smarter data management, get in touch with us today.

The way we manage asset information is transforming the built environment, ensuring compliance, efficiency and long-term value for asset owners.

In our latest video interview, Lucas Cusack of Glider sits down with Steven Boyd MBE, a seasoned expert in the field, to discuss the evolving landscape of asset information management.

Who is Steven Boyd MBE?

Steven is the former Chief Executive of the Government Property Agency (GPA), where he led the transformation of the UK Government’s office property portfolio. Before that, as HMRC’s Estates Director, he oversaw the development of 13 major office buildings and significantly reduced the estate’s footprint. With deep expertise in government estates, property optimisation, and digital innovation in asset management, Steven shares his valuable insights into the evolving role of data in the built environment.

Themes discussed in the interview

In this interview Steven and Lucas explore the key themes that are shaping the industry, including:

• The growing importance of structured data for building operations
• The role of digital twins in futureproofing asset management
• How compliance and regulation are driving the need for better information
• The challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between construction and operations

This insightful discussion offers a glimpse into the strategies and technologies that are transforming how asset information is managed throughout the building lifecycle. Whether you’re an asset owner looking to optimise your estate, or a main contractor focused on seamless project handovers, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.

Watch the full interview

Ready to dive in? Watch the full interview here:

Many building owners and facilities managers find themselves at a crossroads when deciding how to store and manage their critical asset data. Often, tools like SharePoint are the go-to solution but are they really up to the challenge of managing asset information effectively? We explore why a purpose-built Asset Information Management Common Data Environment (AIM CDE) offers a better way of managing information for successful building operations.

Maximising your investment

When managing your building or estate, every square metre of your estate represents an investment. This isn’t just the physical space but the people, processes and technology that keep it running smoothly. That investment requires accurate, accessible and actionable information at every stage of the asset lifecycle. From design and construction to operations and eventual decommissioning, your data needs to be accurate to support informed decision-making.

SharePoint’s shortcomings

This is where SharePoint often falls short. While it’s a powerful platform for file storage and collaboration, it wasn’t designed for the complexities of building information management. Structuring data to reflect the nuances of your assets – their hierarchies, relationships, version history and attributes – can be cumbersome and prone to inconsistency. SharePoint lacks the built-in frameworks and tools that a dedicated CDE offers, leaving you to wrestle with custom configurations and workarounds.

Managing data

SharePoint manages files not data. Each file in SharePoint has a file name and limited metadata options, such as the date and location for pictures or basic attributes for Word and PDF documents. However, SharePoint cannot store detailed information like work package, contractor, zone, level, building or revision status. This limitation makes it hard to index, find and filter information. Additionally, SharePoint doesn’t provide an integrated approval workflow for documents, adding another layer of complexity.

More than just spreadsheets

To store data in SharePoint, it must be within a container or file, such as an Excel spreadsheet. Most asset registers are stored in Excel files, making them difficult to maintain and prone to duplication. Additionally, there are limitations in connecting the assets within the asset register to their corresponding documents and models, which is critical for effective asset management.

A single source of truth for building information

An Asset Information Management Common Data Environment (AIM CDE) is purpose-built to handle the challenges of managing asset information. It’s designed to be a single source of truth for your building data, consolidating everything from BIM models and O&M manuals to IoT sensor readings and maintenance schedules. With structured data, intuitive interfaces and robust governance, an AIM CDE ensures that your information is structured, accurate, up-to-date and easy to retrieve.

A tool designed for collaboration

When it comes to collaboration, SharePoint enables teams to work together on documents, but an AIM CDE elevates collaboration to a whole new level. When your operations team needs to quickly locate information about a specific asset, this information is interconnected and easily searchable. In SharePoint, it might be buried in a labyrinth of folders or mislabelled files, causing delays and frustration.

Futureproofing asset information

The benefits extend beyond day-to-day operations. With an AIM CDE, you’re futureproofing your asset management practices. As buildings become smarter and more connected, the ability to integrate new technologies seamlessly depends on having a robust, structured data environment. Whether it’s leveraging digital twins, automating maintenance tasks or meeting emerging compliance standards, an AIM CDE lays the vital groundwork for innovation.

Viewing spatial data

Spatial data presents another challenge for SharePoint. While SharePoint stores files, opening certain file types such as models, requires downloading them as disconnected copies and using external applications. This can pose security risks or be impractical in certain organisations. In contrast, a CDE offers built-in native viewing capabilities for various file types, including PDFs, Word documents, IFC and NWD model files. This native viewing feature allows users to access models directly and interact with the connected data, seamlessly linking them to other relevant documents and records within the CDE.

The hidden cost of poor data

Another critical advantage of an AIM CDE is its role in mitigating risk. Poorly managed data can lead to costly errors, missed compliance deadlines and even safety issues. A purpose-built solution provides rigorous control over data governance, ensuring that everyone, from contractors to facility managers, is working with the same trusted information. This level of accountability is hard to achieve with general-purpose tools like SharePoint.

A strategic asset

Investing in a CDE isn’t just about technology. It’s about transforming the way you manage your assets. It’s a shift toward treating your information as a strategic asset, one that’s as critical to your estate’s performance as the physical buildings themselves. For asset owners managing complex portfolios, this shift can unlock new efficiencies, reduce costs and enhance the overall value of their properties.

Success for the future

So, while SharePoint might seem like a convenient option at first glance, it’s worth considering if it is serving your needs as an asset owner. It could be time to choose a solution that’s purpose-built for the unique challenges of managing built assets. With an AIM CDE, you’ll be keeping up with the demands of today and setting yourself up for success tomorrow.

For more on how an AIME CDE can benefit your business, get in touch to speak to our team.

With more complex projects it’s important that the building information delivered is high quality and accurate. This allows it to be used and maintained throughout the asset lifecycle.

Why Main Contractors need good digital handover management

For Main Contractors, delivering comprehensive, high-quality information at practical completion shouldn’t just be a box to tick. Digital handover management can protect against future disputes, expensive warranty claims and potential legal action. Documenting every aspect of the work performed, the materials used and the standards met, can help contractors to safeguard their businesses from post-completion conflicts.

However, there’s also a proactive benefit. When contractors provide asset owners with thorough documentation, they also build trust. This makes it more likely that the asset owner will return for future projects.

Those who excel at delivering clear, comprehensive asset information are more likely to stand out in a competitive market. As clients increasingly seek reliable partners for complex builds, those who consider the information requirements for building operation will be more successful.

Why Asset Owners need good Asset Information Management

Asset owners have a long-term stake in maintaining the integrity of the information they receive at handover. By keeping accurate, accessible records, asset owners are better positioned to manage their properties efficiently. This results in smoother operations, more informed maintenance planning and the ability to make data-driven decisions to optimise the asset’s performance.

Well-documented assets can help asset owners demonstrate the quality of a building when it comes to selling it. Being able to accurately show that the asset has been well looked after during operation, increases its value and desirability to potential buyers or tenants.

Additional resources

You can read more about this in our blog titled ‘Bridging the ‘digital’ gap between construction and building operations’.

Contact us

If you’re a Main Contractor concerned about protecting your future business or an Asset Owner looking to secure long-term building value, get in touch with our team to discuss how we can help.

From Building Information Modelling (BIM) to COBie and digital handover documentation, every step of a building’s lifecycle collects valuable information. The amount of information can be overwhelming, especially if the data isn’t what you need to operate the building. So the answer is yes, the data is essential, but only if it’s the right data.

The role of BIM and COBie

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has transformed the way we design and build. It enables teams to create a digital representation of a building’s physical and functional characteristics, which can be shared across all stakeholders. Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) takes this a step further by ensuring that the right information, such as equipment lists, warranties and maintenance schedules, is passed on during the digital handover process.

However, while the technology exists to collect a vast amount of data, how much of it is actually needed?

Historically, contractors would collect vast amounts of information and hand it over at practical completion, only for it to be underutilised. In most cases it isn’t used at all. Facilities managers (FMs) and occupiers can be left sifting through irrelevant data. They almost always have the building resurveyed to get the information they need.

This adds unnecessary costs, time and frustration.

What data is needed?

The asset owner plays a pivotal role in defining what is required, but ultimately this should be a collaborative effort with contractors and facilities managers. Engaging with contractors early in the process to communicate the specific data needed for building operation is critical.
Most of the data collected will be for FM companies or occupiers to manage the building during its operational phase. Whether it’s energy consumption data from mechanical equipment or warranty information for critical systems, this data helps ensure that the building is running efficiently and meets the needs of its occupants. Accurate data also enables quick responses to issues. This ensures proper maintenance is carried out and extends the life of the building’s components.

The benefits for Asset Owners

While facilities managers are the most immediate users of this data, asset owners have much to gain also. When it comes time to sell or dispose of a building, having accurate, comprehensive data can significantly enhance the asset’s value. Potential buyers or investors will want to know about the building’s performance, compliance with afety standards and maintenance history. A well-documented building can command a higher price or rent, as it demonstrates transparency and reduces the buyer’s risk.

Accurate data is also crucial for demonstrating compliance with safety regulations, particularly when it comes to building safety. For high-risk buildings (HRBs), owners must ensure that their assets meet the safety standards. Having reliable data can make the difference between compliance and hefty penalties. Early collaboration between the asset owner and contractor ensures that data handed over at completion is accurate, relevant and useful long after the building is finished.

The benefits for Main Contractors

Main contractors also benefit from providing accurate, structured data at practical completion. Warranty claims can significantly impact a contractor’s profit margins. Inconsistent data or missing documentation can lead to disputes over whether certain work was completed as specified. By delivering comprehensive and accurate information at handover, contractors can protect themselves from costly claims in the future by demonstrating exactly what was delivered.

Avoiding wasted data

In many cases, information handed over at practical completion has proven to be unusable or incomplete. This results in FMs needing to resurvey buildings, a costly exercise that could easily be avoided by getting the data right the first time. This leads to unnecessary additional expenses and delays in maintaining or operating the building effectively.

But it’s not just about capturing data. It’s about capturing the right data. Asset owners need to work with their contractors to ensure that the data being collected is useful, structured and in a format that will support long-term operation. Systems that aren’t useful or utilised are simply a waste of time and money.

Back to basics

As we continue to evolve technologically, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest innovations, from AI-driven building management systems to predictive maintenance tools. However, it’s crucial to get the basics right first. Engaging with contractors early, defining the data needed and ensuring that systems in place are both useful and used should be the priority. From there, buildings can evolve as technology advances. Then new technologies and digital twins can be explored, but only if the groundwork has been laid with accurate, actionable data.

Getting the right data

The amount of data collected in the building lifecycle can indeed be overwhelming, but it is necessary when it’s structured, accessible and valuable for the operation phase. Early engagement between asset owners, contractors and FMs ensures that the data collected during design and construction supports the long-term management of the building. In the end, it’s not about the quantity of data. It’s about having the right data to ensure that buildings operate efficiently, comply with safety standards and retain their value over time.

Systems need to be useful, and more importantly, they need to be used. Otherwise, collecting data is just a waste of time and money.

O&M manuals serve as a detailed resource for building owners and facility managers, providing critical information, such as:

• Construction information including materials, finishes and specifications.
• Maintenance schedules, warranties and commissioning data.
• Decommissioning guidelines for safe upgrades or demolition

These manuals are mandatory for practical completion. Delays or missing documentation can cause significant setbacks which are frustrating for both the contractor and the client.

Why managing O&Ms in-house can be challenging

Many contractors start with the intention of producing O&M manuals internally. However, the process often becomes more complex than anticipated. Particularly when:

• Collecting documentation from multiple trades and teams have moved on to other projects.
• It’s a last minute rush because collecting O&M information is left until the end of the project, and information is incomplete.
• Administrative staff or junior team members are responsible as they can lack the knowledge to navigate complex requirements.

The benefits of outsourcing O&M manuals

Outsourcing the production of O&M manuals to a specialist provider, such as EDocuments or Glider, offers contractors access to expertise, advanced technology, and efficient processes. Managing O&M documentation can be time-consuming and often pulls skilled staff away from their primary roles. By outsourcing this responsibility, contractors can remain focused on their core activities while leaving the intricacies of documentation to experienced professionals.

Specialist providers use tried and tested templates and processes to produce documentation that is accurate, compliant, and complete. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of delays at practical completion and minimises potential aftercare issues. Furthermore, outsourcing allows data to be collected and verified early in the construction process. We use digital platforms to centralise and track progress, offering contractors real-time updates and greater transparency throughout the project.

High-quality O&M manuals enhance the handover experience by providing facility managers with the resources needed to operate the building effectively. This not only reduces follow-up queries but also strengthens trust and confidence between contractors and their clients. Additionally, outsourcing enables specialists to establish a realistic budget for O&M manual preparation early on, helping contractors avoid the inefficiency and higher costs associated with last-minute efforts.

Outsourcing to the right partner

When selecting an O&M provider, experience is key. Look for a partner with a proven track record in delivering high-quality documentation for similar projects. A robust software platform that offers real-time tracking and data management is also essential.

The best providers can go beyond basic O&M manuals, offering services like asset register creation, subcontractor coordination and compliance with Employer’s Information Requirements (EIRs).

Why outsourcing O&M manuals is a strategic decision

Outsourcing O&M manual production isn’t just cost-effective. It’s a strategic move to ensure smooth project closeouts, enhance client relationships and safeguard your reputation.

By partnering with industry leaders like Glider and EDocuments, who deliver over 200 projects annually, contractors can tap into a wealth of experience to hit their handover deadlines confidently. We take care of the details, so contractors can stay focused on delivering exceptional projects while leaving the documentation and data management to the experts.

If you’re ready to simplify your next project’s O&M manuals, contact us for a free quote.

Did you know?

Glider Technology acquired EDocuments in September 2024. Together, we’re streamlining building information to ensure project success. This means greater efficiency for contractors and better data for building operations.

The Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) G-Cloud 14 framework allows public sector organisations to find and procure cloud computing services efficiently. With a simplified procurement process, government bodies, the NHS, local authorities have access to leading-edge cloud solutions.

Glider is listed for Lot 2 (Cloud Software) and Lot 3 (Cloud Support). This means we are perfectly positioned to offer a range of services for managing building and asset data.

Building on past success

Glider was on the G-Cloud 13 framework which led to a number of new contracts with key clients such as Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

These high-profile partnerships have demonstrated the strength and security of Glider’s cloud-based services, which are designed to help public sector clients harness the full potential of their building information, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

Nick Hutchinson, Glider’s CEO, commented on the achievement: “We are delighted to be named as a supplier on the G-Cloud 14 framework. This is a testament to our commitment to delivering secure, innovative and effective cloud services to the public sector to help them manage and maintain their built estates digitally. Our team looks forward to continuing our work with existing clients and welcoming new ones onboarded through this framework.”

Why G-Cloud 14 matters

G-Cloud 14 will replace G-Cloud 13, offering even more streamlined access to cloud services for public sector organisations. The framework covers three key service areas:

1. Cloud Hosting Services – For organisations looking to host their infrastructure in the cloud.
2. Cloud Software Services – Including off-the-shelf solutions, pay-as-you-go services, and custom software designed to meet organisational needs.
3. Cloud Support Services – Covering everything from ongoing support to cloud management services.

The framework continues to support the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) like Glider. This emphasis on SMEs means that organisations like Glider can provide cutting-edge solutions while maintaining the flexibility and responsiveness needed to meet the unique demands of the public sector.

The links to our software and services are:

Cloud Software

Lot 2 – Asset Information Management Common Data Environment (AIM CDE)

Lot 2 – gliderbim Data Migration Tools

Lot 2 – Digital Handover Platform

Lot 2 – Digital Twin Enablement Platform

Lot 2 – Secure Project Information Management Common Data Environment (PIM CDE)

Cloud Services

Lot 3 – Asset Information Management Common Data Environment (AIM CDE) Implementation and Support

Lot 3 – gliderbim Data Migration Services

Lot 3 – Digital Handover Implementation Services

Lot 3 – Digital Twin Enablement & Support

Lot 3 – Project Information Management Common Data Environment (PIM CDE) Implementation Services

Looking ahead

As part of G-Cloud 14, Glider will continue to support public sector bodies with optimising their built assets and ensuring data compliance. With our focus on security, innovation and delivering value for money, we are excited to embark on this next phase and contribute to the ongoing digital transformation of the UK public sector.

For more information about Glider’s information management services and how we can support your organisation through the G-Cloud 14 framework, get in touch.

The recent Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report is a stark reminder of the construction industry’s responsibilities for the safety of built assets. As well as condemning the negligence and dishonesty, the report also exposes failures in the information value chain.

Many of these gaps could have been avoided with a more robust and accountable information management system. This is now known as the Golden Thread. The Golden Thread is not just a regulatory requirement but a vital element in maintaining the safety of a building throughout its lifecycle, from design to demolition.

The Golden Thread, as mandated in the Building Safety Act 2022, is intended to guarantee that information about a building’s fire and structural systems is consistently updated, accessible and accurate. With a transparent, comprehensive and secure information system in place, the Golden Thread plays a pivotal role in mitigating or even preventing tragic outcomes like that of Grenfell.

What is the Golden Thread?

The Golden Thread is the foundation of building safety management. It encompasses all the information needed to understand and maintain a building’s safety throughout its lifecycle, from design through to construction, occupation, maintenance and, ultimately, demolition.
It includes all the data and documents necessary to understand and maintain the building’s safety, particularly concerning fire and structural risks.

This information needs to be accurate, accessible and importantly up-to-date. Building Information Modelling (BIM) enables this process, ensuring that data is collected, structured and properly maintained. The Building Safety Act regulation, particularly for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), places legal obligations on asset owners, designers, contractors and operational teams to collect and manage data.

The only way to truly operationalise the Golden Thread is through a centralised, digital system. This is usually an Asset Information Management Common Data Environment (AIM CDE). When properly maintained during operation, it offers an immutable audit trail that shows all changes and decisions made at each stage of the asset’s life cycle.

Maintaining the Golden Thread

One of the most crucial aspects of the Golden Thread is its continuity from the initial design stages through to the eventual demolition of a building. This unbroken record ensures that every decision, modification, and maintenance activity is documented. This enables asset owners and managers to keep the building safe throughout its lifecycle.

At each stage the Golden Thread evolves so it should be regularly updated. This ensures it reflects any structural changes or adjustments to fire safety systems, demonstrating compliance with regulations and safety standards. When the time comes for a building’s demolition, the Golden Thread will still serve as a vital reference, capturing the history of its structural and safety-related decisions.

The Building Safety Case

A key regulatory component introduced by the Building Safety Act is the Building Safety Case. This is essential for demonstrating that fire and structural safety risks are being actively managed throughout the lifecycle of HRBs. It includes all relevant information about a building’s fire safety strategy, structural systems and ongoing maintenance efforts, ensuring that these systems are performing as expected to safeguard occupants.

The Building Safety Case is not a static record.It must be regularly updated and maintained as part of the Golden Thread. The Building Safety Regulator has the authority to request access to the Building Safety Case at any time to verify that safety protocols and records are in place and up to date. Failure to provide this information or to demonstrate ongoing safety management can lead to significant regulatory penalties.

A well-maintained Golden Thread ensures that the Building Safety Case is always available and can be quickly produced when required by the regulator.

The Golden Thread during operation

Operational teams are the driving force for the Golden Thread. They rely on the quality and accessibility of the data provided. For the Golden Thread to succeed, asset owners must update information post-construction, ensuring that any changes, inspections and maintenance records are documented.

The Golden Thread is not a static data set but must evolve with the building’s life. The Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) latest guidance suggests that this will be extended to a broader range of buildings in the future. The Golden Thread is also key to addressing challenges like net-zero targets and sustainability. This data will not only drive regulatory compliance but also enable potential cost savings and support decision-making.

Reducing risk with data

One of the report’s critical findings from the Grenfell Inquiry was the lack of structured, accessible information on the building’s materials and systems. Asset owners must take proactive measures to survey their buildings, especially older ones, for missing information so they have comprehensive fire and building safety data.

By following ISO 19650 standards and ensuring data is collected in a consistent, structured format, asset owners and operational teams can minimise risks and streamline future inspections, renovations and audits. This is especially crucial for organisations with federated estates that must manage vast amounts of building data across multiple assets.

Are O&M manuals still needed?

While BIM and structured data are critical, documents like O&M manuals and H&S files are still needed. The Golden Thread is not just a collection of data. The combination of documents and structured information provides the essential context to that data. For example, a fire strategy needs a narrative to tie together the data points. This ensures that the strategy is understandable and actionable for those who will maintain the building’s safety. It is the integration of these documents into the O&M manuals and H&S handover files that provides a full picture of the building’s safety framework.

A call for change

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report is a clear signal that the industry must change – and quickly. As bans on public sector contracts loom for those companies implicated in unsafe practices, the broader industry must step up to ensure that another tragedy never happens again. This means not only ensuring compliance with existing regulations but embracing a cultural shift toward transparency and accountability.

Here to help

We can help asset owners, contractors and operational teams to implement robust asset information management systems that prioritise safety and compliance.

Get in touch to talk to our team.

Building operators often battle with large volumes of data that is generated during construction and then throughout the building’s lifecycle. A typical commercial office building can produce over 10,000 documents, 200+ 3D models and 50,000+ data points during construction alone. When the building is in operation, additional data streams include data from Building Management Systems (BMS) and IoT sensors. Without proper alignment and structuring, this data can be difficult to access and underutilised.

Adding value to building operations

The Digital Soft Landings Manager can address this misalignment by ensuring that all data is delivered in a structured, accessible and usable format. This includes everything from 3D BIM models to as-built records and operational data. By coordinating these efforts, the Digital Soft Landings Manager can ensure that the data produced during construction aligns with the performance and operational needs of the building.

Discover more about the role of a Digital Soft Landings manager here.

Early engagement and stakeholder alignment

The Digital Soft Landings Manager will engage stakeholders early in the project lifecycle. This ensures the data requirements of the asset owner and operational team are met from the outset. This early involvement enables the Information Requirements to be agreed, so BIM deliverables, operational data points and performance metrics are aligned across the project.

Ensuring data availability for operational teams

The lack of accessible, well-structured data post-handover can lead to inefficiencies in deploying critical operational technology, such as BMS and Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems. The Digital Soft Landings Manager can ensure that asset data is available and presented in a format that operational teams can use. This approach helps to reduce the time and cost of deploying systems so building performance can be optimised more quickly.

Bridging the gap between construction and operation

Without a Digital Soft Landings Manager, operational teams may struggle to extract useful information from legacy documents or misaligned datasets. This can impact on their ability to maintain the building efficiently. The Digital Soft Landings Manager can ensure that data from BIM, digital O&M manuals and IoT systems is fully integrated. This provides a solid foundation for ongoing building management and future innovations like AI and machine learning.

You can read more about the importance of bridging the gap between construction and operations here.

The future of building operations

The long-term value of digital BIM models depends on their use throughout the entire building’s lifecycle. A Digital Soft Landings Manager ensures that these models are not only preserved but also updated and maintained to provide accurate, real-time insights for building managers. This structured data can also be leveraged for advanced technologies, including AI applications, predictive maintenance and smart building optimisations.

The Digital Soft Landings Manager plays a critical role in maximising the value of a building’s data. By ensuring its effective handover and use in operations, they can help asset owners and operators to unlock the full potential of their built assets.

For more information on how Glider’s Digital Soft Landings Managers can enhance your project, contact us today.