
From materials passport to the golden thread – What owners and operators need to know
As the built environment progresses towards net zero and circularity, material passports have become an important part of moving forward. They document the components and materials used in a building, helping asset owners, operators and developers unlock opportunities for reuse, recycling and embodied carbon reduction.
Materials passports provide a useful snapshot of what a building is made of, but they are just one piece of the bigger picture.

What is a materials passport?
A materials passport is a digital record that stores detailed information about the materials and products used within a building. It typically includes data such as composition, origin, environmental performance and reuse potential. This creates complete transparency about what a building is made of and how its materials can be recovered or recycled in the future.
By turning buildings into material banks, materials passports support circular economy goals, help reduce embodied carbon and enable asset owners to make informed decisions about maintenance, refurbishment and end of life reuse.
From materials passports to building intelligence
To achieve full lifecycle transparency and long-term building performance, asset owners need more than just data on materials, they need a single source of truth for all asset information.
We believe that this should go beyond capturing the physical characteristics of a building. For complete transparency, it’s also important to view the systems, components and operational data throughout design, construction and occupation.
This is the foundation of the golden thread of information. Every data point from a product’s sustainability rating to maintenance schedules and compliance documentation is captured, structured and easily searchable.
Why asset owners need more
For building owners and operators, a materials passport alone doesn’t answer key operational questions:
- Is this material compliant with the latest fire safety regulations?
- When was this component last maintained or replaced?
- What is the embodied carbon of this system across the whole estate?
Glider’s information management platform bridges these gaps providing owners and facilities managers with the complete picture to ensure safety, compliance and long-term value.
The result
With all the asset information accessible in one platform, sustainability and circularity goals are easier to meet. Asset owners gain complete lifecycle management, with every decision backed by verified data. Sustainability and circularity goals are easier to meet with the right data for reuse and embodied carbon reporting. And with structured, connected data, your building is ready for digital twins and smart building integrations.
Get in touch with one of our materials passport experts to find out more.
Download our free guide How to unlock the full value of your assets with a materials passport to discover how you can turn material data into actionable intelligence across your estate.

Life in Enterprise Sales with Jake Canty-Davis
Since joining Glider Technology in March 2025, Enterprise Account Executive Jake Canty-Davis has become an integral part of our growing sales team. Here, Jake shares an insight into his role, what drives him and how he navigates the evolving world of enterprise sales within the built environment.

Combining complex with clarity
With a career that spans both construction and software, Jake Canty-Davis brings clarity and momentum to some of our most complex opportunities. His focus is on large organisations from major corporate occupiers to public bodies and universities and helping them understand how structured building information supports their long-term operational goals.
Enterprise sales is often defined as dealing with large numbers. At Glider, however, Enterprise isn’t just defined by deal size, but also by complexity. Jake works closely with senior stakeholders across real estate teams, identifying the challenges they face and demonstrating how our platform can address them at scale. These conversations require patience, curiosity and a consultative mindset, qualities that define his approach.
Jake’s focus is always on the value and business outcomes clients are trying to achieve, whether that’s improving operational efficiency, aligning project data to long-term needs, or reducing risk across large-scale estates.
Navigating a demanding industry
The built environment is one of the most intricate sectors to work in. It spans construction, FM, operations, consultancy and investment, with each organisation bringing its own set of pressures, legacy systems and expectations.
Jake sees this complexity as both a challenge and an opportunity. Because we support so many parts of the building lifecycle, no two conversations are ever the same and each engagement requires a tailored, consultative approach.
One of the realities Jake often encounters is the disconnect between project delivery and ongoing operations. Contractors, consultants and clients each have different objectives, timelines and metrics for success. Jake’s job is to align these objectives and articulate how a consistent, structured approach to information can support all parties.
This is what makes the work rewarding. It demands flexibility, industry awareness and the ability to stay strategic even when navigating diverse stakeholders.
Building on a strong delivery legacy
Many of the enterprise conversations Jake leads today are grounded in years of exceptional handover work delivered by both Glider and EDocuments.
When clients have already experienced reliable delivery, particularly on complex projects, it creates a foundation of trust that elevates the conversation from transactional documents to long-term asset strategy. Jake regularly sees this dynamic when engaging with organisations such as major educational institutions, public authorities and global corporate occupiers.
The progression from handover services to enterprise software for building operations is often a natural step for these clients, and Jake’s role is to help them see the long-term value of that transition
Industry experience that makes a difference
Before moving into software, Jake worked in the industry for an M&E contractor. This background gives him a practical understanding of the pressures on construction teams, the realities of the defects period and the operational gaps that emerge when a building becomes operational.
This perspective shapes how he approaches internal collaboration too. He can anticipate where delivery teams may face challenges, and he understands why clients ask the questions they do. It helps him bridge commercial objectives with delivery realities, ensuring we remain aligned to the real-world needs of the market.
It also positions him perfectly to support the evolution of our proposition, particularly around the handover-to-maintain philosophy that sits at the heart of our approach
Life outside of Glider
Outside of the sales world, Jake is navigating a new territory – first-time fatherhood. Welcoming his son earlier this year has reshaped his daily routine and brought a new balance to his work life.
Parenthood has introduced a natural shift between work and home, offering moments of grounding and perspective amid the pace of sales activity. Earlier this year, he and his family even embarked on their first trip abroad, discovering that travelling with a three-month-old is not only possible but, in some ways, surprisingly straightforward.
Looking ahead
Jake sees the next few years as pivotal for both the industry and our business. As the market consolidates and point solutions lose momentum, organisations are increasingly seeking long-term, reliable platforms with strong service heritage – an area where Glider is well-positioned.
For the sales team, he sees that the future is not about selling isolated products, but about supporting clients throughout the entire building information lifecycle.
A growing part of our future
Jake has made a significant impact at Glider in the short time he’s been here. His combination of industry experience, strategic thinking and steady, value-driven communication has strengthened our enterprise presence and helped shape how we engage with major clients.
As both the industry and our business continue to evolve, Jake’s role and his ability to navigate complexity with clarity, will remain a key part of our growth story.

A Day in the Life: Tina Cooper
At Glider, our people are at the heart of everything we do. In this first edition of ‘A Day in the Life’, we caught up with Tina Cooper, Senior Handover Documentation Manager, to find out more about her role, the challenges she faces and why she’s so passionate about delivering excellence in project handovers.

Meet Tina
Tina joined Glider six and a half years ago, when the company was still small – in fact she was employee number 10! In that time, she’s worked on some fascinating projects and seen the team grow. Before joining Glider, she worked as a Project Support Manager leading a team of document controllers and also spent time at the Olympic Stadium in facilities management. That’s where her passion for information began. We sat down with Tina to discover why she loves handover information so much.
What is your role at Glider?
I’m a Senior Handover Documentation Manager, which means I’m responsible for managing handover projects from start to finish. I work closely with client teams and contractors to make sure everything is delivered to the highest standard.
My day consists of anything from chasing documentation and managing outstanding reviews, to advising clients on the best way to structure information. It’s all about figuring out the best way to deliver a project successfully.
Walk us through a typical day…
Every day is different. Some days are full of client and subcontractor engagement, building the picture of O&M manuals for handover. Other days, I’m chasing missing documentation, checking reviews or problem-solving to keep projects on track.
The delivery part of my role is the best part. I love seeing everything come together.
What’s the most challenging part?
Definitely the juggling act. I might plan my day one way, but I’m constantly reacting to new queries and issues that come in. Balancing multiple projects while supporting both clients and the Glider team can be a challenge. But it keeps things interesting!
How does your role contribute to successful handover and long-term asset management?
At Glider, we pride ourselves on delivering a premium service. It’s what I like to call the Rolls Royce of handover. Our passion shows in the detail.
For me, it’s about making sure the documentation reflects the same quality and effort that’s gone into building the project itself. A building might cost millions to deliver, but if the information handed over doesn’t meet the same standard, it’s a disservice to the work that’s been done.
That’s why I check, double check and make sure every document matches the schedule. It’s that attention to detail and drive for excellence that gets us repeat business and great feedback from clients.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love what I do. Starting with a blank canvas and building up the handover documentation into something structured, smart and ready for the client is so rewarding.
Our projects are complex so the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming at times but seeing it all come together to our high standard is worth it.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a bit of a Lego nerd – especially when it comes to Harry Potter! I only got into it a couple of years ago, but I’ve built Dobby, Hogwarts, the Great Hall, Gringotts Bank (my favourite) and most recently, Diagon Alley.
Here’s a picture of some of Tina’s Lego collection:

How do you see your role changing in the future?
I don’t think the core of delivery will change. There will always be people involved in gathering information from various sources.
What’s evolving is the move towards digital. There’s more focus on 3D models and clients defining their own information requirements. That means part of my role is advising clients on what information is actually useful and valuable for them to run their buildings effectively.
If you could change one thing about how the industry handles building information today, what would it be?
I’d like to see more value placed on handover information. Too often, O&Ms are an afterthought and rushed at the end of a project.
They should be considered right from the construction stage. O&M manuals and handover documents aren’t just admin as they’re fundamental to a building’s long-term success. If the information isn’t managed and structured properly, it can lead to significant issues later on.
What we do is very niche and many of us fall into it. I’d like to see it as a career in itself and for the industry to recognise its importance.
Tina’s story shows why our people make the difference at Glider. Her passion for detail, commitment to excellence and belief in the value of information reflect everything we stand for as a company.
If you’re interested in joining Tina and the team at Glider, check out our Careers page.

One year on: Building the future together
It has been just over a year since Glider acquired EDocuments and what a journey it has been. We take a look back over the last 12 months and reflect on a year of achievements and success.

One year, one Glider
Since the acquisition of EDocuments in September 2024, we’ve been working hard to bring together the strengths, expertise and cultures of two leading digital innovators in the built environment. Today, we stand as one company with one vision and one mission to drive the future of estate-wide information management innovation.
One proposition for the market
From the outset, our goal was to combine Glider’s expertise in asset information management with EDocuments’ renowned digital handover solutions. Together, we now deliver a single, stronger proposition for the market, helping owners, operators and contractors achieve compliant, structured and future-ready building information.
Growing through acquisition
This year also marked another important milestone: the acquisition of Sitedesk, an innovative software tool for digitally capturing and managing real-world assets with intuitive 3D visualisation. With Sitedesk now part of the Glider family, we’re extending the possibilities of how building information can be managed, visualised and utilised across the full asset lifecycle.
A new leadership team
To support this exciting phase of growth, we welcomed a new CEO and CRO, alongside a refreshed leadership team. Jayne Archbold and Richard Farnworth bring the experience, vision and energy to lead Glider into its next chapter. Together they are ensuring our solutions and services continue to deliver maximum value for our clients and partners.
One vision, one mission
We’ve harmonised our systems and processes, so we are now fully aligned and operating on a single IT platform. Our next step is to deliver one unified offering for better estate-wide information management. This will empower clients to transform fragmented asset data into actionable intelligence, enabling smarter decisions, regulatory confidence and sustainable operations for every property, old or new.
Our people, our passion
None of this would be possible without our people. Our 80-strong team has embraced the challenge of change, pulling together with a shared passion for digitising the built environment. From software developers to Information managers, every individual plays a vital role in shaping the future of our industry.
Looking ahead
The past year has been about integration, alignment and growth. The year ahead is about innovation and delivery to bring our unified vision to life and set a new benchmark for estate-wide information management in the built environment.
Together, as one company with one vision, we’re ready for the next phase.

How AI is reshaping Building Information Management
AI-powered building information management is here. Glider’s latest innovation brings together intelligent AI-powered data migration and search tools, helping building owners and operators uncover compliance gaps and turn disorganised files into actionable insights.

The challenge of managing building information
In the UK, an estimated 80% of buildings that exist today will still be occupied in 2050. Yet, for asset owners and facilities managers, accessing accurate, structured and reliable building information remains a major challenge. Legacy documents are often locked away in unsearchable PDFs, making it difficult to locate critical information for maintenance, safety, compliance and strategic planning.
Even with the adoption of digital platforms, much of this information remains fragmented and difficult to interrogate. This leads to costly inefficiencies from unnecessary site visits and repeated surveys to missed compliance deadlines and manual audits. But what if Artificial Intelligence (AI) could change that?
A new era of building intelligence
The real issue isn’t that legacy asset data is digital, it’s more that it’s disorganised. With documents buried under generic file names or saved in the wrong places, facilities teams are stuck sifting through endless folders to find answers.
That’s where AI comes in!
Glider’s new AI-powered capabilities allow organisations to migrate, structure and search their building information faster and smarter than ever before. Using machine learning, natural language processing and intelligent data models, AI can now transform outdated document archives into a single, searchable source of truth.
Organise, search and act instantly
This isn’t just another document management tool. It’s a significant step forward in how asset owners can interact with their building information.
With AI-powered document migration and deep search working together, Glider enables you to:
- Rename documents intelligently
AI applies your naming conventions while retaining original names for audit trails. - Organise data automatically
Files are moved to their correct locations and linked to the right assets. - Extract key information
The system scans documents for asset metadata, dates, hand-written notes and more to make them more searchable - Deliver confidence scores
Know how accurate the extracted information is before acting on it. - Find instant answers in one click
Ask plain-language questions like “Where is my latest fire safety report?” or “Which boilers were last serviced?” and receive one clear answer, complete with citations.
From searching to knowing
Compliance isn’t just about having documents, it’s about being able to prove that you’ve got the right information and that it’s up to date. With AI-powered search, estate teams no longer have to guess where to look. They can ask a simple question and get the information they need in seconds.
Whether you need to prepare a Building Safety Case or identify fire risks across your estate, AI search makes it faster and easier to get the facts and also uncover what might be missing.
Saving time, money and reputation
For asset owners managing large estates, these new AI capabilities provide a step change in performance.
Rather than dedicating months (or even years) to manually sorting or second-guessing compliance risks, teams can now:
- Find the right document instantly
- Validate the latest version
- Identify missing or outdated files
- Answer audit questions on demand
- Support strategic decisions with better data
All without the cost or complexity of manual data migration.
Digital transformation for the whole estate
True digital transformation in the built environment must include the millions of existing buildings that are still in use today. Glider’s AI capabilities are designed to help asset owners structure legacy data and make it searchable. This isn’t just for convenience, but for safety, compliance and sustainability.
With regulatory pressure increasing, from the Building Safety Act to net zero goals, the cost of not knowing is simply too high.
What’s next?
Glider’s AI-powered building information management is coming soon! Whether you’re starting with legacy data or looking to enhance your current digital estate, this technology makes it possible to manage your building information with confidence, speed and insight.
If you want to stop searching and start finding, get in touch today to see it in action for yourself.

What is a naming convention in Building Information Management?
The way building information is structured and labelled can make or break asset management. In this article, we explain what naming conventions are used in the built environment and why they are important.

What is a naming convention?
A naming convention is a structured and consistent way of labelling files, documents and datasets to ensure they are easy to identify, retrieve and manage. It typically follows a predefined format that includes key details such as project codes, document types and version numbers.
In the built environment, naming conventions are especially important for organising vast amounts of information across the lifecycle of an asset. By following a standardised system, teams can reduce confusion, improve collaboration and ensure compliance with industry standards like ISO 19650.
Why do naming conventions matter?
We’ve all encountered files with cryptic names that once made sense but now offer no clues about their contents. The only way to identify them is by opening each one, then, if you remember, renaming it for clarity.
A well-defined naming convention provides a standardised approach to structuring information. This helps to reduce ambiguity and improve collaboration between stakeholders. Having a consistent naming system allows teams to:
- Find information quickly and prevent wasted hours searching for files.
- Ensure compliance as many regulatory frameworks require structured information management.
- Provide a common language across teams and disciplines to improve collaboration.
- Reduce errors which can lead to costly mistakes.
- Future-proof asset information by standardising data so it remains useful and relevant over time.
Common naming conventions in the built environment
The built environment typically follows industry-recognised naming structures. These include:
- ISO 19650-compliant file naming – A framework for structuring information throughout the lifecycle of a building or infrastructure asset.
- Company-specific standards – Some organisations prefer to develop their own naming frameworks tailored to their internal workflows and project needs.
The challenges of managing naming conventions
Despite the benefits of using a naming convention, enforcing it can be challenging. Teams often work across multiple systems, each with its own requirements. Human error, legacy data and inconsistent adherence to standards can lead to an unstructured and difficult-to-navigate information landscape.
New information collected during a capital project can be easier to structure, thanks to built-in workflows and pre-defined information requirements. The real challenge comes during the operational phase and digitising the vast amount of information that exists for complex buildings and large estates.
Where to start
When starting the journey of digitising building information, establishing a clear naming convention is a crucial first step. Before migrating documents and data into a digital system, there needs to be a defined, structured approach to file naming that aligns with industry standards like ISO 19650. This ensures consistency, making it easier to organise, retrieve and manage critical information throughout the asset’s lifecycle.
Alongside naming conventions, teams should also assess their existing data, identify gaps, and implement a centralised Common Data Environment (CDE) to store and maintain accurate records. By getting these fundamentals right from the outset, organisations can future-proof their asset information and lay the foundation for smarter, more efficient building management.
Making it easier
Watch out for future updates on how we’re making it easier to digitise building information! We have exciting news coming very soon guaranteed to help you save time, reduce costs and streamline asset management.

A round up of Digital Construction Week 2025
Last week, Glider was proud to be part of the 10th Digital Construction Week by contributing to essential conversations on digital transformation, information management and the project-to-operations journey. Here’s a quick recap of our highlights.

DCW 2025: Two days of insight, innovation and industry action
Over two packed days at this year’s Digital Construction Week, the Glider team took to the stage, led discussions, shared knowledge and reconnected with our peers across the sector.
Day 1
First up for Glider on the Digital Operations stage was Lucas Cusack who chaired a panel on Digital Soft Landings. This approach to closing the gap between construction and operations ensures information isn’t just collected but it’s contextual, structured and usable.
The panel, featured:
- Alan Williamson, Senior Services Manager, Multiplex
- Edward Riby, Real Estate Director, JLL
- Andrew Victory, Global Digital Transformation Leader, Arcadis
- Steven Boyd MBE, former Chief Executive of Government Property Agency
This session delivered an honest and forward-looking discussion on how to make handover processes smarter and more effective. One of the standout quotes came from Ed Riby: “You can have all the data in the world but if you don’t understand it, it’s pointless.”
This was shortly followed by a session on the RIBA Smart Buildings Overlay Version 2.0. Chaired by Executive Officer of the Digital Buildings Council (DBC), Justin Kirby, and with Glider’s John Adams, the discussion explored how the next version of the overlay can support better integration of smart technology across the full asset lifecycle
Cheers to collaboration
We finished day 1 with post-show drinks at Canary Wharf. Hosted in partnership with the DBC, it was a fantastic evening catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones – all in the spirit of collaboration and shared ambition for smarter, better-connected buildings.
Day 2
First up on the second day on the Digital Operations stage Steven Boyd MBE delivered an insightful talk on the pressing need for better, more consistent use of data across the built environment. Drawing on his vast experience, Steven challenged attendees to think differently about how information is managed, structured and applied. His message was clear: data should inform strategy, investment and procurement not sit idle in a forgotten folder.
Next up was a session on the Information Management stage where John Adams returned with a session focused on AI, machine learning and their role in regulatory compliance under the UK Building Safety Act. With compliance risks growing for asset owners, John explored how digital tools can not only ensure safety and compliance but also unlock efficiency and long-term value.
Then we saw Glider’s CTO, Dr Jamie Dupée, deliver a talk on how Glider’s technology can act as a search engine for your building or estate. Forget trawling through documents, with structured data, you can simply ask your building questions and get instant, intelligent responses. This wasn’t blue-sky thinking. It highlighted real-world use cases, challenges, and the exciting potential of AI-powered data interrogation in operational environments.
Throughout both days, our team was busy at the Glider stand meeting both new and familiar faces, answering questions and sharing how we help clients future-proof their asset information. Thank you to everyone who stopped by!
Until next year!
DCW 2025 was a brilliant reminder of the momentum building around better information management, smarter buildings and connected digital processes. Until next year, let’s keep pushing for clarity, consistency and smarter outcomes in the built environment.

Why Digital Twins are essential for building owners
Digital twins are transforming the way we design, build and operate buildings. But why exactly do asset owners need digital twins?
In this blog, we take a look at how digital twins are benefiting the built environment and, more importantly, how they can help asset owners unlock the full potential of their buildings.

What is a digital twin?
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.

Smart building success starts with a digital soft landing
Despite the adoption of technology in the built environment there is still a disconnect between the construction and operational phases. With significant investments being made in Building Information Modelling (BIM) during the design and construction stages, much of this valuable data is underutilised or lost when transitioning into operations. This not only leads to frustration among facilities management teams but also hinders the performance of smart buildings. We explore how a digital soft landing approach can address these challenges.

The challenges of transitioning from BIM to smart operations
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.

Unlocking the power of asset information in building operations – with Steven Boyd MBE
The built environment is undergoing a digital transformation and data is at the heart of this evolution. In this exclusive interview, Steven Boyd, former Chief Executive of the Government Property Agency, explores how asset information management is shaping the future of building operations.

In conversation with Steven Boyd MBE
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:
