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.

The evolution of the traditional Soft Landings and GSL frameworks focuses on the seamless transfer and operational use of data from construction through the entire lifecycle of a building. This is what we call the ‘Digital Soft Landing’.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of Digital Soft Landing, we encourage you to read our previous blog post, Bridging the ‘Digital’ Gap Between Construction and Building Operations, which provides an introduction.

The key to delivering this new standard in digital handover is the Digital Soft Landings Manager. These digital experts complement the implementation of Soft Landings throughout a project’s lifecycle. This involves engaging stakeholders early, aligning digital deliverables between stakeholders in delivery and in operation, facilitating the uptake of data into operational platforms and processes, and maintenance of the data.

Why is a Digital Soft Landings Manager essential?

Currently, asset owners are doing all the right things in procuring good information, with clear Operational Information Requirements (OIRs) and Employer’s Information Requirements (EIRs) in place. Contractors are also delivering 100% compliant data by project completion. Yet, post-construction, this information is often archived or used merely as a static record. Why? Because operational teams may not fully understand what’s in the data, how to use it or how to maintain it.

The Digital Soft Landings Manager plays a critical role in minimising the gap between a building’s design and its actual performance. This is crucial for improving user satisfaction, ensuring value for money and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders. They ensure that buildings are not only well-designed and properly commissioned but also managed effectively to meet the needs of occupants and deliver on sustainability and efficiency targets.

Who appoints the Digital Soft Landings Manager?

The Digital Soft Landings Manager should be appointed by the asset owner or end client. They contribute to the development of the Information Requirements and set the delivery milestones, ensuring these are aligned with the operational team’s needs. During the project, they work closely with all key stakeholders to ensure the availability and accessibility of information.

The impact of not having a Digital Soft Landings Manager

Without a Digital Soft Landings Manager, much of the hard work done during construction, such as delivering an Asset Information Model (AIM), isn’t fully realised. Operational technology takes longer to deploy, as the data vendors could use is either unavailable or not presented in a format they understand.

Operational teams usually need to deploy Building Management Systems (BMS), Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) platforms and services like cleaning and maintenance planning before the project is completed. If they don’t have the necessary data available, they can struggle to extract it from outdated 2D plans or inconsistent data sets. Without a clear data transfer process, this can lead to inconsistencies in space and component naming, causing misalignment between asset data (from construction) and performance data (from operation). A Digital Soft Landing Manager can ensure that operational technology is deployed faster and with greater accuracy, reducing inefficiencies and costs.

An asset owner’s investment in digital models, like BIM, doesn’t end with project completion. The true value comes when these models are actively used in managing the building over its entire lifecycle. A Digital Soft Landing Manager ensures these models are maintained in a format that remains useful to building managers and operators. They can also ensure they have accurate, coordinated data for deeper analysis and AI applications in the future.

Want to learn more?

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore the specifics of the Digital Soft Landings Manager role and how they can revolutionise the way we approach building handover and operations.

Get in touch to learn more about how our Digital Soft Landings Managers can enhance your project.

1. Compliance

Migrating data into a single platform is essential for maintaining compliance with regulations like the Building Safety Act. It centralises all building information, making it easily accessible and consistently up-to-date. When demonstrating compliance, this consolidation makes it easier to retrieve critical data during audits and inspections. Additionally, it minimises the risk of data breaches and ensures that regulatory requirements are met efficiently, with streamlined processes for auditing and reporting.

2. Collaboration

Migrating your data into a single platform not only centralises all your data and documents, it also creates a collaborative environment for better decision-making. With all information in one place, you can easily analyse trends, track performance and identify areas for improvement. This consolidation also breaks down data silos, ensuring your team has access to the same reliable information. As a result, collaboration becomes more seamless and efficient, leading to faster, more effective outcomes.

3. Future-ready data

Data migration is not just about solving current challenges. It’s about preparing for the future. A unified data platform ensures you are ready to embrace new technologies and modernise facilities. As technology evolves, having consolidated and well-structured data is key to leveraging innovations such as AI, machine learning and smart building technology.

4. Improve efficiency

Scattered information across different systems often leads to duplicated efforts and wasted time. Migrating asset information to a single platform reduces manual data entry and enables the creation of new workflows to automate processes. This boosts efficiency and frees up valuable time for your team to focus on more critical tasks.

5. Increase asset value

Maintaining accurate and comprehensive information during the operation of your asset significantly enhances its value when it comes time to sell or dispose of it. Potential buyers or stakeholders see immense value in well-documented assets, as it provides transparency, reduces perceived risk and demonstrates that the asset has been well-maintained. Accurate records of maintenance, upgrades and operational history can lead to better valuation and smoother transaction processes.

Making data migration simple

Glider’s data migration service simplifies the process of consolidating your legacy information into gliderbim®. With years of experience in data migration, our dedicated team of professionals ensures a smooth and hassle-free transition. We understand the unique needs of the built environment and BIM data, tailoring our solutions to meet your specific requirements.

Proven methodology

Our methodology structures your information with minimal disruption to your operations. We ensure your data is well-organised and ready for immediate use, so you can quickly reap the benefits of data consolidation. To date we have migrated tens of millions of documents into gliderbim®. Our approach, which uses clever technology and machine learning, speeds up the migration process to make it possible to migrate legacy data and documents in minutes, not months – or even years!

Unlock value from your built assets

By migrating your data into gliderbim®, you can unlock the full potential of your built assets. A single source of truth enables better management, enhances decision-making and prepares you for future technological advancements.

Say goodbye to data silos

Unlock the full potential of your built assets with Glider’s data migration service and experience the difference a unified data platform can make.

Get in touch to find out more about our data migration service.

The term “Soft Landings” was introduced to the UK construction industry around 2009 to address the gap between the design intent of buildings and their actual performance regarding energy efficiency, usability and occupant satisfaction. Developed by the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) and the Usable Buildings Trust (UBT), the Soft Landings Framework aims to ensure that the transition from construction to operation is as smooth as possible, with the building’s performance meeting the client’s expectations.

Despite advancements in frameworks like Government Soft Landings (GSL), there remains a persistent gap between digital construction and digital operations. This gap can hinder operational efficiency, slow down the deployment of operational technology and prevent building owners from fully realising the benefits of their investment.

At Glider, we believe that the solution lies in embracing what we call the ‘Digital Soft Landing’. This is a strategic evolution of the traditional Soft Landings framework that focuses on the seamless transfer and operational use of data from construction through the entire lifecycle of the building.

What is a Digital Soft Landing?

Just as Soft Landings was introduced to ensure a smooth transition from project completion to operation, a Digital Soft Landing ensures that the digital asset – the information, data models and systems produced during construction – can seamlessly transition into operational use. This goes beyond traditional handover processes, ensuring that the wealth of digital information created during the construction phase is not only transferred but also effectively utilised by the operational teams.

In many cases, even with the best efforts, operational teams are handed vast amounts of data at the end of a project. However, they often don’t fully understand how to use or maintain it. This can lead to inefficiencies, inconsistencies and missed opportunities. The solution? A Digital Soft Landings Manager who is embedded in the process early on. They are responsible for aligning the digital assets from construction with the operational needs and ensuring that data is functional, usable and ready for real-world applications.

Benefits of a Digital Soft Landing

• For Asset Owners

Asset owners benefit from a smoother handover process. They receive usable, operational data from day one, leading to reduced operational costs, enhanced building performance and a clearer return on investment.

• For Contractors

Main contractors have a clearer set of guidelines for data handover. This leads to better alignment with client needs and expectations and ultimately more satisfied end clients.

• For Facility Managers

When it comes to operational data that’s structured, ready, and easy to use, facility managers are able to deploy technologies faster. In return, this leads to more effective management of the building and better building performance.

For more information

At Glider, we’re pioneering Digital Soft Landings, helping clients to bridge the gap between construction and operations. Our Digital Soft Landing Managers are committed to ensuring that the promise of digital construction is fully realised in the operational phase.

Get in touch to ensure your building has the softest digital landing possible.

Building owners and estate managers seeking to maximise their investment should understand the tools that can help them manage their assets effectively. Two systems often encountered in this space are AIM CDE (Asset Information Management Common Data Environment) and CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management). While these tools serve different purposes, they can both be integral to efficient asset management. So, which do you need, or do you need both? Read on to find out.

What is an AIM CDE?

AIM CDE (Asset Information Management Common Data Environment) is an online collaboration platform used to store and manage all asset-related information throughout the life of a building. This includes everything from design and construction documents to maintenance records and operational data. The AIM CDE acts as a master system of record, ensuring that all stakeholders – from architects and engineers to facilities managers – have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Key features of an AIM CDE

• All asset-related data is stored consistently in a single location, which can be accessed by authorised users at any time.
• Provides whole life information from the initial design through construction and operations to eventual decommissioning.
• Facilitates collaboration between stakeholders by providing a shared environment for data exchange.
• Ensures that all data is complete, up-to-date and reliable reducing the risk of errors and misinformation – and increasing compliance and resilience.
• Supports strategic asset management decisions to help deliver business outcomes.

Why AIM CDE matters

For building owners and estate managers, an AIM CDE is crucial because it allows for seamless access to the correct version of all asset-related information. This level of transparency and accessibility ensures that building performance can be optimised throughout its lifecycle, and supports better, faster decision making to improve the management of assets and reduce costs.

What is a CAFM?

CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management) refers to software systems that support the day-to-day management of buildings. Unlike an AIM CDE, which focuses on the entire lifecycle of a building’s assets, CAFM is more concerned with ongoing management once the building is operational.

Key features of CAFM software

• Keeps an inventory of all physical assets, such building fabric, plant and equipment, and furniture, allowing for easy tracking and management.
• Manages both reactive and preventive maintenance, ensuring that systems and equipment are kept in optimal working condition to minimise downtime and disruption.
• Ensures critical safety inspections and repairs are managed effectively.
• Creates, assigns and tracks work orders, ensuring that maintenance tasks are completed on time.
• Assists in the management of resources such as tradesmen and specialist suppliers helping to reduce waste and lower costs.

Why CAFM matters

CAFM systems are valuable for facilities managers as they provide the tools needed to efficiently run a building day-to-day. By automating many of the routine tasks associated with facilities management, a CAFM system helps ensure that operations are streamlined, resources are utilised effectively, and the overall cost of building operation is minimised.

The difference between AIM CDE and CAFM

While both AIM CDE and CAFM are essential tools for building management, they serve different purposes.

• Scope of use

AIM CDE is used through the whole life of a building, from design and construction to operation and decommissioning. A CAFM is focused on the operational phase, dealing with day-to-day management tasks once the building is in use.

• Type of data managed

AIM CDE manages a wide range of data, including design documents, construction records, maintenance logs, plans and more. It provides a holistic view of all asset-related information. CAFM focuses on operational data, such as asset inventories and maintenance schedules.

• Users

AIM CDE is typically used by a wide range of stakeholders including architects, designers, engineers, cost managers, contractors and facilities managers. CAFM is primarily used by facility managers and maintenance teams.

• Purpose

AIM CDE is designed to ensure that all asset-related information is accurate, up-to-date and accessible throughout the building’s lifecycle. CAFM is intended to optimise the day-to-day operations of a building, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Do you need both?

As an asset owner, you might assume that all your asset information is managed within CAFM systems. Or at least that’s what you’re told. But what about all the additional asset information that is stored on hard drives, CDs, physical documents and cloud-based file storage? And if you rely on an FM provider to manage your buildings, what happens to the CAFM data when you switch providers or if a supplier goes into administration?

This is where having an AIM CDE becomes invaluable. It serves as a dynamic, online record for all asset information, ensuring consistency and accessibility for stakeholders as changes are made throughout the life of your assets. This includes any refurbishments, transitions between FM providers and major capital projects. As the asset owner, you can securely share specific information from the AIM CDE with stakeholders, including new FM providers or tenants. By keeping the AIM CDE up to date, you can significantly reduce the time needed for a new FM provider to get acquainted with buildings and reduce the need for costly surveys. The consistent, structured data held in an AIM CDE can also be the basis of insights helping you to make strategic decisions about the management of your estate.

While an AIM CDE offers a comprehensive platform for managing and exploiting all asset-related information throughout the entire building lifecycle, a CAFM system focuses on the efficient management of day-to-day operations. Together, these tools provide a robust solution for managing a building from conception to decommissioning, ensuring that every stage of the process is optimised for success.

Is it worth having an AIM CDE?

Investing in an AIM CDE is essential for building owners to ensure that they have a single source of record for their built assets. High quality, whole life information not only provides the assurance necessary for safety compliance, but it also provides insights to inform investment decisions. Investing in the right assets at the right time manages asset condition, improves building performance, and reduces carbon emissions and operational costs, which ultimately underpins asset value.

Get in touch

To find out more about Glider’s AIM CDE platform, gliderbim®, and to discover how it can benefit your organisation, get in touch.

As buildings become smarter and more reliant on digital systems, the risks associated with cyber threats and data breaches increase. Effective information security measures are essential to protect sensitive data, ensure operational continuity, comply with regulations and maintain the trust of tenants and stakeholders. Here’s why information security is particularly important for building owners:

The risks of inadequate security

When asset information is not properly secured it can raise several risks:

• Data breaches: Unauthorised access to sensitive data can lead to significant financial losses and damage to reputation.
• Operational disruptions: Cyber attacks can disrupt the operations of critical assets, leading to downtime and lost productivity.
• Regulatory non-compliance: Failure to secure data properly can result in non-compliance with industry regulations, leading to legal penalties.
• Loss of trust: Clients and stakeholders expect their data to be protected. Security breaches can erode trust and damage relationships.

Essential security measures for asset owners

Here are some key security measures that asset owners should ensure their Asset Information Management Common Data Environment (AIM CDE) should have to safeguard their data:

End-to-end encryption

All communications within the AIM CDE should be encrypted end-to-end. This means that data is encrypted before it leaves your device and remains encrypted until it reaches the intended recipient. Additionally, files at rest and database replication channels should be strongly encrypted, ensuring data protection at all stages.

Restricted access

Access to the software should be strictly regulated. This includes making sure access permissions and roles are actively managed so users can only access the information they need to. Login access should also use two-factor or multi-factor authentication to ensure only authorised users can access sensitive data.

Resilience and recovery

By maintaining a master record system, an AIM CDE ensures operational continuity, even during disruptions. In the event of a cyber attack or data loss, having backup data within the AIM CDE allows for swift recovery, minimising downtime and mitigating potential damages. This is particularly crucial during contract handovers. A secure and reliable repository of all essential information ensures operations can continue smoothly and efficiently despite any data-related challenges.

Security accreditations

There are a number of security accreditations that AIM CDE software providers can obtain to demonstrate their commitment to security. Industry-leading certifications include ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials. For government projects, there are the Cyber Defence and Resilience (CyDR) standards and data sovereignty classifications.

Benefits of strong security practices

There are many benefits from Implementing robust security practices for asset information management:

• Enhanced data integrity ensures that all data is accurate, complete and protected from unauthorised changes.
• Improved compliance helps building owners to meet regulatory requirements and avoid legal penalties.
• Operational continuity reduces the risk of disruptions caused by cyber attacks and downtime.
• Demonstrating data security builds confidence among clients and stakeholders.

Security as standard

In today’s digital landscape, the importance of information security for asset information management should not be underestimated. Glider is committed to providing secure, reliable solutions that protect your data and support your operational needs. By implementing comprehensive security measures and obtaining leading security accreditations, we ensure that your asset information is in safe hands.

About gliderbim®

gliderbim® is a leading software-as-a-service platform for asset information management where protecting highly sensitive data is a given. It is designed to support complex projects and large and geographically dispersed property portfolios with robust security, high performance and scalability.

To learn more about our secure asset information management solutions get in touch for a personalised consultation.

In an engaging webinar, delivered on 26 June 2024, digital twin expert, Lucas Cusack, offered a wealth of insights for those involved in digital construction and asset management. Here are some of the highlights of the insights shared.

What is a digital twin?

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical asset or process. They allow for simulation, analysis and the control of assets, which can be especially beneficial when managing built assets remotely.

The fundamental elements that enable a digital twin

There are four fundamental elements required for a digital twin to function. These are:

• Information Management: The backbone of a digital twin is robust information management, particularly detailed asset information models (AIMs).
• Data collection: Performance data from sensors, Building Management Systems (BMS), and other sources is crucial.
• Data harvesting and normalisation: Aggregating and normalising data from various sources ensures consistency and reliability.
• Data modelling and analysis: Creating data models to predict and optimise asset performance is a core function, often enhanced by AI and advanced algorithms.
• Human element: Effective digital twin implementation relies heavily on the involvement of skilled professionals to interpret data and enact solutions.

Practical use cases

The use of digital twins can be demonstrated with a practical example of managing CO2 levels in a building. By monitoring levels and using digital twin technology to anticipate CO2 spikes, air quality systems can proactively manage CO2 levels to create healthier, more productive environments.

Scaling and Integration

A common cause of digital twin projects failing is over-scaling. Not all buildings require comprehensive digital twin solutions. Instead Lucas recommends a phased approach, where only a few high-fidelity models are fully equipped with extensive sensors and analytics, while others use basic, low-fidelity setups to validate interventions.

Case Study: HMP Five Wells

A recent Glider pathfinder project was shared as an example of a successful implementation of a digital twin. Working in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, Kier and Future Decisions, the digital twin was implemented on a prison block as newly-constructed HMP Five Wells. By integrating additional sensors and using the digital twin approach, the project achieved significant energy savings and carbon footprint reductions. This demonstrates the tangible benefits of applying digital twin technology in a phased, scalable manner.

Making a business case for digital twins

To effectively advocate for digital twin technology, it’s essential to:

• Align with business objectives: Understand and align digital twin initiatives with overarching business goals, such as reducing carbon emissions or optimising maintenance.
• Engage stakeholders: Collaborate with various departments to ensure support and funding for digital twin projects.
• Leverage existing technology: Integrate new solutions with existing systems to maximise efficiency and minimise costs.
• Present a phased approach: Propose a gradual implementation to manage change effectively and demonstrate ROI incrementally.

Intelligence as a Service (IaaS)

Lucas also introduced the concept of Intelligence as a Service, emphasising the importance of not just providing data but actionable insights. Engaging with on-site personnel to contextualise notifications ensures that the intelligence provided leads to real-world improvements.

Discover more

By focusing on the core components, scalable implementation and the integration of human expertise, Lucas provides a comprehensive guide for leveraging digital twins to optimise asset performance and achieve business objectives.

This webinar is now available to watch on demand.

For a company that operates fully remotely, these in-person gatherings are more than just a break from our home offices. They’re a vital opportunity to connect, collaborate and celebrate our shared journey and passion for Glider’s success.

Welcoming new faces

This away day was particularly special as we welcomed our new Investment Partner, Cow Corner, to the Glider family. Meeting our new colleagues face-to-face added a personal touch that video calls simply can’t replicate. We also got to meet new Glider colleagues who have joined the company since the last face-to-face event at Christmas.

Plans for the future

The day kicked off with a presentation at the Sussex Cricket Ground. Co-Founder and CEO, Nick Hutchinson, along with Dan French from Cow Corner, shared exciting plans for accelerating Glider’s growth. Their insights and strategic vision energised the team, laying out a clear path for our exciting future ahead.

More cricket-based fun

Following the presentations, it was time to get active with some cricket-based activities at Sixes Social Cricket. The group was split into two teams and their batting skills were put to the test. Everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and friendly competition.

Dinner, drinks and building connections

As the sun began to set, we gathered for a delightful dinner and drinks. For a team spread across different locations, these moments of shared laughter and conversation are invaluable. They remind us of the people behind the screens, enhancing our sense of community and belonging.

The importance of team days for remote workers

For remote workers, team days are more than just a chance to have fun – they’re essential for maintaining strong, personal connections. They allow us to celebrate our achievements, welcome new team members and align on future goals face to face, something we also recognise is important for our employees, who predominantly work from home. ‘ in a way that virtual meetings often can’t achieve.

Looking ahead

Our Brighton away day was a resounding success and we look forward to many more. As Glider continues to grow and innovate, these gatherings will remain a cornerstone of our culture. They not only reinforce our shared mission but also ensure that every team member feels valued and connected.

The day was a perfect blend of inspiration, activity and camaraderie. We’re excited about the future and the incredible things we’ll achieve together. Here’s to many more memorable moments and continued success for the Glider team!

Take a look at the video below to see our Brighton highlights.