Despite decades of industry focus on improving information capture and handover, too many clients still receive incomplete, disorganised or unusable building information at practical completion. This often stems from a disconnect between what project teams deliver and what operational teams actually need.

One key lesson reinforced at DCW was that this isn’t just a technical issue. It’s a cultural and contractual one. Without clear information requirements, accountability and early engagement from both sides, the operational team is often left scrambling post-handover.

What is a Digital Soft Landing?

Digital Soft Landings builds on the traditional Soft Landings methodology by aligning digital deliverables with operational needs from day one. Digital Soft Landings ensures structured, usable digital information is delivered and validated throughout the project lifecycle. Most importantly, the data is onboarded to the operational teams to ensure the value and effort in capturing it is realised.

It’s about aligning data with purpose by ensuring that what gets handed over can be used immediately to run, maintain and optimise the building.

Key takeaways from the panel session

During our panel, several insights resonated strongly with attendees:

• Start with the end in mind
  Clients need to define their asset information requirements at the earliest stage of a project, ideally during procurement. Waiting until construction is underway is too late. The digital soft landing approach helps frame these requirements early and maintain them throughout delivery.
• Make the data live, not static
  A key failure point in many handovers is the delivery of static PDFs or unstructured file dumps. It’s important to deliver dynamic, structured asset data that can integrate directly into CAFM, IWMS or digital twin systems.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential
  A successful Digital Soft Landing requires cooperation between project managers, Information Managers, vendors, facilities teams and contractors. It cannot be the responsibility of a single party. Embedding someone whose job is to manage the transition is increasingly critical.
• Focus on the asset
  Current practices in information capture focus around activities like design, construction, FM etc. In reality the one thing that is continuous through the lifecycle is the asset itself. At all stages and activities, information that is captured should serve the asset as a whole as well as the activity.

Reflections from the show floor

DCW 2025 marked a palpable shift in the industry’s focus towards the entire lifecycle of built assets. The conference floor and session halls buzzed with conversations that extended far beyond the traditional design and construction phases, signalling a notable increase in attendance from the ‘asset owner’ community.

This year, the presence of major clients, public sector estate managers like the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and real estate professionals was more pronounced than ever. Sessions focused on the “project-to-operations journey” and “digital soft landings,” demonstrated a clear recognition that operational data needs must inform a project from its inception to ensure long-term value.

The convergence of ConTech and PropTech was no longer a theoretical concept but a tangible reality on the exhibition floor. Technologies showcased how a single, structured data thread could be woven from the earliest designs to daily facility management. Digital twins, AI-powered predictive maintenance and sophisticated information management platforms illustrated a seamless ecosystem where construction data directly empowers property operations.

This integration is crucial; getting asset owners actively involved in the construction technology dialogue ensures that the digital tools being developed solve real-world operational challenges, ultimately leading to more efficient, sustainable, and profitable buildings.

To learn more about this, watch our on-demand webinar, ‘Bridging the Operations gap with Digital Soft Landings’, which was recorded on 24 June 2025 .

About the Author

Lucas Cusack is the Strategic Lead for Asset Management at Glider Technology, where he creates solutions for asset owners to procure, manage and exploit structured, validated asset information supporting operational excellence and building intelligence. Glider provides asset information management solutions to some of the UK’s leading asset owners, enabling better building performance, compliance and digital innovation.

Secure by Design is a UK government-backed initiative aimed at embedding cyber security best practices into digital services. It ensures that platforms handling critical information are resilient to cyber threats and compliant with stringent security protocols.

The First Line Assessment accreditation confirms that EDocuments meets the initial security requirements necessary for MOD projects. But we’re not stopping there. We are actively working towards achieving the Second Line Assessment and we hope to have more news on that very soon!

Why this matters for contractors working on MOD projects

For main contractors delivering projects in the defence sector, choosing software platforms that align with MOD security requirements is essential. EDocuments provides a robust and compliant digital handover solution that ensures:

• Data integrity with the secure storage and transfer of O&M documentation, digital handovers and asset records.
• Adherence to MOD security frameworks to meet project requirements.
• Peace of mind that your digital handover documentation platform is built with security at its core.

As we progress towards the next level of accreditation, we remain committed to helping contractors and asset owners manage project data securely and efficiently.

If you’d like to learn more about how Glider’s EDocuments capability supports MOD projects, get in touch with our team today.

As the new minimum accessibility standard for all UK Government public sector websites and mobile apps, WCAG 2.2 ensures that digital platforms are inclusive and usable by people with a variety of disabilities. gliderbim® is a web-based software platform that meets the required standards of accessibility.

What is WCAG 2.2?

WCAG 2.2 is an internationally recognised set of recommendations for improving web accessibility. These guidelines focus on ensuring that websites, applications and digital services are usable by people with different impairments, including:

• Users who are blind, partially sighted or colour blind.
• Those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Users who find it difficult to use a mouse or keyboard.
• Individuals with dyslexia, autism or other cognitive challenges.

The framework is built around four key design principles:

• Perceivable – Information and user interface components must be presented in ways that users can perceive.
• Operable – The interface and navigation must be functional for all users, including those relying on assistive technologies.
• Understandable – The content and operation of the software must be easy to comprehend.
• Robust – The platform must be compatible with various assistive technologies and adaptable to future advancements.

Enhancements to gliderbim®

Our design and development teams have dedicated significant time and effort to ensure that gliderbim® meets these standards. We have made key updates to align with WCAG 2.2, including:

Improved visual accessibility

• Adjusted colour contrasts to enhance readability for users with visual impairments.
• Improved text scalability to support users who need larger font sizes.
• Enhanced focus indicators to aid navigation for keyboard and screen reader users.

Enhanced navigation and interaction

• Ensured full keyboard navigability, allowing users to access all interactive elements without a mouse.
• Optimised screen reader compatibility to support users who rely on audio-based navigation.
• Streamlined forms and input fields to simplify interactions for users with mobility impairments.

Clear and understandable content

• Refined error messaging to make troubleshooting easier and more intuitive.
• Structured content logically to improve screen reader interpretation.

Meeting the standards

gliderbim® has been independently assessed to ensure it meets WCAG 2.2 AA compliance. This rigorous evaluation confirms that our platform is inclusive and accessible to all users, including those with the most significant accessibility needs.

Our goal is to ensure gliderbim® is an inclusive information management software platform for all users.

Why this matters

Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of digital inclusivity. By updating gliderbim® to comply with WCAG 2.2, we are ensuring that our platform can be used by a diverse audience, including government clients, asset owners, contractors and consultants. These improvements make gliderbim® a more powerful and user-friendly tool for managing building information, regardless of a user’s abilities.

We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation, and accessibility remains a key priority. By designing for inclusivity, we are not only meeting compliance standards but also creating a better user experience for everyone.

For a copy of the accessibility statement or to learn more about our accessibility enhancements for the gliderbim® platform, please get in touch.

Documents are a cornerstone of effective information management. Every day, gliderbim® users upload over 40,000 files, from simple PDFs to complex CAD drawings.

We listened to user feedback and recognised the need for a more efficient, secure and integrated solution for viewing files. Our enhanced file viewer gives users easy access to viewing a range of files without needing to download them or use specialist software.

The Enhanced File Viewer

Our commitment to providing market-leading software has led to the development of a new, powerful file viewer that supports a broader range of document types. With this feature, users can now view files directly within the gliderbim® platform. This ensures all information stays secure and up-to-date.

The enhanced file viewer is packed with features designed to improve user workflows and boost productivity.

• Customisable views: Adjust the document view to fill the width of the screen or fit one page to the screen
• Improved zoom: View detailed plans with greater precision than ever before
• Search functionality: Quickly find mentions of specific words or phrases within a document
• Thumbnails: Navigate multi-page files with ease using thumbnail views
• Takeoff feature: Measure drawings and images directly within the viewer
• Layer management: For CAD files with multiple layers, choose which layers to show or hide
• Range of file types: Supports a wider range of file formats including .dwg files and layered drawings

A Trusted Platform

Our new file viewer leverages the power of the OpenText™ Intelligent Viewing engine. This collaboration allows us to offer a superior, cloud-first solution that meets the high-security standards and unique requirements of the gliderbim® environment. The result is a robust and reliable file viewer that positions gliderbim® as a leading software platform for the built environment.

Tools for Success

The enhanced file viewer will be rolled out to all users in an upcoming software release and will replace the existing functionality.

By streamlining document management and ensuring the highest levels of security and compliance, this update reflects our ongoing commitment to providing our users with the best tools to succeed.

To find out more about gliderbim® and arrange a free demo, get in touch.

Building Safety

Building a solid safety case for high risk buildings involves meticulous planning and organisation. gliderbim® can support this process and facilitate the golden thread of information between the buildings, records and asset data stored in the platform. If you have building safety action plan templates at an Enterprise level, and then for the building at a workspace level, the various modules in gliderbim® can be used to define a plan to manage the maintenance tasks for all of your safety case records. This helps you to track Building Safety actions and compliance in one place, ensuring high risk building records and data are up to date and maintained ready to be shared with the Building Safety Regulator when required.

If you need support with Building Safety for your high risk buildings, speak to our team about how gliderbim® can support you.

Verifying Information

While following the guidance outlined by the GIIG on information management platforms, gliderbim® takes it a step further by excelling in information validation and verification. This is a central pillar of the gliderbim® platform as it checks not only file names and associated metadata. It also the attribute values within structured asset data deliverables like COBie and IFC from each trade model and data author. However, not all information comes into gliderbim® through a new capital project. Addressing the gap in legacy estate information, and a need to manually migrate data, Glider offers robust data migration support.  We look at the existing records of information that you have and can extract, transform and load (known as the ETL process) it into gliderbim®. By pushing this migrated data through the same validation engine it ensures we are establishing a robust a trusted record set within the platform.

Digital Handover Management

gliderbim® extends its capabilities beyond just COBie and IFC processing, by supporting the digital handover of data into operation.

A video about HMP Five Wells, produced by Kier, demonstrates how gliderbim® facilitated the validation of 2.8 million data points with 100% compliance. Whether it’s used for complex or simple datasets, the platform’s validation template ensures data accuracy, retaining a comprehensive audit trail for trust and usability.

The data can be tested to check it’s right and either correct it in the system or update it in a spreadsheet and import it again. The important part is that you never lose the history. You will retain a full audit trail throughout the lifecycle of the asset. That data can then be trusted and used or even connected to another system. When you trust the data, you can use it!

Right people, right information

gliderbim® offers a wealth of features, and their true power is unleashed when used together.

When there are multiple workspaces (e.g. projects and buildings/assets), user permissions can be tailored so they can access only the required workspaces. Users can then be assigned to ‘User Groups’ so they are only able to access the right information for those workspaces. One of the lesser-known tools is ‘Classifications’ where a security layer can be applied at document level within the DMS that provides it with additional permissions – particularly useful when working on projects with classifications up to and including Official Sensitive. These bespoke classifications can be used to limit access to be read only for some users, or prevent a document being accessed if someone else already has the document ‘checked out’. By layering these features, you can ensure the right person can access the right information to make the right decision.

Similarly, in gliderbim®’s BIM module, the classifications can be used to ensure the right person is able to sign off the right information or complete the necessary information.

Reference Data Library

gliderbim® is actively being used as a comprehensive Reference Data Library (RDL) by many of our clients including the Ministry of Defence. This central repository houses and structures templates, resources and common data models (CDMs). Feeding this information into projects ensures all parties have the right information, standards and IDP for project success. Their data then goes through an acceptance process to make sure it is correct and in line with the RDL.

Watch the video with John sharing his top five gliderbim® features designed to elevate user efficiency and redefine how building information is managed:

This video was recorded live at Glider Connect on 28 November 2023.

Ready to learn more? 

To find out more about any of the features covered in this article, or discover how gliderbim® can transform your building information management, get in touch with our team.

gliderbim® has been designed to provide a secure platform to manage the information about built assets, from construction to operation.

A secure and flexible solution

gliderbim® is typically deployed as a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution, ensuring ease of access and seamless updates. Security is a top priority, with options for two-factor authentication or single sign-on to protect your data. For those with specific deployment needs, our expert technical team is on hand to provide tailored advice on alternative deployment options, ensuring that gliderbim® fits perfectly into your IT ecosystem.

Unmatched 3D model viewing

One of the standout features of gliderbim® is its integrated 3D model viewing capability. This feature allows users to explore their buildings in unprecedented detail. From the 3D viewer, you can quickly access asset data, associated documents and activities related to individual components, streamlining your workflow and enhancing project visibility.

Industry-first validation and verification dashboard

Setting gliderbim® apart from other solutions is its unique validation and verification dashboard. Powered by configurable template technology, this dashboard offers a comprehensive view of data progress throughout your project. This ensures that the information you require is delivered accurately and supports your organisational needs, enhancing project transparency and data integrity.

Comprehensive document management

Beyond models and data, gliderbim® excels in document management. It provides an intuitive and robust document management system equipped with all the tools necessary to manage, control and share documentation throughout the asset lifecycle. It maintains an immutable record of all documents and decisions, ensuring accountability and traceability for all project stakeholders.

Discover more

By integrating advanced features and ensuring top-tier security, gliderbim® stands out as a comprehensive solution for managing the complexities of modern built assets. Whether you’re overseeing construction projects or managing existing facilities, gliderbim® provides the tools you need to succeed.

For more information and to see how gliderbim® can revolutionise your asset information management watch the gliderbim® demo video below to see it for yourself or get in touch with one of our team.

Glider’s mission is to power the digitalisation of the built environment, which it achieves via the provision of its flagship product, gliderbim®. This is Glider’s digital information management platform for the entire lifecycle of built assets. In creating and providing a digital software solution to the challenges presented by the built environment, Glider always strives to be as inclusive as possible.

The most recent gliderbim® software updates have seen changes to a view of the software to build compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which sets out optimal international standards for accessible online content, enabling accessibility and user experience for visually impaired users.

The latest gliderbim® update ensures it is AA compliant as per the WCAG guidelines; ensuring improved accessibility for visually impaired users.

John Adams, Head of Product at Glider commented: “We are pleased to announce the latest gliderbim® updates, as we make our program better for visually impaired users.”

John continued, “One of Glider’s principal tenets is accelerating the process of securing a collaborative culture across the built environment. We recognise that there is no collaborative culture without inclusion, so we live by our philosophy and continue to evolve our software to provide the best user experience possible.”

Glider pledges to continually update gliderbim® to ensure the highest level of accessibility for all users.

To find out more about Glider and gliderbim® call 0203 8268 001 or email info@glidertech.com.