Blog:
Bridging the ‘digital’ gap between construction and building operations

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.