2D for the Twinning!

BIM, COBie, Digital Twins and everything in between. Why construction technology buzz is its worst enemy.

Walking around the recent #digitalconstructionweek a lot of buzz has been going on about Digital Twins, robots, drones, people escaping the real world looking like disorientated fruit flies and of course how BIM and its offshoots are the future.

By creating a virtual model of the earth, energy grids and your shed etc. you can save the world! Let's all pat ourselves on the back as we are the warriors fighting this battle now going on for several decades. #bim

I think we are creating such an intricate web of acronyms, standards, protocols and dazzling pre-made graphics we are confusing ourselves and even more, our clients.

I remember the quote from the Jerry Maguire movie “Help me help you” that always resonates with how I approach a problem to find a solution.

Let's keep it simple, clients or decision makers that can help us achieve the goals set out (until we can finance it ourselves) need to understand it and walk away with that same spark of enthusiasm.

However this makes it harder for us, we have to know our field well and be able to emphasize with the people on the other side of the table and then create a relatable solution.

I always believe there is a solution for all, especially with the massively expanding options of technology both hardware and software. I have always enjoyed it when you take a challenge and turn it into a solution not only for the direct issues but it expands to bigger business solutions and returns.

In my recent experience with MMC and the manufacturing industry, I also realised how valuable process is. Spending years drawing MS Visio diagrams and pasting post-its on walls and in these steps exposing gaps in assumptions and technology. #mmc #digitalconstruction

Recently here at Radcliffes Digital, I have been able to put these tools into use. Working with clients with projects and portfolios needing different levels of intervention it was amazing to see how we could find sustainable and futureproof solutions.

2D CAD deliverables are “the bane of my existence” in the BIM world. However, it is still part of the landscape and still very useful if you apply a process and strategy to it…

On a current large scale project the agreed deliverables are 2D drawings, COBie/or other relevant asset data and O&M documents. Managing the building/s after requires better Information and requires it to be linked so it is not siloed. #2dcaddrawing

In this case, we partnered up with a software provider which enabled us to build a strategy to enable an Information Model using the 2D CAD deliverables, linking COBie and the O&M documentation. 

Here looking at the process and how the information will be used was key, mapping this out helped make decisions about what information is key and what has less priority.

Understanding that the building “lives” for decades after the handover is also a massive mindset change. Planning an Information Management Strategy that is future-proof and incorporates processes for maintaining information integrity becomes part of our strategy. #buildingoperations

 With the Radcliffes Digital, we are working to create Digital Twins giving teams the ability to have a “Single Source of Truth”, object-based information structure and the options to enhance functionality with in-built and 3rd party integrations using 2D information. #digitaltwins

Most importantly this strategy allows for upgrading in the future so will bring massive savings in time and money for the owner of the building. #futureproofing

Looking forward to solving some of our client's other challenges we have put together some strategies and partnerships to assist clients with existing portfolios on the Building Safety Act. 2022 where Information and the #GoldenThread are key. #buildingsafetyact

BIM, Digital Twins 3D and 2D implemented with a considered approach which aims to address client's immediate concerns in the form of return on investment allows us to provide this relevant information that is accessible to all. #digitalstrategy

We have seen how to build the best strategy using relevant technology and Information Management/Building Strategies that can enable any project to be part of the future!