INFRASTRUCTURE
that operating room HVAC takes priority over administrative areas, that critical cooling system failure affects patient care delivery, and that infection control standards cannot be compromised. Agentic AI orchestrates entire facility operations across multiple building systems simultaneously. Ultimately, it is a more autonomous system designed to actively execute complex, multi-step workflows to achieve a predefined goal. This transformation allows engineering teams to focus on where the real value lies – strategic facility optimisation and continuous improvement.
Next generation digital twin technology AI applications are already proving their value in healthcare facilities. Intelligent HVAC control demonstrates how automated optimisation can deliver immediate energy savings while maintaining clinical standards. This represents just the beginning of what is possible. AI also elevates the potential of digital twin technology. When you combine Building Information Modelling (BIM) with advanced management platforms, you create a living, breathing digital replica of your entire facility. This is not just a fancy 3D model – it is a working copy that shows you how all your hospital systems interact in real-time. Digital building twins are invaluable as
they are a digital representation of a physical building across its lifecycle – from construction to operations. They bring together dynamic and static data from multiple sources, delivering real-time understanding that dramatically improves decision making, advanced planning, and optimisation potential. Digital twins also allow engineers to model different scenarios and assess outcomes before implementation. It is possible to see what works, what does not, and what unexpected consequences might pop up – all without disrupting actual operations or wasting resources. Most importantly, they transform ways of working. This is not just about efficiency – it is about transforming how healthcare facilities operate, moving from reactive maintenance to predictive optimisation; from siloed systems to integrated intelligence.
Partnership approach According to McKinsey,3
more than 70 per
cent of digital transformation initiatives fail due to poor planning and implementation, and digital building twins are part of the solution. However, deploying this technology effectively requires partners who understand both the technical complexities and operational requirements. Take Kantonsspital Baden in
Switzerland – a bespoke new hospital that is also one of the country’s smartest. Its success comes from a collaborative
102
approach with Siemens that created a customised IoT platform using 2,000 asset tags and 7,000 sensors. These sensors create a comprehensive monitoring network, tracking everything from environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and air quality to occupancy levels and equipment performance, all feeding real-time data into the system. Patients and staff navigate their way through the building by using an app-based system, while critical assets like beds and wheelchairs are tracked in real-time for staff. The future of hospitals is digital, but
transformation does not happen overnight. It works best when you approach it collaboratively, holistically, and in manageable steps, understanding that meaningful change takes time to get right.
Addressing implementation challenges Healthcare organisations face unique challenges that do not exist in other industries. Legacy infrastructure, budget constraints, and the critical nature of healthcare operations create implementation complexities requiring careful consideration. Healthcare facilities cannot simply turn
off systems for upgrades. Every step must be carefully planned to ensure that life- critical systems continue to operate seamlessly. Successful implementations require phased approaches that demonstrate value while minimising disruption. Organisations should start with non- critical systems, prove the technology’s value, then expand to more complex, mission-critical infrastructure. Change management also presents significant challenges. Healthcare professionals are understandably cautious about new technologies that might impact patient care. To ensure a smooth
transition, systems upgrades must go hand in hand with clear training and communication on the benefits and core changes.
The path forward The evidence from our research is clear. With two-thirds of healthcare customers already focused on modernising their hospital infrastructure with digital technologies, the sector has moved decisively beyond pilot projects to implementation. They now recognise that smart hospital
technologies are essential for managing the complex challenges facing modern healthcare delivery and supporting the sector’s three key megatrends: sustainability, digitised operations, and staff productivity. This alignment makes smart hospital implementation not just an environmental imperative, but a strategic necessity for healthcare organisations preparing for the future. The digital roadmap is clear. The
technology is proven. The financing solutions are available. For healthcare engineering professionals, this is not just about implementing new systems – it is about engineering the path to more efficient and sustainable operations while maintaining 24/7 reliability.
IFHE
References 1 World Health Organization. [
https://www.who.int/teams/environment- climate-change-and-health/climate-change- and-health/country-support/building- climate-resilient-health-systems].
2 Digital Transformation, Sustainable Returns: The New Pathway of Infrastructure [
https://www.siemens.com/global/en/ company/insights/
tech-report.html].
3 McKinsey. [
https://www.mckinsey.com/ capabilities/transformation/our-insights/ perspectives-on-transformation].
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