30 Digitalisation


Digitalisation Feature A future driven by data


As the UK Government confronts a colossal £49bn maintenance backlog, Ryan Donoghue of AJ Digital explores how ‘retrospective digitisation’ aligned with digital twin technology can revolutionise building management and prevent future problems.


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etrospective digitisation off ers a powerful solution for tackling the maintenance backlog, but it’s equally important to introduce proactive strategies to prevent future problems from accumulating – and it all


starts with standardised digital information. Traditionally, building maintenance has relied heavily on fragmented,


incomplete and sometimes paper-based documentation. As a result, fl oor plans, maintenance schedules and asset information are oſt en scattered across physical fi les, making it diffi cult to access, update and share critical data. T is lack of centralised, readily available information has over time created a signifi cant barrier to effi cient maintenance planning and execution. T e National Audit Offi ce (NAO) report suggests that the true backlog


is likely to be even higher than reported due to a lack of standardised data. T is issue is prevalent across our industry, meaning it is diffi cult to quantify maintenance requirements, costs or benefi ts across portfolios. T is also means that building owners and operators are unable to respond effi ciently in situations such as recalls on unsafe products. Retrospective digitisation bridges this gap by transforming existing records


into a standardised, accessible digital format for Operation and Maintenance Manuals and Health and Safety fi les. T is process can be taken further by carrying out laser scanning, a technology which creates a highly accurate 3D point cloud of the building, capturing its existing geometry and layout. Such a centralised digital platform facilitates seamless communication


and collaboration between maintenance teams, building occupants and external contractors, because all stakeholders always have access to the latest information, ensuring everyone is on the same page. T is can be taken further again by generating detailed 3D models using the


laser scan data, providing a virtual object-based representation of the building. Existing building documents, maintenance records and asset information can then be integrated with the 3D model, creating the basis for a comprehensive digital twin. With an accurate digital model, maintenance teams can then plan


renovations, upgrades, and repairs with greater accuracy. Clash detection soſt ware can further identify potential confl icts between existing building elements and planned modifi cations, minimising rework and delays. A digital twin serves as a virtual replica of the physical building, off ering


a wealth of benefi ts for maintenance and operations. It provides a clear and comprehensive view of the entire building, enabling facility managers to identify potential issues, prioritise maintenance needs and allocate resources eff ectively. By analysing historical maintenance data and building usage patterns, the


digital twin can also predict potential equipment failures and recommend proactive maintenance interventions. T is data-driven approach minimises downtime and optimises maintenance costs. In addition, the digital twin provides a platform for running simulations and analysing various maintenance scenarios. T is allows facility managers to make informed decisions based on real-time data and projected outcomes.


ALIGNING WITH SUSTAINABILITY GOALS It is interesting to see that the NAO report highlights the Government’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. A digital twin can signifi cantly contribute to this goal by enabling energy modelling and performance analysis. T is is a process where the digital model can be used to simulate the impact of diff erent energy-saving measures, such as


Housing Management & Maintenance February/March 2025


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