Digital twins — digital representations of physical objects — can add value to many processes in building and facility management. Professionals do not have to waste time on site visits, as they can get a fresh view of the site with a few clicks. Documentation of facilities and current conditions can be viewed instantly.
To be accessible, digital twins need to “live”
Today, digital twins are often still relatively static: the environment was recorded at a certain point in time. Without updates, that is not enough for smooth operation.
For seamless use, the twin must be constantly updated with fresh data. At CAFM Solution we use methods that keep updates as simple and cost-effective as possible.
The system relies on simple photos. Real-world changes such as a system replacement can be documented with new photos and the twin updated, reducing time and cost.
Important data available with visual information
Besides photorealistic representation, process data and measurement values are equally necessary. The goal is to make this data available in the right place in the twins, together with the visuals.
We use Points of Information (PoI). These can be generated from images, have precise 3D coordinates, and remain available when images are updated.
Via modern interfaces the system can connect to third-party systems and display measurement data, maintenance info, work orders, documents or live video. External data appears in the system but is not unnecessarily re-stored.
The user clicks the relevant system or PoI and gets the information needed. Lengthy searches across systems become a thing of the past, and twins stay up to date.