By BARBARA HORWITZ-BENNETT

Building information modeling and its powerful plug-ins have undoubtedly revolutionized the coordination and efficiencies associated with building design and construction. From enhanced designs to clash detection to design error reductions to expedited project timelines, the technology has been a game changer.

However, one area where the industry has yet to fully capture the potential of BIM is with ongoing maintenance. Considering the fact that operations and maintenance accounts for 70 percent to 80 percdent of a building’s total lifecycle costs, this is a significant missed opportunity.

In any effort to unlock these efficiencies, some technologically-savvy contractors are leveraging BIM to create digital twins to serve as a data-rich, easy to access record model of the building.

“We work closely with the design team and subcontractors to enrich the standard BIM with asset data – such as the manufacturer, model number, serial number and room location,” says Sean Doolan, VDC manager at DPR Construction in San Diego.

This data can then be integrated into a facility management system. Together with real-time data, owners can proactively manage and maintain building systems, reduce downtime, enhance energy performance and boost equipment longevity.

BIM models themselves can be useful for ongoing maintenance, but most owners don’t have the dedicated staff to keep models current once the building is operational.

“By starting with a well-structured, data-rich model and tying it directly to the systems owners use every day, we help them bridge that gap, giving facilities teams a practical way to access building information, streamline operations and make more informed decisions over time,” says DPR’s VDC director Jacob Skrobarczyk.

For example, detailed BIM and digital twin model enables owners to easily identify managed assets, enriched with metadata, and quickly respond if a system requires servicing.

In fact, integrated digital workflows can deliver up to a 20 percent reduction in maintenance costs and a 15 percent improvement in asset uptime.

Practically speaking, BIM data gives technicians instant access to schematics, manuals, warranty details and specifications, shortening troubleshooting time and improving repair accuracy, according to Josh Vickery, CEO and owner of Austin-based CSP Consultants Group.

“A detailed BIM model also gives owners clearer insight into equipment lifecycle, enabling smarter long-term budgeting and better-timed capital spending,” he says.

By integrating digital twins with building management systems, this supports:

  • Predictive maintenance, detecting potential failures before they occur.
  • Energy optimization, identifying inefficiencies and enhancing operations.
  • Tracking real-time operations and making necessary adjustments.

In particular, Vickery’s team has identified significant discrepancies between as-built information and day-to-day operations with regard to low-voltage systems. “These are the systems owners rely on most throughout the building lifecycle, yet they’re often the least represented in the model,” he says.

Addressing this gap, CSP works with design teams to verify device layouts, cable paths and equipment locations so that the BIM model reflects what’s actually being installed. With accurate information, facility managers can then pinpoint a device’s location, how it’s connected and whether an issue is isolated or tied to a broader systems dependency.

To empower facilities to best utilize this information, contractors and consultants recommend training. This includes teaching maintenance teams how to find devices, understand system relationships and how to use a model for troubleshooting.

“Accurate, current BIM data helps owners understand which systems are underperforming or approaching end of life,” says Vickery. “That clarity makes retrofit planning faster, safer and more cost-effective. It allows owners to prioritize upgrades that will generate the greatest return and coordinate changes with fewer surprises in the field.”