New Paper: BIM and Digital Twins Coexist to Drive Sustainability

Posted By NIBS Staff

Thursday, June 27, 2024

A new position paper by the NIBS Digital Twin Integration Subcommittee (DTI-S) encourages the integration of building information modeling (BIM) and digital twin technology, presenting a groundbreaking opportunity for the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry.

This integration sets the stage for innovation, efficiency, and collaboration.

The position paper envisions a future where BIM and digital twins "coexist and synergize to drive sustainability and enhance operational performance … [the paper] aims to demystify the relationship between BIM and digital twin and showcase how through strategic integration, leaders, technologists, and practitioners can accelerate significant industry-wide change."

It recently was written and published by the DTI-S and approved by the board members of the Building Information Management Council, which was renamed the Digital Technology Council.

The Importance of Integration

The introduction of digital twin to the AECO industry has generated significant excitement and speculation. However, a challenge persists regarding the clarity of the digital twin concept and its relationship with BIM.

According to the paper, this "ambiguity between BIM and digital twin has led to confusion, leaving stakeholders uncertain about their interchangeability." The paper brings clarity to their relationship and addresses fundamental questions.

Some key takeaways: The BIM and digital twin relationship is integrative and not duplicative, commonly misunderstood, and uniquely suited for solving AECO issues and avoiding pitfalls.

The audience for this new paper includes executive leaders, technologists, and AECO practitioners.

Read the position paper.