A new guide to digital twins in construction and infrastructure is showing the industry how to make the most of the technology while avoiding the pitfalls that originally beset the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM).

Published by 3D Repo, specialists in cloud-based BIM and digital twins, the free guide looks at the current status of digital twins, how the concept fits into today’s construction industry, how to debunk the myths surrounding them and how to use readily available tools to create digital twins via a much simpler process. This work builds upon the recent Digital Twin Toolkit by the Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) which 3D Repo contributed to.

Lead author of the whitepaper and 3D Repo’s Head of Digital Twins, Matthew Osment, said:

“When we think of the potential of this technology, the grand notions of monolithic interconnected models are inspiring for some, but also very daunting for majority of consultants and contractors who want to get a foothold on the digital twin ladder.

“We must learn from history. Similar concerns held back the uptake of BIM, as potential users were put off by the idea of complex software set-ups and massive up-front costs.

“The purpose of this guide is to spread the lessons learnt from what happened with BIM. It doesn’t have to be this complicated – in reality, taking ‘baby steps’ with digital twins and gradually scaling up is also a valid approach that can provide very positive outcomes without huge investment.�

3D Repo is currently working on several digital twin solutions with its clients. CEO and founder, Dr Jozef Dobos, is actively contributing to setting the standards in collaboration with the Digital Twin Hub at CDBB. 3D Repo also recently received an Epic MegaGrant from Unreal Engine to develop a new digital twin platform that can stream data into a running game thus removing the need to bake in the assets.

Download the free guide here.