Fast-Track Decisions with Tablet-Based Digital Twins
As building projects grow in complexity, effective communication among architects, engineers, and stakeholders becomes critical. This case study explores how one commercial property developer leveraged Building Information Management (BIM) digital twins accessible on tablets to enhance collaboration, speed up decision-making, and improve overall building lifecycle management.
One of the biggest issues stemmed from fragmented communication between stakeholders. Architects, civil engineers, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) specialists, and contractors were working with separate datasets and software platforms. This lack of a unified reference point often led to misaligned designs, conflicting information, and inconsistent project execution.
The process of reviewing and approving design changes was time-consuming and inefficient. Traditionally, stakeholders needed to be physically present or logged into complex desktop-based systems to review design updates. Coordinating schedules across different teams further delayed the process, leading to project slowdowns and increased costs.
Even though the project was built using BIM models, accessing and interacting with them required specialized software and technical expertise. This meant that only a few team members could work directly with the BIM data, leaving others reliant on second-hand information or static reports that quickly became outdated.
Once the building was completed, BIM data was often underutilized. Facility managers and maintenance teams lacked an easy way to access up-to-date models and design information, making it harder to diagnose issues, plan upgrades, and manage warranties effectively. Without a reliable, real-time digital twin, the building’s operational efficiency suffered over time.
To address these challenges, the developer implemented a tablet-based BIM digital twin solution powered by Fabrik. This solution enabled stakeholders to access, review, and modify building models directly from the field, streamlining communication and decision-making across the project lifecycle.
Fabrik's platform integrated BIM data from Revit and IFC models into a single, cloud-based environment. This created a centralized source of truth that all stakeholders could access, regardless of their role or location. The platform ensured that any changes made to the model were updated in real-time, providing a consistent and accurate reference point for all teams involved.
Fabrik deployed a tablet-friendly version of the BIM viewer, allowing engineers, contractors, and managers to interact with the 3D model on-site. The user-friendly interface made it easy to zoom into design details, identify potential clashes, and annotate issues directly on the model. This eliminated the need to refer back to desktop-based systems or printed blueprints, improving real-time responsiveness.
The platform introduced a structured approval workflow where stakeholders could review and approve design changes from their tablets. If a contractor identified an issue in the field, they could flag it on the model, prompting immediate review by the design team. Comments, approvals, and revisions were logged and tracked automatically, creating a transparent and accountable decision-making process.
With all stakeholders accessing a single source of truth, communication barriers were eliminated. Engineers, contractors, and project managers could reference the same model and see real-time updates, reducing the risk of misalignment and conflicting decisions. Annotations and comments could be shared instantly, ensuring that everyone was on the same page.
The ability to access BIM models on-site and review them in real time significantly reduced the time required for design reviews and approvals. Issues that previously took days or weeks to resolve could now be addressed within hours, reducing project timelines and minimizing costly delays.
By catching design clashes and conflicts early through real-time model reviews, the project team reduced the amount of rework required during construction. This not only saved costs but also improved the overall quality of the final building. Fewer construction errors translated into fewer post-completion repairs and retrofits.
Stakeholders, from investors to end-users, reported higher confidence in the project’s quality and progress. The ability to visualize the building model in 3D, access real-time data, and engage directly with the approval process created a sense of involvement and trust in the project’s success.
The success of this project highlights the growing importance of making BIM data more accessible and usable in the field. Fabrik is positioned at the forefront of this transformation, offering a platform that bridges the gap between design and execution.
As the construction industry continues to adopt digital solutions, the ability to interact with BIM models in real-time from any location will become a standard requirement. Fabrik’s solution not only improves project execution but also sets the foundation for smarter, more responsive facility management.
Future developments in Fabrik’s platform will further enhance its capabilities by incorporating:
Fabrik’s commitment to innovation ensures that construction and property management teams will continue to benefit from faster decision-making, improved accuracy, and enhanced operational efficiency.
