New research from Autodesk and IFMA highlights the power of digital threads to improve data management across the facilities management sector.
Today's facility managers are not just caretakers of buildings; they must also oversee digital transformation initiatives that unlock greater operational efficiency. This evolution is fuelled by the recognition that high-quality and accessible data is critical for informed decision-making.
For facility managers, one thing is clear: quality data is a team sport. Operations teams must rely on data shared by many teams, from general contractors to maintenance service firms and beyond. Facility managers must engage with this comprehensive stakeholder ecosystem to achieve high-quality data across assets, spaces, and building systems.
Our latest research with IFMA finds that digital threads can be a powerful framework for improving data quality and enhancing collaboration across the built environment. The term captures the trend of using digital workflows to track assets throughout their lifecycles. Unlike traditional, siloed systems for capital planning, project management, and operations, a digital thread seamlessly orchestrates the flow of information between systems, ensuring data accessibility across all AECO stakeholders.
Clear data governance frameworks are crucial for implementing digital threads. By defining and enforcing data standards across all stages of AECO, owners are more likely to receive the data they need in the correct format, minimising the need for rework. This principle extends beyond AECO; Gartner finds that firms with well-established data governance frameworks can achieve a 20-40% reduction in data errors.
But it is not only about the data. The research emphasised that facility managers must uplevel their influence with AECO stakeholders and become involved in projects much earlier than usual. As projects enter the design phase, facility operations teams should invite themselves in and proactively share their data needs. Sitting back and hoping for the best is rarely a successful strategy for facilities management teams.
Ready to explore how digital threads can advance your facilities management strategy? Check out the full Autodesk-IFMA research report: Advancing Facilities Management with a Digital Thread.
