Demand for digital twinning is rising sharply as organisations seek more efficient ways to manage complex buildings and estates, with the technology increasingly being adopted as a practical tool for day-to-day building operations rather than a specialist add-on.
That’s the experience of leading tech specialists Apollo3D, who have reported a significant rise in demand for the rapidly evolving technology. The Yorkshire-based business says enquiries for its digital twin and virtual mapping services have increased by more than 30 per cent over the past year, reflecting wider pressure on facilities and building managers and operators to reduce costs, improve efficiency and meet carbon targets.
Using digital twins, facilities and property teams can achieve their objective of a valuable ‘first time fix’. Access to layouts, asset information and monitoring building conditions are accurately achieved without the need for onsite visits.
This reduces travel, speeds up inspections and supports better planning for maintenance and refurbishment works. According to Apollo3D, clients are also using the technology to improve space utilisation and reduce downtime, contributing to stronger operational performance.
Mark Shepherd, director of Apollo3D, said the shift reflects a change in how organisations want to work: “We are seeing digital twins move from being seen as a visual extra to something that supports everyday decisions. Having a reliable digital view of a building helps teams plan work more effectively and avoid the delays and costs that come with repeated site visits. Seamlessly integrating existing maintenance schedules into a digital twin creates a powerful building maintenance tool.”
The environmental benefits are also influencing adoption. Fewer site visits result in lower travel emissions, while improved planning helps cut waste during refurbishment projects. More accurate data also supports better energy management and longer-term sustainability planning. Apollo3D’s work with Primark has already helped the international retailer to save hundreds of thousands of pounds on operational costs and environmental savings across its pan-European store network.
Mark Shepherd believes demand will continue to grow as expectations change. He said: “As buildings become more complex and resources tighter, organisations need clearer, faster access to information. Digital twinning provides that and is becoming a practical tool rather than a future concept.”