The growing demand for digital twins

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.

Accurate digital representations

Digital twinning involves creating an accurate digital representation of a physical building that can be viewed, measured and assessed remotely. The approach is increasingly being used across sectors, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, property and the public sector, where managing multiple sites or large spaces can be time-consuming and expensive.

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.

A shift 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.

Risk management and compliance

Digital twins are proving valuable for risk management and compliance. Virtual surveys allow teams to review access, safety and layout issues in advance, helping them prepare work without disrupting live environments. Contractors and consultants can also work from the same up to date information, reducing errors and duplication.

The technology is also being used earlier in the lifecycle of buildings, with digital models created from proposed designs to test layouts and flows before construction begins. This helps clients make more informed design and investment decisions and reduces costly changes later.

I believe demand will continue to grow as expectations change. 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.

The rise of digital mapping is also reshaping professional roles within the built environment. While traditional drawing and surveying remain important, Apollo3D says those who combine these skills with digital workflows are increasingly in demand as clients look for clearer insight and quicker answers.

Apollo3D has expanded steadily since its launch nine years ago, creating digital twins and virtual tours for a wide range of hospitality, leisure and public sector clients. Its client base covers retail, healthcare, hospitality and facilities management, with organisations such as the NHS, Marks and Spencer, Greene King, OCS, Primark and The Environment Agency.

Mark Shepherd is founder and director of Apollo3D

For more information, visit www.apollo3d.co.uk/