Ensuring buildings perform as designed from day one is a fair expectation, yet a disconnect remains between construction and operations. While Government Soft Landings (GSL) have helped close this gap, a more targeted, data-focused approach is needed. Enter the Digital Soft Landing
At project completion, operational teams often receive a flood of information, much of it disorganised, incomplete or irrelevant. This can hinder the use of BIM data and leads to inefficiencies in maintenance and operational planning.
A Digital Soft Landing addresses this by capturing essential data during construction and delivering it in a structured, usable format for operations. It extends the soft landings concept beyond physical performance to ensure digital information is ready for immediate use.
Why it matters
A successful Digital Soft Landing provides a clear framework for collecting, validating and structuring data across the project lifecycle. By involving the right stakeholders early, organisations can ensure the data collected during construction aligns with operational requirements. The result is a smooth transition of verified information into live systems.
For asset owners, this means a greater return on digital construction investments, enabling better decision-making, improved building performance and reduced operational costs.
Main contractors benefit through defined data protocols and clearer handover expectations, which reduces rework, minimises disputes and improves client satisfaction.
Facilities managers gain early access to structured, usable data that integrates directly into FM platforms, IoT systems or digital twins. This supports proactive maintenance, energy efficiency and smarter space utilisation.
Bridging the gap
Translating construction data into operational insight remains a challenge due to limited collaboration between delivery and FM teams. Facilities teams are often left out of the data planning process, resulting in information that doesn’t meet operational needs.
Early involvement of operations teams helps ensure that asset data is structured for usability from day one. Standardising formats and classifications also boosts interoperability across systems.
FM teams often lack the tools or expertise to make the most of BIM data and still rely on outdated methods. As technologies like AI, robotics and digital twins evolve, structured asset data becomes even more critical.
A Digital Soft Landing creates the foundation for adopting these technologies and unlocking long-term value.
Implementing the strategy
To implement a Digital Soft Landing, involve FM teams early and define clear data deliverables. Apply consistent naming conventions and data formats and map outputs to FM and smart building systems.
Use open data standards to prevent silos and train FM teams to interpret and apply BIM data effectively. Contract incentives should promote lifecycle thinking, with long-term performance at the core.
Assigning a Digital Soft Landings manager can ensure data quality and operational readiness from day one.
Looking ahead
A Digital Soft Landing transforms handover into a strategic, value-driven milestone benefitting owners, contractors and operators alike. As the future of building management becomes increasingly data-driven, this approach provides the essential foundation for smarter, more sustainable operations.
*Please note that this is a commercial profile.
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