More property owners are investing in streamlining their operations with digital twins. Property consultant Kim Hesselius has actively worked over the past year to map information in digital twins in Vyer. Here he shares his thoughts on digital management and what he believes is required to succeed in transformation efforts.

"I believe that governance and engagement from management are important. Then we must see the benefits and feel proud of what we do. For me, it's a leadership issue," says Kim Hesselius.

Kim runs his own consultancy firm and has extensive experience in the industry both as a property manager and maintenance engineer, responsible for everything from budget, projects, investments and staff to maintenance, condition inspections and compliance requirements.

Request for changes in drawings in Vyer.

Over the past year, he has participated in mapping components and verifying drawing documentation in Vyer, as a subcontractor for a property company with digital twins.

"I hadn't encountered digital drawings until I started working in Vyer. I think the technology is excellent; it was a new way of looking at drawings. For property owners who have large or numerous properties, it is a superb tool," says Kim Hesselius.

"I've been around about 70 properties and am fixing things every day; it is very convenient to map information, and it quickly updates the drawings when I report changes," he continues.

This is how property owners can create the conditions for technology to be utilized

Throughout his years in the industry, he has worked in various digital systems. He emphasizes the importance of not getting stuck in governance documents, but also ensuring that working methods and routines are established for regular use in operations and management to see the benefits of technology.

"You can have as many governance documents and processes as you want, but they are never better than how the execution is. If no one follows up and updates the information, you will be back to zero again."

Growing amount of updated property data resulting from collective effort from operations and management. Chart: app.vyer.com

Kim Hesselius highlights several factors that he sees as important for a digital system to take root, from the choice of technical solution to practical conditions.

"The system needs to be user-friendly and provide certain value directly. Then you also need access to the right working equipment to easily use it."

He also believes that those leading the digitalization have great opportunities to influence employee engagement through early anchoring and governance.

"First and foremost, I think it should be presented well; technicians should be allowed to look, learn, touch and feel. Then it really needs to come out in the organization that we are going to work with this."

“If you work smart, you have more time for other things”

Kim Hesselius also mentions that some may feel anxious about new technology, which can be alleviated by communicating openly about what technological changes entail and creating a supportive environment.

"I believe that digitalization is good for the industry. There are some who are worried that it will take away jobs, but people will always be needed, it’s more about streamlining. Digitalization also creates new job opportunities; we must not forget that," he says.

He has seen how roles in operations and management change with the development of technology over the years and the opportunities that exist to save time, money, and the environment.

"As an operations technician and property technician, it is increasingly about having a lot of data knowledge and being able to handle the systems. Preventive maintenance is happening more digitally as more systems connect to a data sub-centre; it’s more about monitoring and controlling the systems remotely and saving on transportation. If something needs to be addressed on-site, you call a subcontractor."

"Technology is fun; it’s constantly evolving. We are also created to develop – and if you work smart, you have more time for other things," concludes Kim Hesselius.