Hemsö: from pilot to portfolio — 50 kronor per sqm by 2030

Changes in the external environment, technological development and market conditions have over recent years driven a wave of digitalization across the property sector. Hemsö is one of the Swedish companies that has made the most progress on the digital twin journey. By 2030, the company projects savings of 50 kronor per square metre through the new digital ways of working and processes that the technology enables.

We have started calculating the value in different ways. This is something that will save money, both through efficiency gains and new revenue streams.
— Fredrik Hörnsten, CDO at Hemsö

At an industry seminar held in Stockholm in early February, Hörnsten was one of the digitalization leaders invited to share insights from working with digital twins.

This year we have reached the point where the entire Swedish portfolio has a model in the platform. We own the models, we own the data, and we use Vyer to visualize everything. This is an important milestone — because when everything sits in one system that can also pull data from our other systems, it starts to become powerful for the whole company.
— Fredrik Hörnsten

In total, 226 of Hemsö's buildings have been digitalized in Vyer's platform — 1.3 million square metres — used by 436 staff in operations and facility management.

Key factors behind Hemsö's success with digital twins

Technology selection — usability and user-friendliness have been decisive, with a focus on creating value for staff. Early anchoring — staff were activated through pilot projects that drove engagement. Internal communication — continuous knowledge sharing from management, technicians and property managers. Experienced benefits — staff could test, explore and discuss the value through pilot projects. Goals and vision — concrete targets combined with a holistic perspective. Strategic system integrations — specialized systems connected to maximize value. Digital key roles — internal champions drive digitalization and coordinate information sharing.

Change management: pilots create staff engagement

I remember thinking: how is it possible that we, as a property company, don't have a drawing archive where everything is collected? But that was the reality.
— Fredrik Hörnsten

Change has to happen by letting people touch, feel and reason through it. By taking it step by step from a pilot where we first see that it actually works, we bring people along with us.
— Fredrik Hörnsten

System integrations break down information silos

The strength lies in the ecosystem where the spatial database — the twin's geographic detail — is connected to harmonized data from other systems. That is what allows us to change how we work with operations, technical and commercial property management.
— Fredrik Hörnsten

This is a slow change — it takes a few years — but we see more and more value emerging all the time. Be bold, invest and aim for the long term.
— Fredrik Hörnsten