BIM or Digital Twin? Why Everyone in AEC Needs to Know the Difference

BIM (Building Information Modeling) and Digital Twins are often confused in the AEC industry, but they serve very different purposes. BIM provides the foundation—a static, intelligent 3D model for design, coordination, and construction. Digital Twins go further, creating a dynamic, data-driven replica of the building that evolves in real time with IoT, predictive analytics, and operational insights. Understanding this distinction helps owners, contractors, and facility managers maximize efficiency, sustainability, and long-term asset value.