Achieving a Golden Thread of Information Through the DynamicAIM System

Ahead of the Smart Housing Yorkshire event, Housing Industry Leaders spoke to Ben Kelly, Senior Technical Consultant at Altair, about the partnership between Cadline and themselves, the DynamicAIM system and how technology can get organisations on top of legislative changes.

Cadline and Altair have combined decades of experience and expertise in development, regeneration, asset management compliance and governance regulation in the housing sector with cutting-edge technology solutions.

Industry collaboration in action: Cadline and Altair leading the way

This partnership brings together Cadline’s product and support with Altair’s sector knowledge and technical expertise.

Working across the whole value chain in the housing sector, Altair and Cadline’s services range from development, asset management, regeneration, building safety, compliance and governance.

Producing a ‘golden thread’ of information throughout the value chain, this partnership is uniquely placed to: “Combine expertise and act as one partner that clients can be supported by through the entirety of their journey in producing a golden thread of information,” added Ben.

This support comes through the DynamicAIM product, which is a unique asset information management tool that provides a central cloud-based repository for all necessary building information that allows users to manage existing and new data sources throughout the life cycle of an asset. It incorporates 3D BIM models, drawings, documents and data.

Expanding on this support, Ben explained: “DynamicAIM can help associations and authorities to digitise the data they hold for existing stock, even buildings that have little or no digital or as-built data.”

A golden thread of information allows clients to be proactive

Utilising this technology allows clients to be proactive in identifying key failings and allows action plans to be produced early on in the process. These features permit landlords to better manage their assets in an efficient and effective way which can help them make informed decisions.

Ben began to break down the unique benefits of the DynamicAIM system compared to others on the market: “The system interface is easy to use and navigate, which allows users to view detailed 3D BIM models without any requirement for any specialist training or expensive CAD software.”

Another aspect which is unique to this system is the possibility of working alongside existing data management systems. “Linking these systems and databases to pull in necessary information ensures that key information within the DynamicAIM system is up-to-date. This allows for real-time data recording.”

Better quality and management of data is the first step to improving housing stock

As the system gives you a picture of the ‘as-is’ condition, organisations are able to build up action plans to manage their housing stock better. Real-time data allows for a more dynamic and proactive approach to managing housing stock and adapting to legislative changes.

Additionally, the partnership between Cadline and Altair is unlike any other provider. “It is not just a software provider; it comes with sector expertise from Altair and allows clients to draw on both of the respective expertise on offer. Our clients get a better understand of what the sector needs are and what the pressures are, which is coupled with Cadlines software and engineering capabilities to deliver on the issues identified.”

Many software providers don’t have the background experience working within clients’ organisations and often come to clients looking for them to drive the conversation. In contrast, the Cadline and Altair partnership allows them to guide clients along the process and adapt the system in a way to meet their own unique requirements.

When bringing in the DynamicAIM system, Cadline and Altair will work in consultation with clients along the process to ensure they understand the requirements they have to adhere to, which in turn can evolve the system. “With technology moving fast and the current challenges facing the industry growing, DynamicAIM is agile enough to adapt to these changes,” Ben added.

The requirement for those deemed accountable to hold and maintain a ‘golden thread’ of digital building information, and to produce Building Safety Cases for their buildings, has resulted in the need to manage building information on a scale beyond anything most Registered Housing Providers have seen.

Building Safety Act should be the catalyst for digitalisation

Implementation of the Building Safety Act commences between April and October 2023, with “Accountable Persons” required to begin registering their buildings with the new Regulator during this period.

Wrapping up, Ben explained that:

“DynamicAIM is an essential tool in responding to this new legislative requirement, allowing for the quality of data to be retained and improved over time, enabling better monitoring of in use building performance, compliance and the safety of occupants”