Götz, C S; Karlsson, P and Yitmen, I (2022) Exploring applicability, interoperability and integrability of blockchain-based digital twins for asset life cycle management. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 11(3), pp. 532-558. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: The blockchain-based digital twin has been recognized as a prominent technological ecosystem featuring synergies with both established and emergent information management practice. The purpose of this research is to explore the applicability, interoperability and integrability of a blockchain-based digital twin for asset life cycle management and develop a model of framework which positions the digital twin within a broader context of current management practice and technological availability. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was performed to map use cases of digital twin, IoT, blockchain and smart contract technologies. Surveys of industry professionals and analyses were conducted focussing on the mapped use cases' life cycle–centric applicability, interoperability and integrability with current asset life cycle management practice, exploring decision support capabilities and industry insights. Lastly, a model of framework was developed based on the use case, interoperability and integrability findings. Findings: The results support approaching digitization initiatives with blockchain-based digital twins and the positioning of the concept as both a strategic tool and a multifunctional on-field support application. Integrability enablers include progression towards BIM level 3, decentralized program hubs, modular cross-technological platform interfaces, as well as mergeable and scalable blockchains. Practical implications: Knowledge of use cases help highlight the functionality of an integrated technological ecosystem and its connection to comprehensive sets of asset life cycle management aspects. Exploring integrability enablers contribute to the development of management practice and solution development as user expectations and technological prerequisites are interlinked. Originality/value: The research explores asset life cycle management use cases, interoperability and integrability enablers of blockchain-based digital twins and positions the technological ecosystem within current practice and technological availability.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | blockchain; building information management; digital twin; smart asset lifecycle management |
| Index terms: | life cycle management, synergy, decision support, interoperability, methodology, management practice, digital twin, survey, lifecycle, program, blockchain, life cycle, functionality, systematic literature review, smart contract, platform, building information management |
| Subjects: | computing systems, research evaluation and metrics, decision analysis, partnership management, software systems, management, systems and processes, digital technology, information systems, research methods, digital engineering, project delivery, design features, data collection methods, value management, digital design |
| Topics: | Stakeholder Management, Design Practice, Business Strategy, Risk Management, Project Management, Research Practice, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here