AI and expert knowledge scale existing digitization

The digitalization of existing buildings is a strategic goal for many companies – but in reality it often remains expensive, slow, and risky. Outdated existing plans, poor data quality, and unpredictable modeling processes complicate the introduction of digital twins and BIM-based workflows.

Together with Vienna International Airport, Points2BIM demonstrates how modern technologies can overcome these hurdles. Our CEO Dr. Mario Geißler and Christoph Eichler explain how automated BIM models from point clouds, AI-supported processes, and a clear use-case strategy can accelerate the digitalization of large holdings – economically, reliably, and scalably.

Why digitalization of existing buildings is more important today than ever before

Whether property owners, facility managers, airports, universities, hospitals, or industrial enterprises: Almost all holders of existing properties face the same challenges:

• Existing plans are outdated or incomplete

• Renovations are often not documented

• Data is contradictory or inaccurate

• Decisions are based on uncertain foundations

• Digitalization often ends after individual pilot projects

The problem

Without precise existing data, it is impossible to integrate operating systems or make reliable construction economic decisions.

Vienna International Airport is a prime example of this complexity:

• 150 buildings with different uses

• 1,000 renovations per year

• Highly complex above-ground and underground infrastructure

Nevertheless, investments in the millions must be made – based on data that is often unreliable.

Why pure manual modeling of point clouds fails

The current market standard is the manual modeling of point clouds in BIM software. However, this approach hits clear limits when an entire building stock is to be digitized.

Typical problems of manual BIM modeling:

• High personnel needs and skilled labor shortages

• Unpredictable lead times

• Strong dependence on individual modelers

• High costs with larger scopes

• Qualitative fluctuations between projects

• No standardization, only custom solutions

The result

Digitalization remains a flagship project, but not a scalable process.

The Points2BIM approach: Automatically creating point clouds to BIM – supported by experts

Points2BIM combines AI-based automated model creation with human expertise. This hybrid method is the foundation of industrial digitalization of existing buildings.

Step 1: AI creates the basic BIM model

• Automated detection of walls, ceilings, columns, openings, etc.

• Modeling at LOD 200 as a reliable starting point

• Consistent quality and high speed

Step 2: Expert modeling refines the model

• Validation, correction, and elaboration of critical components

• Supplementing project-specific requirements

• Ensuring standards, accuracy, and usability

Result:

A precise, up-to-date, and cost-effective digital building model that can be perfectly integrated into facility management systems, renovation processes, or portfolio decisions.

Our CEO Dr. Mario Geißler puts it aptly:

“The AI builds the framework – our experts develop it into a reliable BIM model.”

The most important success factor: Use-Case-First instead of LOD Fetish

Many digitalization projects fail because the LOD (Level of Development) is defined first. The first question should be:

“What do we need the data for?”

Because:
Too much detail can be harmful – especially in operation.
Too little detail can block renovation projects.

That's why Points2BIM relies on a use-case-based modeling strategy:

• Should the model locate disruptions?

• Is it intended for area evaluation?

• Is it needed for renovations or technical planning?

• Or for integration into a CAFM/BOS system?

Only then is the appropriate LOD determined.

Christoph Eichler says:

“Not every geometry helps. For operations, clarity matters, not detail depth.”

The use cases of Vienna International Airport (transferable to any property owner)

Use Case 1: Operations & Facility Management (Building Operation System)

The airport implements a comprehensive operating system that requires BIM data.
For this, all 150 objects are digitized.

Use Case 2: Renovations & Extensions (Scan to BIM for projects)

With 1,000 renovations annually, reliability is crucial.
In-house laser scan teams + Points2BIM result in:

• Predictable lead times

• Consistent quality

• Fewer claims

• Secure quantities & foundations

Use Case 3: Ongoing updates of existing data (Portfolio+)

Stocks change continuously.
Therefore, Points2BIM offers a solution to keep models continuously up to date – a central need for any modern facility management.

Economic benefits: Why automated BIM models are worthwhile for property owners

• 50–70% time savings

• Predictable delivery times → predictable projects

• Relieving skilled personnel

• Massive cost reductions for large portfolios

• Uniform model standards

• Foundation for digital facility management

• Reduction of claims & erroneous decisions

• High quality thanks to hybrid validation processes

Digitalization transforms from a cost block to a productivity factor.

Conclusion: Digitalization of existing buildings as an industrial standard process

The combination of AI and expert knowledge finally makes it possible to efficiently digitalize entire portfolios – not just individual pilot buildings.

The key:

• Automated BIM modeling from point clouds

• Use-Case-First strategy

• Standardized workflows

• Updatable data models

• Hybrid processes of AI + expertise

This creates the foundation for property owners to finally:

• Create digital twins

• Efficient facility management

• Reduce operating costs

• Accelerate renovation projects

• Make strategically sound portfolio decisions