top of page

How to build digital twins without CAD models: The step-by-step guide

Updated: Nov 26, 2023

In today's fast-paced industrial world, having the right info at your fingertips is a must for keeping things running smoothly. To achieve operational excellence, you need accurate 3D models of your existing facilities. But how many legacy facilities actually have these? Many teams struggle due to data gaps and silos, slowing down their ability to make informed decisions and manage assets effectively. They often rely on outdated or partial drawings, 2D plot plans, or images with limited asset information. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about having an accurate entire picture of your asset. Accessing reliable data is crucial for safe and cost-effective maintenance, operations, and decommissioning of remote sites. In this post, we’ll dive into the importance of accurate 3D models and the easiest way to empower your team with the most up-to-date information.


Imagine a 3D representation of your asset, acting as your essential map in the remote industrial landscape. It provides a clear picture of your facilities, guiding decisions, optimizing operations, and predicting maintenance needs. These digital twins bridge the gap between the physical and virtual worlds, boosting safety, minimizing downtime, and enhancing efficiency. Without them, navigating asset complexities becomes challenging, affecting performance and sustainability.


VEERUM offers an innovative solution to bridge these data gaps. We’ve created a user-friendly approach to creating data-rich digital twins without the need for traditional CAD models. VEERUM's digital twin software creates data-rich digital twins without relying on traditional CAD models. You can tag and view all asset info in a 3D viewer. Starting with a reality scan, we build the base visualization and add context to the virtual environment. This solution lets you directly tag equipment onto the scan, bypassing the need for a BIM model. VEERUM enriches the digital twin with extra info through this approach. If you don't have tag lists, no worries—VEERUM extracts tag data from existing engineering docs. We assess your data, strategize for scalable digital twins, and deploy this solution across your asset portfolio, merging all existing data sources.


Discover our streamlined step-by step process for crafting data-rich digital twins without traditional CAD models. Here's how it works:


Step 1: Collect

Gather essential data using transfer methods such as S3 bucket, sFTP, ShareFile, and more.


Step 2: Ingest

The reality scan of your asset is ingested, supporting LiDAR, photogrammetry, and laser scanning. Within just 48 hours, all this data is visualized in VEERUM.


Step 3: Apply AI/ML (beta)

Unleash the potential of AI/ML algorithms that analyze reality scan data to detect equipment classes like valves, vessels, and pumps.


Step 4: Compile tag list

Submit your tag list and VEERUM solutions experts offer expert guidance for seamless ingestion, encompassing data scraping, data files, and matching.


Step 5: Ingest tag info

Leveraging object properties, VEERUM intelligently determines the optimal tagging approach, incorporating properties, UID, and geographic information.


Step 6: Perform tagging

Utilize user-friendly in-app tools for tagging based on provided information or opt for VEERUM's expert solutions. This process adds intelligence to laser scans and creates a data-rich digital twin


The outcome? Break down data silos, ensure everyone has access to the information they need, when they need it. Safety is boosted, efficiency gets supercharged, and operations sails through choppy waters. Our clients have reported 10X ROI, reduced travel costs, and increased up-time. Ready to lead your facilities into the digital era? Dive into the future of asset management with VEERUM. Book a demo today.


bottom of page