BIM versus Archilogic

BIM, the Good Parts: Archilogic’s Lighter Approach to Spatial Building Data

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). That leads to the conclusion that BIM files should be useful in the operating phase of buildings. In practice, these highly detailed and complex files are generally proving unwieldy for daily building operations. At Archilogic, we’re taking a “BIM-light” approach that preserves essential spatial insights without the heaviness that impedes everyday operations. By focusing on a web-based, standardized data model, we provide a system of record that keeps floor plans accurate, actionable, and easy to integrate with other enterprise systems. This serves as a strong foundation for data-driven decision-making—a critical advantage now that buildings need to be dynamic and AI-enabled.

The Burden of Traditional BIM in Building Operations

Traditional BIM models excel in design coordination but face significant challenges post-construction:

• Complexity and Maintenance Costs: BIM models demand specialized software (e.g., Revit, ArchiCAD) and continuous upkeep by highly trained professionals. As a result, the model quickly falls out of date because few facility teams have the in-house expertise or budget to keep it current. Moreover, much of the information in a design-stage BIM model is unnecessary for day-to-day operational tasks like space reconfiguration or occupancy planning.
• Specialized skills only: BIM software is largely the domain of architects, engineers, and BIM managers. In contrast, operations staff—those who deal with daily changes in a building—often lack the tools or expertise to edit these complex models. Consequently, changes to the physical layout often go unrecorded, leading to discrepancies between what is on file and what actually exists in the building.
• Interoperability roadblocks: BIM models struggle to communicate with SaaS platforms. When data silos persist, decision-makers lack complete insight into how a building’s layout, usage, and performance intersect with other business metrics.

In short, using fully-fledged BIM in everyday building operations can be like piloting a rocket to get groceries—technically possible but not something you would do if alternatives existed.

Archilogic’s BIM-Light Approach

Our approach focuses on maximizing utility while keeping complexity as low as possible:

Web first

In other categories, that’s a tired statement. Not so here. Traditional BIM software evolved from desktop-based applications designed primarily for design professionals. This model works for construction phases but not in the operating phase where there are many stakeholders, systems, and individuals with a plethora of workflows that rely on understanding buildings. Archilogic’s browser-based platform democratizes access - whether it’s for heavy users who edit and plan or those who just need access to data and visuals. Facility managers, leasing agents, workplace strategists, or building staff on the ground can easily adjust layouts or annotate space usage. Managers and planners, in turn, can review and approve these changes. The result is an always-accurate reflection of the building’s real-world state.

Standardized Spatial Data

When floor plans are imported into Archilogic, they are standardized into a unified, graph-based data model (our ‘Space Graph’). This approach eliminates fragmented file formats, reduces manual reconciliation, and ensures that any rule or analysis can be applied consistently across portfolios. For example, consider applying the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) standards for area measurement. Instead of manually “polylining” every new drawing, you capture the rules once in Archilogic. The system then applies these rules across all relevant floor plans automatically. Consistency is guaranteed, and the likelihood of human error is drastically reduced.

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Effortless SaaS Integration

We enable frictionless connectivity with third-party systems like IWMS, ERP, or IoT platforms. Instead of repeatedly exporting and importing CAD or BIM files, you can push or pull metadata and geometry in real-time. Custom schemas are supported to accommodate organization-specific data requirements. Automatic syncing of changes to all downstream systems minimizes redundancy and ensures that everyone has the same, accurate picture of the building.

Built for Agentic AI

Because Archilogic’s underlying data is structured relationally, buildings—the world’s largest asset class—become natively compatible with AI-driven workflows. It adds an entire data vertical to existing enterprise data infrastructure. In the age of AI, we believe that’s not a nice-to-have. Buildings are the canvas on which work gets done, and we now have the tools to ensure all of them can continuously be used and adjusted as the best version of themselves. The value of this data vertical is maximized when combined with other, existing data sources. Here are sample queries and workflows that are unlocked by the availability of Spatial Building Data:

• User: Can you review the building on 5th Street for energy-saving upgrades?
• Agent: Based on your building’s location, energy usage data, and current envelope calculations, installing triple-pane windows would reduce annual energy usage by 14–16%. If the total cost is under $745k, this investment is financially justifiable. Would you like me to gather quotes?
• User: Could you check the 4th-floor layout for any workplace safety or code issues?
• Agent: I’ve identified four minor compliance violations. Here’s a proposed reconfiguration plan to fix them. Would you like me to contact the facility management team and proceed with these changes?

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The list is endless, and it's important to state that it is not Archilogic's intention to surface all of these insights in its own applications but to provide the foundation so that all connected applications can leverage the Spatial Building Data to support their solutions while keeping it simple for the end user of space to keep the information up to date.

Conclusion: data, not drawings

At Archilogic, we believe the operational phase of buildings demands an AI-ready spatial system of record. Traditional BIM excels at coordinating complex design efforts, but its value in the operational phase often remains elusive. Facility managers, corporate real estate teams, and property owners need tools that are easy to update, integrate, and scale. With Archilogic’s BIM-light framework, the focus shifts from heavy, specialized models to a flexible, always-current record of a building’s spatial reality.

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Contact us to learn more!