Building Trust in Asset Information: Why HxGN SDx2 Is a Game Changer
Across the asset-intensive industries, Owner Operators (OOs) and EPCs continue to face a familiar and growing challenge: managing asset information that is inconsistent, incomplete and ultimately unreliable. Despite advances in digital tools, the fundamental building block—trusted data—remains elusive for many organizations.
At Hexagon, we’ve worked closely with OOs and EPCs to address this issue head-on. The result of that collaboration is HxGN SDx2: a next-generation Digital Twin platform designed to govern, structure and streamline asset information across projects, operations and handover.
In this article, we’ll outline why HxGN SDx2 represents a step forward for both EPCs and Owner Operators—and how it helps transition from data chaos to operational clarity.
The Cost of Untrusted Data
Organizations today are not lacking data. In fact, most are overwhelmed by it. The problem is that this data is often scattered across disconnected systems, unstructured or out of date. Teams struggle to determine what’s accurate, current or safe to use.
When data can’t be trusted, the consequences are real:
- Projects experience delays because of missing or inconsistent documentation
- Turnarounds take longer and cost more because of revalidation and manual checks
- Compliance suffers as traceability becomes difficult to demonstrate
- Operations become reactive rather than proactive
These inefficiencies add cost, introduce risk and erode confidence across the organization.
HxGN SDx2: A Foundation for Reliable Asset Information
HxGN SDx2 is purpose-built to resolve these issues. With its multi-tenant SaaS architecture, SDx2 provides a secure, scalable environment to deliver structured, validated and context-rich asset information across the full lifecycle—from design and construction to operations and decommissioning.
Unlike traditional document repositories or siloed engineering tools, HxGN SDx2 enables:
- Highly configurable data models tailored to industry and project needs
- Seamless integration with Hexagon design tools and third-party systems
-State-of-the-art, AI-based data extraction for automatic contextualization of documentation
This foundation enables organizations to align engineering, operations, maintenance and compliance teams with a single source of trusted information.
Improving Handover Through Progressive Data Collaboration
One of the most significant challenges for Owner Operators is capital project handover. Traditionally, handover occurs at the end of a project in a bulk delivery format—often resulting in massive rework to align documents, verify data and load information into operational systems.
HxGN SDx2 enables a fundamentally different approach through its collaborative data platform. Rather than waiting for project completion, stakeholders can submit, review, validate and approve data continuously throughout the project.
Benefits include:
- Early identification of data quality issues
- Reduced friction during commissioning and startup
- Faster time to operational readiness
- Higher confidence in the delivered asset information
For EPCs, this also means meeting contractual handover requirements more efficiently and reducing the risk of post-delivery disputes.
Governance and Compliance by Design
Strong information governance is critical not only for operational efficiency but also for regulatory compliance and audit readiness. In HxGN SDx2, governance is built into the platform from the start.
Users benefit from:
- Automatic enforcement of metadata quality and completeness
- Pre-configurable acceptable values (aka enumeration sets) and classification systems
- Role-based access permissions
- Audit trails and digital signatures for every change
This allows organizations to demonstrate control and compliance without manual intervention or reliance on informal tracking mechanisms.
Real-World Value for EPCs and Owner Operators
Unlock real-world value with HxGN SDx2, empowering EPCs and Owner Operators to drive efficiency, collaboration and long-term success through smarter data management and seamless project execution.
For EPCs, HxGN SDx2 offers:
- A streamlined handover process
- Clear validation checkpoints during project execution
- Stronger relationships with Owner Operators because of higher data quality
- Faster payment cycles linked to milestone verification
For Owner Operators, HxGN SDx2 provides:
- A trusted asset information foundation from day one
- Enhanced reliability in maintenance and operations
- Greater agility in responding to audits, safety reviews and change requests
- A reduction in knowledge loss as experienced personnel retire or shift roles
Designed for Scalability and Integration
HxGN SDx2 is not a rip-and-replace solution. It integrates with existing systems and scale with organizational needs. Whether starting with a single facility or deploying enterprisewide, the platform supports phased adoption with measurable impact at every stage.
It is also backward-compatible with earlier platforms such as SmartPlant® Foundation , offering a clear path forward for organizations ready to modernize their data strategy without sacrificing past investments.
From Information Overload to Information Advantage
Organizations that succeed in the coming decade will be those that turn asset information into an operational advantage. This means shifting from document control to information governance, from fragmented systems to connected platforms and from reactive decisions to proactive strategies.
HxGN SDx2 empowers that shift—by helping organizations build, maintain and rely on a foundation of trusted asset information.
If your team is ready to reduce risk, accelerate readiness and improve confidence in every decision made, we invite you to take the next step.
👉 Contact us today to learn more about HxGN SDx2 and how it can support your organization.
About Tom Goff
Tom Goff is an Executive Industry Consultant with Hexagon's Asset Lifecycle Intelligence division with more than 30 years of experience across multiple industries (Oil & Gas, Chemical and Nuclear) in engineering, construction, project management, information/data management and process improvement. As an Executive Industry Consultant with Hexagon, Tom leads consulting initiatives with customers in their digital transformation journey. He has a BS and MBA from Capella University, is a certified PMP and LSS Black Belt and a veteran of the US Army.
About Giulio Cattarin, Ph.D.-
Dr. Giulio Cattarin is a mechanical engineer and industry consultant specializing in data governance, operational excellence and digital transformation. With experience in product management, presales and industrial operations, he helps organizations streamline asset information management and compliance. Fluent in English, Italian and French, Giulio is passionate about bridging information and operations to drive smarter, data-driven decisions.-