The construction industry is one of the largest globally, yet it is the least digitized, everyone by now is aware of that, but now what?
Yes, the construction industry is the least digitized, but in the past two years there was substantial acceleration of companies looking to digitize and modernize how they work, especially in the Mid-Market, which is a good sign.
Luckily, there exist numerous technologies that could radically improve efficiency, productivity, and safety in the sector.
Incorporating digital technology into the construction industry allows for refinement at the management level and on the operational level of a construction site.
Let's take a look at some of them!
The Industrial era has long passed; current modes of production are based on information and computerization. Most people access an electronic device on a daily basis through which they share an abundance of information with the rest of the world, such as thoughts, opinions, concerns, and much more. Nonetheless, what most construction companies don’t realize is that each of these shared comments is a business growth opportunity. Thus, a digital transformation project should aim to incorporate data collection apps into the operation tools of the company. These platforms gather accurate data that can be utilized for a given business to develop directly according to evolving needs of its target market.
Moreover, cloud technology allows a company to store large amounts of data for future reference without direct active management by the user. This is a great way to increase your company’s efficiency.
Collaboration is a must; it should undoubtedly be one of the underlying values of a given business’ culture. Thus, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has gained great popularity over the years and is now the foundation of digital transformation in the construction industry. BIM and CAD tools, such as Revit, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D revamp teamwork by providing members with a platform on which each of them can share their expertise regarding their current project. From the stages of planning to design to construction of the building, digitalizing the project as a first step makes it easier for the workers to visualize the final outcome. This tool avoids any time wasted on misunderstandings between team members.
VR, when combined with BIM, improves understanding of complex projects. It assists the architects, the implementation teams as well as the client in visualizing the project exactly as it will appear when completed. This avoids costly changes once the project begins to take shape. The issues identified during the VR presentation can be addressed earlier in the design stage to ensure a smooth construction; once again, avoiding time wasted on misunderstandings.
3D technology improves project material production. Digital fabrication significantly reduces production and assembly time, cost, and labor; materials are produced in exact sizes/quantities and are then transported to the site ready for installation.
This said, beware that where there is good, there is bad; adopting digital technologies in the construction sector is fraught with difficulties such as training programs, a lack of alignment, and poor management.
Also, each project is unique, and not all technologies are equally effective, thus it is important to strategically select the tools that fit your needs.
1. People and Change Management, the culture of the company
2.Technology and Organization Level of understanding of it
3. Standard Operating Procedures and Processes, how well are they are structured and defined...
Just a few of the factors that play a major role in the digital transformation of an organization. So, is there guaranteed increase in profitability?
Potentially yes, if it's done in a controlled and organized manner, with the right tech, people and processes.
It all starts with identifying problems. Perhaps you always request time extensions; start by determining the root cause of those delays, followed by the ways in which digital technologies can help avoid them, and then test those technologies.
Process improvement entails determining how your construction can use digital technologies to improve processes, and then developing workable plans to implement the necessary changes.
After putting the chosen digital technologies to the test in your company, it is important to analyze how effective and significant they prove themselves to be in improving construction processes. The innovation process stage is when new technology truly gets integrated into your company’s operations and culture.
During the constant practice of testing new digital technologies, you will often find some that work for you but need a little bit of tweaking in order to perfectly fit a specific project. Customizing given digital technologies to fit your company’s need becomes a sustainable innovation.
Society has begun its journey towards a fully digitalized world, those who keep up will stay on top. Hence, many successful construction companies continue to navigate and learn how to apply digital technologies within their organization.
Are you ready to evolve? If you are let's have a conversation and see how we can be of help!
