With more than 4 out of every 5 European construction companies currently planning to use digital transformation to boost their productivity by 14%-15%, the question is: can you afford to be left behind?
But what does Digital Transformation actually mean for construction? What benefits can it bring? And is it worth the investment?
This article aims to answer those questions and explains how PlanRadar’s digital platform can help construction professionals streamline their workflows and improve collaboration.
Table of contents
- Digital transformation in construction
- Why is it important?
- Where are we now?
- Benefits of Digital Transformation in construction
- Challenges with Digital Transformation in construction
- What does successful digital implementation in construction look like?
- How PlanRadar’s platform can help
Digital Transformation in construction
Digital transformation can significantly impact the construction industry, as it can help streamline processes, improve collaboration, and increase efficiency across all stages of a construction project.
From design and planning to project management and building maintenance, digital tools and technologies can enable construction professionals to work more effectively and make better decisions.
For example, Building Information Modeling (BIM) software creates digital representations of the physical and functional characteristics of buildings. The 3D models created facilitate better visualisation, design, and construction.
Why is it important?
Digital transformation is important in the construction industry because it has the potential to revolutionize the way projects are planned, designed, and executed.
By leveraging technology in construction — such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), 3D printing, drones, and project management software — professionals can gain greater visibility into their projects, increase collaboration, and improve efficiency. This can help to reduce costs, decrease project delays, and improve the overall quality of construction.
Additionally, digital transformation can improve safety on construction sites by enabling workers to diagnose and mitigate potential risks.
Where are we now with digitalisation in construction?
The construction industry is in the midst of a digital transformation, with more and more firms adopting digital technologies to improve their operations.
However, the pace of digital transformation in the construction industry has been relatively slow compared to other sectors.
According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the construction industry lags behind other industries in digitalisation, with only 1% of construction firms considered digital leaders.
Benefits of Digital Transformation in construction
Adopting technology-driven tools and practices for digital construction can offer several benefits to companies, including cost savings, improved efficiency, and higher-quality results.
Here are five significant benefits of digital transformation in the construction industry.
Improved collaboration
Digital tools have enabled better collaboration among project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients. Cloud-based project management software allows for real-time communication and information sharing across teams, reducing the risk of errors and delays.
According to a study by McKinsey & Company, construction projects using digital collaboration tools saw a 15% reduction in project schedule durations.
Better decision-making
Digital tools can provide real-time access to data, helping project managers make informed decisions that improve project outcomes. By utilising data analytics and machine learning, construction companies can gain insights into every aspect of a project, from material costs to labour productivity.
Increased efficiency
Digital technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D printing have significantly improved construction efficiency by creating accurate virtual models that can be used to optimise the design and construction processes.
Improved safety
Digital transformation has also improved construction safety by enabling safety equipment, wearable sensors, and drones that can inspect hard-to-reach areas. Drones can also monitor worksites and detect safety hazards, reducing the risk of accidents.
Enhanced sustainability
Digital transformation has also improved sustainability in construction by enabling the use of green building materials and reducing waste. Technologies like 3D printing have enabled the creation of complex shapes and structures using recycled materials, reducing the amount of waste generated.
The World Green Building Council reports that using green building materials can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30%. PlanRadar helps stakeholders to track and monitor sustainability metrics, making it easy to identify areas for improvement and reduce environmental impact.
If you’re already eager to start your journey towards Digital Transformation in construction, why not start your free trial with PlanRadar today. Click the button to get started. If you want to find out more, read on…
We are very impressed with the ease of use on the go and the good clarity in the app. The 3D view and easy navigation within BIM models enable faster and more detailed identification and communication of facts.
Challenges with Digital Transformation in construction
The pace of digital transformation in the construction industry has been sluggish in recent years. Implementing digital transformation is a complex task, and, as with any industry, the construction sector encounters various challenges that impede the progress of digitalisation.
The table below summarises the challenges the construction industry faces concerning digital transformation and how to overcome them.
|
Challenge |
Description |
Solution |
|
Resistance to Change |
Many construction professionals are accustomed to traditional methods of project management and may be hesitant to adopt new technologies. |
Provide training and support for employees to help them adapt to new technology. |
|
Lack of Data Management Standards |
Construction projects generate vast amounts of data, but many companies lack clear data standardisation standards. |
Develop and implement clear data management standards that ensure data is accurate, consistent, and accessible. |
|
Integration Issues |
The construction industry uses a wide range of software applications, and integrating these tools can be challenging. |
Choose digital tools that integrate seamlessly with existing systems to avoid compatibility issues. |
|
Cybersecurity Risks |
Construction projects involve sensitive data, and companies must take steps to protect against cyber threats. |
Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches and other cyber threats. |
|
Cost |
Digital transformation requires an investment of time, resources, and money. |
Choose digital tools that offer a strong return on investment and can help reduce overall project costs. |
|
Lack of Alignment |
Construction projects involve multiple stakeholders, and it is essential to ensure that all parties are aligned with the goals and objectives of the project. |
Ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with the goals and objectives of the digital transformation. Clearly communicate the shared vision for the project. |
|
Unique Projects |
Each construction project is unique, with its own set of challenges and requirements. |
Develop customised solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of each project. |
Related reading:
The Digitalisation of Fire Safety and the Golden Thread
What does successful digital implementation in construction look like?
Knowing you need digital transformation and implementing that digital transformation are two very different things. Implementation obviously comes with its own set of challenges. But each of these challenges is easily overcome if you take the right approach.
Follow these steps to help your digital implementation go smoothly.
Step 1: Define clear goals and objectives
The first step towards successful digital implementation in construction is to define the goals and objectives of the project clearly.
This includes identifying the specific digital technologies and processes that will be implemented, defining the desired outcomes and benefits of digital implementation, and developing a timeline for implementation with measurable targets for success.
This step is crucial to ensure everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals. To do this, it is important to thoroughly analyse the project, considering factors such as budget, timeline, resources, and stakeholder expectations.
Step 2: Choose the right tools
After defining the vision and objectives, the next step is to choose the right digital tools for the project.
This step involves considering the project’s specific needs, such as data management, scheduling, tracking, communication, and collaboration. Choosing tools compatible with the project’s overall digital strategy is essential, user-friendly, and scalable.
The creation of a golden thread of information running through each project ensures that all relevant information about a building is available and accessible to those who need it.
By using digital technologies to create and maintain this information, the golden thread becomes more effective and efficient, as it is easier to access and update the information when necessary. The right information is easy to retrieve and is available to the right people at the right time.
Step 3: Secure buy-in from stakeholders
The success of digital implementation in construction depends on securing buy-in from all stakeholders, including employees, contractors, and clients. This involves communicating the benefits of digital implementation and addressing any concerns or challenges stakeholders may have.
Step 4: Conduct a digital readiness assessment
Before implementing digital technologies and processes, it is important to assess the organisation’s current level of digital readiness. This includes evaluating the existing infrastructure, identifying gaps and challenges, and determining the resources required for successful implementation.
Step 5: Provide training and support
Digital implementation in construction requires extensive training and support to ensure stakeholders are comfortable using the new digital tools. Training should be provided at different stages of the project, and support should be available throughout the project’s lifecycle.
This step involves creating training materials, providing hands-on training, and offering ongoing support to ensure stakeholders fully use digital tools.
Step 6: Monitor and evaluate success
Finally, it is important to monitor and evaluate the digital solution’s success to ensure it achieves the desired outcomes and benefits. This involves tracking key performance indicators and adjusting as required.
Related reading:
Britannia Acoustic & Fire: reliable fire prevention with PlanRadar
How PlanRadar’s platform can help
Our construction management software can help you take a huge step on your digital transformation journey. With it, you can digitalise many pen-and-paper processes — making them more efficient and accurate. Here’s a quick overview of some of the many elements of your construction project that PlanRadar could help with:
Project management
Project management software such as PlanRadar can help to manage project planning, scheduling, communication, documentation, and tasks in real-time, improving collaboration and reducing the risk of errors.
Collaboration
PlanRadar is an example of a digital collaboration tool that helps construction professionals to coordinate and communicate better. It allows real-time project tracking and issue management, reducing communication gaps and increasing transparency.
Decision making
PlanRadar also helps with decision-making by providing an overview of a project’s progress, financials, and status. This allows managers to identify potential risks and take corrective actions promptly.
Safety
A study by the National Safety Council found that drones can improve safety by reducing the need for workers to perform tasks at height. PlanRadar enables the efficient management of safety data, enabling stakeholders to identify hazards quickly and take corrective action.
Reporting and analysis
PlanRadar makes reporting simple and quick, so you can easily gather enough data to prove that your investment in the technology is giving your construction business a healthy return.
Final thoughts
Digital transformation is an essential process that the construction industry must embrace to remain competitive amid growing demand for their services.
Construction firms can improve collaboration, increase efficiency, and reduce costs by leveraging digital technologies such as BIM, drones, project management software, and AR/VR technologies.
With PlanRadar, you can take the first step in your digital transformation journey, providing a powerful platform that streamlines construction management and makes collaboration easier.
Don’t let your construction projects fall behind the curve — take the first step towards digital transformation today with PlanRadar. You can book a demo of the platform with one of our experts to get an even better idea of how it could transform your business. Alternatively, click the button below to start your free trial.
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Find out how PlanRadar can help you achieve compliance.
Part L Fact Sheet
