Integrating construction data into decision-making processes is transforming construction project management. Its use has become a critical factor in boosting productivity and efficiency at every stage of construction. Construction data helps optimize resource allocation, streamline project schedules, and improve quality standards. This article demonstrates how construction project managers, property developers, and site managers can collect and utilize digital construction data to optimize construction projects in practice.
Contents
1. Benefits of data-driven construction management
2. Types of construction data
3. Collecting and using data
4. Practical example of data-driven construction project management
Guide: Using Construction Data in Construction Project Management to Improve Efficiency
What are the benefits of data-driven construction project management?
Real-time monitoring for faster decision-making
Continuous data collection and analysis allow stakeholders and companies to monitor progress in real time, enabling swift adjustments and proactive decisions to keep construction projects on track.
Increased Productivity
Automating routine tasks and streamlining workflows leads to higher productivity, as teams can focus on critical tasks.
Improved Quality Control
Data-driven quality assurance processes allow detailed monitoring and analysis, ensuring consistent adherence to standards and reducing defects and rework.
Enhanced Communication and Collaboration
Centralized data platforms enhance communication and collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring everyone has access to up-to-date information and reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
Types of Construction Data and Their Relevance to Construction Project Management
The following list highlights frequently encountered and used data types in construction projects. The data can vary depending on the project and involved parties.
Location Data
Data: Geographical information about the site and buildings, including GPS coordinates and spatial layouts.
Use: Essential for site planning, logistics, and coordinating the movement of materials and personnel.
Time Data
Data: Timestamps and duration records for various tasks and activities.
Use: Helps monitor construction progress, evaluate efficiency, and ensure schedules are met.
Project Planning and Scheduling Data
Data: Schedules, task lists, and milestones.
Use: Assists project management in organizing activities and ensures each phase is completed on time. Enables the identification of critical processes and potential bottlenecks.
Material Data
Data: Material lists, quantities.
Use: Provides insights into what materials are used, in what quantities, and at which locations.
Financial Data
Data: Costs of materials, labour, machinery.
Use: Enables detailed cost forecasts and budget tracking, facilitating accurate financial planning. Helps monitor expenditures and make adjustments to stay within budget, reducing financial risks.
Site and Safety Management Data
Data: Information on site conditions, safety protocols, and compliance requirements.
Use: Crucial for maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to legal standards, minimizing accidents and delays.
Performance and Productivity Metrics
Data: Data on work efficiency and equipment usage – often used with other data types like time and financial data.
Use: Helps project managers identify areas for improvement, enhancing productivity and optimizing resource usage.
Quality Data
Data: Data on defects and work execution.
Use: Provides insights into construction quality and adherence to relevant standards.
Collecting and Using Data for Construction Project Management
Construction data can be obtained from various sources: construction management software and apps, tools like drones and IoT sensors, as well as historical documents such as plans. This guide primarily focuses on data generated through construction management software and apps, which offer the advantage of structured, standardized data collection. These data can also be linked, making further processing and use easier.
Steps to Collect and Use Data for Your Construction Project Management
Set Goals for Data Collection and Use
Determine what goals you aim to achieve with data collection, such as improving project timelines, enhancing quality management, or raising safety standards. Define which data types will help meet these goals and set clear success metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of your actions (e.g., percentage of tasks completed on time or the number of defects detected).
Choose the Right Software
Efficient data collection and use depend on choosing the right software. Opt for a product that meets your company’s and projects’ needs, enabling easy use of construction data. Focus on features like mobile usability, integration capabilities, data analysis, and export options.
Integrate Information in BIM Models and Digital Plans
Most construction management software and apps enable data localization on digital plans and in BIM models. Utilize this functionality to automatically link texts, images, videos, audio recordings, etc., with location data and timestamps.
Enable On-Site Data Entry
Equip teams with tablets or smartphones with the construction software app for real-time data entry on the construction site.
Standardize Data Collection
Construction management software offers forms for data entry, ensuring consistent data capture, even with various parties involved. Solutions like PlanRadar allow customized forms to define the exact information to be collected.
Link Data Points from Different Sources
Depending on the objectives, you may need to combine data from various sources. Many construction management software tools offer interfaces, APIs, or export functions to do this. This step often requires specialized knowledge.
Analyze Construction Data
Some construction management software, like PlanRadar, includes built-in dashboards for data analysis, providing graphical evaluations of key information over defined time periods. When combining data from different software solutions, ensure data consistency and quality across datasets for reliable use. Use a central dashboard to aggregate data and display desired KPIs. Often, third-party tools like Microsoft Excel, Power BI, or Google Looker Studio are needed, requiring proficiency with these solutions.
Data-Driven Construction Project Management in Practice
The targeted use of construction data to boost efficiency is illustrated by the example of the S+B Group, which managed the construction supervision of Austria’s tallest residential tower.
PlanRadar’s platform improved construction quality and achieved significant time savings (8 hours per week per person). Central to this was digital documentation, real-time problem tracking, and enhanced communication with contractors – key aspects of data-driven construction management.
“At CBRE, we are always on the lookout for new digital tools that add value to our customers and make our work easier for our employees. With PlanRadar we have found a product that meets both requirements – and a team that knows the market, listens and constantly evolves the product.”
PlanRadar has over 160,000 users in more than 75 countries. 91% of users report increased efficiency through the use of PlanRadar. Want to see for yourself? Try it free for 30 days!
