In an era driven by digital transformation, technology and data is positioned to unlock unprecedented opportunities for improved efficiencies, never-seen-before innovations and most importantly, improved sustainability.
In this first article of mine, I want to share my thoughts on why this matters and how it's going to shape the future of the construction industry and organisations that are operating within it.
Why is now the perfect time?
I think we all know the challenges that the construction industry faces. Significant labour shortages, rising costs, safety concerns and ever increasing sustainability mandates. The approach to traditional methods are more than often failing to meet the demands of today's most complex projects, resulting in inefficiencies, over-runs and costly delays.
So, what is the solution? Ever evolving technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT) devices and advanced data analytics are creating opportunities like never before. When utilised, they offer a path to fast forward construction to be spoken about in the same breath as other leading industries in digital transformation.
The driving forces leading the way
Building Information Modelling (BIM) - but what about Information Management (IM)?
BIM is by no means the 'new kid on the block' to construction. In the last decade, the use of BIM has demonstrated - when applied well - to bring benefits to creating complex designs, saving costs through enhanced coordination and generating the ability for improved sequencing, cost and carbon estimating and asset handover.
Nonetheless, the common misconception that BIM is just '3D models' is fading away. The real benefit of BIM is the incorporation of true Information Management across a projects design, construction and operational life-cycle. For example, effective definition of information requirements including structured and un-structured data is enabling the production of information to be tracked more effectively, with improved quality, eliminating delays and costly over-runs - whilst providing customers with exactly what they need to operate beyond the construction phase.
We're moving to a time where buildings will make use of the models and data provided during the design and construction phases, for a more efficient and data led approach to asset management and FM, and that's not even considering the use of 'smart buildings' and 'digital twins'.
On that note - how about Intelligent Buildings?
It's no surprise that this is a passion of mine, having co-led on the development of Skanska's Intellekt smart buildings platform and service - but what's all the excitement about?
Imagine a world where your building could tell you how it's feeling, just like your smart watch does. Imagine you could control the temperature of the room you are in, just like you can at home. Or, imagine you could order a coffee right to your desk, just like Deliveroo can provide. Well, you can - with the support of smart building technology.
The use of the 'digital twin' is no longer just a buzz word within the industry. The use of BIM within operations is real and the ability to create the connection between the physical and virtual worlds is possible now.
The built environment contributes 40% towards the worlds global carbon emissions and we have to act quickly. Smarter Building Management Systems (BMS) and IoT devices, combined with improved network capabilities and BIM, can be connected to provide improved operational efficiencies and building performance for developers and landlords in real-time. Only using assets when they need to be used, increasing the longevity of an assets life-cycle and reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions is the future of building management. Gone are the days of maintaining buildings on a scheduler basis from pen and paper - we are entering a time where our buildings will operate just like your car does, telling you its health and when it needs to be looked after.
Tenants are expecting more from buildings. Bringing people back to the workplace is as important as ever for the real-estate market, and us as occupiers want more productive and smarter places to work. Tenant experience is everything for most people - so, look forward to adjusting your workspace to suit your personal preferences to maximise your productivity, be ready to book a meeting room from your phone and order coffee right to your desk. Smarter and more connected spaces are available now and they are only going to get smarter.
See more on Intellekt: our intelligent buildings service here.
So how about smarter and more connected construction sites?
IoT devices are not only useful for building operations, but can be used to turn construction sites into hubs of real-time data collection. This technology can monitoring everything from plant and equipment performance to worker productivity, providing actionable insights that help teams stay on track.
For instance, wearable tech such as a smart watch can ensure worker safety by tracking movement and alerting supervisors to hazardous conditions. The use of drones and site cameras combined with AI, enable automated progress tracking and quality assurance without the need for constant manual checks. Site plant and equipment are equipped with telemetry capabilities that can show utilisation factors.
This technology, and the data it provides, will excel the insights required to maximise both production and productivity factors, resulting in projects being delivered to time, every time.
Introducing, automation:
Automation is reducing the reliance on traditional and more manual processes, allowing skilled workers to focus on higher-value tasks. Whilst I have been sceptical, robotics can be utilised for repetitive tasks such as bricklaying and concrete pouring, while 3D printing is enabling the rapid creation of custom components.
When paired with data analytics, automation can streamline workflows, reduce waste and improve project timelines.
The data-driven awakening, including predictive analytics for better decision making:
Our industry is fraught with uncertainties, but the use of data and predictive analytics can mitigate many risks on our construction sites. Through monitoring both historical and real-time data, AI and ML can forecast potential delays and over-runs, provide more certainty on programme and help scenario plan.
Putting this data in the hands of different project stakeholders can help to proactively address issues before they escalate, make better informed decisions and support the upskilling of the workforce to become digitally enabled.
How might all this change our businesses to becoming technology organisations without knowing it?
More data = new opportunity. Until now, most organisations would rely on the use of third party platforms to operate their core processes. Could this be changing?
As technology evolves, and the ability to create custom solutions become easier - traditional industries such as construction may find more self development of applications for their workforce. The power of data can generate Intellectual Property (IP) that would not have been possible previously.
This sounds great, but what are the challenges to overcome?
Whilst all of the above sounds great, the journey towards a digital future is not without its hurdles. The key challenges as I see them include:
- Adoption: Technology and data is just the enabler, but without adoption, its not meaningful. The process of change management can be difficult and the introduction of new technology and processes can be resisted. This may be due to lack of understanding or digital expertise, or it may be due to resistance to changing away from what has been done previously. It's important to ensure that people are taken along the journey, supported in ensuring they have the right knowledge, skills and behaviours to make the most of the digital transformations that are being introduced.
- Data Integration: Most organisations have a large technology stack. To be able to make the most of data, integration to core technologies is a must. This can be extremely difficult with such a wide variety of technologies utilised, but also, knowing what data is important to collect from these platforms/systems through the processes we deploy. So, defining clear information requirements, knowing what data is critical to collect and analyse is the first step - then ensuring the diverse data sources can connect and communicate effectively is critical.
- Cybersecurity: With more data, there is a bigger need to protect sensitive information. In an industry unfamiliar to managing both information and operational security, there is a need to understanding how data is shared and utilised.
My closing remarks:
The convergence of technology and data is not a distant possibility - it is happening now. Organisations embracing these advancements will position themselves as leaders in the new construction era, benefiting from improved project performance, safer worksites, carbon neutral operations and hold a stronger competitive advantage.
As always, views are my own.