How much has technology revolutionized our world? Think about technology back in the year 2000 compared to today. Digital transformation has changed everything. Unfortunately, the construction industry is one of the slowest movers in the digital technology space. However, that is changing with companies recognizing the power of connected construction.
What is connected construction? Could it help your company increase its productivity? Read on to find out more.
The Power of Integration
Integration is the keyword for what connected construction brings to each project. It breaks down the silos between teams, processes, and data to connect the construction organization. It aims to control and positively impact the following critical traditional construction areas and move the Digital Transformation journey forward:
- Unclaimed Changes
- Negative Cash Flow
- Billing Delays
- Under/ Over Payment
- Unplanned Deliverables
- Surplus/ Waste
- Low performance
Connected construction employs a unified digital platform to enable automation and linkage of processes and operations, giving stakeholders insightful real-time data to monitor progress, mitigate risks, manage disruptions, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Construction companies that do not use innovative technology and tools to create a connected construction process will be left out of the Digital competition and this competitive market.
The Unique Challenges of Construction
The construction industry faces some unique challenges in integrating digital construction technology. In addition, high volumes of workers who have been in the industry for more than 25 years pose some challenges. For example, in 2018, workers over fifty-five accounted for 22% of the construction industry, the National Association of Home Builders has reported.
Senior workers may feel uneasy learning innovative technology and digital processes in an already comfortable field if they have learned to do it a certain way. However, several studies indicate that they may adopt it if they've had the necessary training.
Companies should not mistake introducing new tech without an implementation strategy. Employees, particularly veteran employees, may resist new digital tools without the appropriate approach. Construction firms should consider this and plan to offer the necessary education to help them adapt.
How to Approach Digital Transformation in Construction
The future of construction is moving toward digital transformation, just as all of society is becoming more digital. Therefore, companies must have the right approach to technology in construction to capitalize on this.
Problems With the "One at a Time" Approach
It's challenging to manage a construction project when so many different players are involved, especially considering they are frequently too large and complex. In addition, a company may use the same digital tool to handle one business area. Then they use different digital tools in other areas. Unfortunately, these various tools used by different company divisions frequently exacerbate the silo effect.
The lack of proper communication and information integration across the board produces an unconnected organization that encourages the typical firefighting business model. As a result, projects frequently exceed budget and schedule.
Source; Frost & Sullivan, construction challenge - 2020
Holistic Approach
Connected construction takes a holistic approach to the entire construction process. Every stage of the construction process is enhanced by digital technology to keep the company ahead and focused on a successful project. For example, they may powerfully use drones, AX, and AI technologies to prepare for projects. In addition to allowing data to flow freely, cloud computing allows clear communication between everyone involved.
This would enable project members to make more accurate predictions, project estimates, and cost projections. In addition, companies could gain deep data analysis in new and powerful ways. Therefore, project managers would be able to identify and fix issues before stopping a project from advancing.
This flexibility would keep the company competitive in the construction sector.
A Partner for Technology in Construction
Connecting all the elements of a construction business is a challenge, especially for companies busy working on large projects. As a result, construction companies hire consulting firms and specialists to transform their business. These firms and individuals should have firsthand experience in the construction industry and its dynamics. In addition, they should understand the full scope of construction-integrated project delivery management and the many elements that must be connected to deliver the transformation effectively. Partners like this can focus on aligning the organization's various processes into a seamless system for the company.
The Future of Construction
Many construction businesses are being left behind as digital tools slowly become adopted. Customers are becoming increasingly tech-savvy and are expecting organizations to utilize digital technology. Customers want to be updated with the latest project information when they want. Digital interactions will become the norm. These demands will influence how your future customers evaluate and assign projects. Demonstrating the advantages of your connected construction capabilities can assist them in realizing why working with you is their best option.
Your Construction Development Future
The digital revolution in construction isn't just about technology. It's about harnessing the power of digital transformation in construction.
Your company's future success will depend on how well you take advantage of that power. As a result, your digital transformation journey will be unique, and you'll need a unique solution. However, a solid foundation will help you get there.
Start implementing connected construction into your business
The next step is to implement connected construction into your business. This will help you identify your challenges and set goals to move forward in your digital transformation journey.
Bashar, a transformation specialist, recommends using the Construct360 system approach to implement connected construction in your company. You can book a discovery call with him today and let his 30 years of hands-on industry experience help you digitally transform your company holistically.
