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7 ways digitization is transforming linear construction
Digitization of construction processes helps simplify coordination and collaboration to ensure success for linear projects.
Construction projects in the renewable energy and infrastructure industries need to factor in a number of interdependencies in terms of stakeholders, tasks, resources, and regulations. Coordination and collaboration are necessary for the success of these linear projects, and digitization of processes for better data availability and accessibility is fast becoming the way to successfully schedule, deliver, and manage the lifecycle of these projects.
Digitization, by integrating technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud computing, and the internet of things (IoT), is changing the way construction projects are planned, developed, built, and managed by streamlining project management, collaboration, quality, and safety.
A few areas where digitization of construction processes enhances project efficiency include:
Centralized asset data with digital twins
Digitization and the Internet of Things (IoT) allows for digital twins of all physical site components to be created and mirrored online. Centralizing this data with an asset management platform creates an asset-centric view that can associate onsite data and make it available to teams online. This ensures teams have access to the latest data, improves project visibility, and eases construction management for all teams involved in the construction process. Capturing, organizing, and tracking data throughout the construction stage allows for analyses of available data. AI/ML driven analysis can help identify patterns, and help teams detect issues and areas for improvement, replicate processes to improve project efficiency, monitor component performance over time, and more.
Digital twins of physical site components help centralize and visualize data on an asset management platform
Better project oversight with construction management solutions
Unifying all project data on one platform enables seamless collaboration between different project stakeholders, such as architects, engineers, contractors, and clients, ensuring everyone is on the same page throughout the project lifecycle. Design teams can centralize drawing management and notify site teams of changes. Project managers can easily track progress, identify potential bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions in real time. Contractors can manage their crews, monitor work quality to avoid rework, stay on track for timely delivery, and simplify reporting for timely payouts. Project owners get a single platform for a bird’s-eye view of their project with the latest reports.
Using map-based construction management solutions with in-built GIS provides location-based access to data and information, enabling construction companies to review and optimize processes to enhance project efficiency. Map views that layer information from multiple sources, including drone surveys, terrain studies, and CAD, help visualize various project components, locations, connected tasks, required materials, equipment, resources, and more.
Project schedules can be imported and work breakdowns shared with all teams to monitor progress and manage dependencies from one screen
Customizable digital forms and automated workflows
Online forms help standardize data capture and simplify data availability. It eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional paper-based documents. Digitizing data streamlines data collection and management processes for site inspections and audits. Digital forms enable remote access, anywhere updates, easy sharing, and customization, among other advantages. Site crews can easily input and update data using their mobile devices, ensuring the ready availability of accurate, up-to-date information.
Automated workflows further enhance project efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, approval processes, quality monitoring, and safety requirements. Automating processes enhances speed and accuracy and allows for higher accountability. For instance, raising requests for information (RFIs), which seek clarification on project requirements, can be streamlined and promptly addressed through digital workflows, preventing potential errors or deviations from the project plan.
Speed up and get better control over your processes by automating predefined workflows
Field mobility with mobile app to provide all relevant information to the person on the job
User-friendly mobile interfaces for construction management solutions simplify field service management by ensuring teams have access to data whether at the office or onsite. Field workers can use their devices to remotely access tasks, associated details, documents, and locations. Mobile apps also allow for efficient communication with project managers, enabling instant updates and status reporting. This seamless communication between the field and office enhances collaboration and expedites issue resolution, leading to improved project timelines.
Real-time office-site collaboration with contextual conversations
Effective communication is vital for successful construction project management. Construction management solutions facilitate task-based, in-built conversations between onsite workers and office-based project managers. Field teams can provide precise information on project progress, identify challenges, and seek guidance from the management team. Contextual conversations minimize misunderstandings and ensure that project decisions are based on accurate and up-to-date information.
Digitization enables efficient management of change requests in construction projects. Project managers can track change requests, assess their impact, and make informed decisions. They can track and manage submittals, such as material approvals and documentation, ensuring that the right materials and documents are approved and delivered on time, minimizing disruptions and delays.
Improving response times and enhancing project efficiency
Digitization with construction management solutions improves response times to issues, changes, and RFIs and access to real-time information. Project teams can swiftly identify and address challenges, reduce downtime, and prevent costly delays. Connected teams, real-time collaboration, as well as quick decision-making and problem-solving, drive efficiency improvements and optimize construction work processes.
Speed up and get better control over your processes by automating predefined workflows
Overall, embracing digitization can help construction project teams stay informed and keep their onsite activities on track. Solutions and tools that aid and accelerate construction project management, map-based interfaces, customizable digital forms, automated workflows, AI/ML-driven analytics, and mobile apps that streamline construction processes, enhance project efficiency, and enable timely information dissemination for field teams can help deliver projects more efficiently and effectively.
