Browse other blogs
Streamline complex construction and operations with end-to-end digitization
Construction projects are inherently complex, and prone to challenges and delays. Project managers, contractors, and EPCs in construction companies find it a challenge to keep track of all aspects of their project, including logistics, scheduling, monitoring, and communication.
Delays continue to be common and up to 85% of construction companies experienced delays on construction projects according to a 2022 survey.
Large projects across asset classes typically take 20 percent longer to finish than scheduled and are up to 80 percent over budget.
Digitization in construction projects seems to be increasing, but the adoption based on a 2023 survey is more piece-meal and point solution oriented rather than end-to-end digitization.
The case for increasing digitization and technology use in construction is strong, and showcased multiple improvements after pursuing increased digitization on 450 worksites, including
a 25% increase in equipment fuel efficiency
a 15% increase in worker productivity
and a 10% increase in plant & machinery productivity and utilization
Replacing pen-and-paper forms or excel sheets and PDFs with an end-to-end digitized solution can help reduce errors and ensure completeness of data and records. Access to information also enables analysis, aiding insights and reducing potential rework. An integrated system enables collaboration, information sharing, and adds capabilities for teams to create event-driven automations like alerts, escalations, and reporting.
Taking a whole-of-life and asset-centric view of digitization can be beneficial, not just for the owner/ developer, but for all key stakeholders in the construction value chain. This requires a shift from identified point solutions that can enable the digitization of a particular function to a more holistic view.
Planning, coordination and workflow management:
Reports indicate anywhere between 10%- 20% improvement in productivity by reducing delays through better visibility and tracking with shared plans and schedules. These can include critical paths and dependencies, real-time reports and insights, improved access to data and records, and enhanced collaboration with digital tools. Adoption maturity and usage would be key to achieve these improvements.
Comprehensive digital tracking of progress, costs, issues, and quality can enhance visibility, and improve transparency, enabling data-driven decisions. Integrating siloed data can make information accessible and accelerate decisions for work. An ongoing focus on quality including QA/QC inspections can reduce rework and prevent errors. These improvements would also require change management to help increase adoption and adherence to workflows.
Optimized digital workflows that tightly connect design, procurement, construction and O&M ease handovers and reduce rework.
Analytics based early warning systems that integrate data from other performance tracking systems can help mitigate safety incidents and reduce overall costs by proactively managing equipment failures, defects and other issues.
View and track centralized project schedules, share work breakdowns with teams, align schedules to inventory, and simplify reporting
Centralized project data, including drawings and plans, permits, site photos, documents, and project management plans ensures stakeholders have access to data, wherever they need it. It allows users to easily search, review, and download project data for efficient, accurate, and informed decision-making. It also reduces risk of lost information due to miscommunication or human error.
An integrated view of all project data enables seamless collaboration and communication between teams, and helps with real-time updates and tracking of project progress.
With access to project schedules and integrated mobile apps, project and field teams can assign work and track progress and updates. This allows them to identify and address issues or delays, leading to better project execution.With version controls and document history, teams can ensure they are working with the latest versions of documents, reducing the risk of working with outdated or incorrect information.
Centralize and secure project files using a cloud-based repository with version control and access management
Digital twins can help enhance efficiency in planning with a digital replica for simulations and tracking by improving transparency and reducing errors through miscommunication. Associating details including product information and plans can further help reduce errors and rework or changes later on. The two-way data flow between the jobsite and a digital model can help improve communication and collaboration between teams. Access to data associated with the digital twin can also help accelerate worksite processes.
Simplify communication, activity management, and reporting with digital twins that enable platforms to use location as context to connect teams and data
Ongoing progress and Performance monitoring help project teams identify issues before they turn into major problems: Automated reporting reduces time spent by contractors and construction and maintenance teams on generating reports and improves overall quality. Analytics can be used to review performance metrics, such as productivity, resource allocation, and cost. Using drones for construction monitoring can reduce time taken for inspections and provide regular updates to all stakeholders.
Real-Time collaboration between contractors, EPCs, project managers, and stakeholders streamlines communication, ensuring schedules are met. It also reduces time spent on change requests, requests for information, and approvals.
An end-to end digital platform can also help teams identify project risks early and address them before they turn into a major problem. Project managers and owners gain key insights into project risks, enabling them to take corrective action and mitigate risks. Remote monitoring reduces the need for costly in-person inspections that can be time-consuming and risky.
Simplify communication, activity management, and reporting with digital twins that enable platforms to use location as context to connect teams and data
An all-in-one platform can help project managers, contractors, and EPCs manage complex construction and operations projects more efficiently. With centralized data, real-time monitoring and communication, and advanced tracking and reporting, project teams can work cohesively and make informed decisions. It also reduces project risks, minimizes team miscommunication, and has a low learning curve.