5 reasons why your construction project should be truly connected

Why your construction project should be truly connected

Your next construction project can be done much more efficiently and generate more profits by being truly connected.

In today's fast-paced and highly competitive construction industry, being truly connected can bring your company a significant advantage. By leveraging the latest technologies and data analytics, engineers, architects, contractors, project managers and other stakeholders can identify areas for improvement, reduce costs and optimise operations to stay ahead of the curve. This can ultimately lead to increased profitability and growth.

Here are five reasons why a construction project should aim to be truly connected

1. Connected construction enables more informed decision-making for maximising opportunities

Information is power, especially if the information is available to the right people at the right time. When people are connected and information is easily accessible, then team members and different project stakeholders can coordinate, communicate and collaborate in a way that helps to maximise opportunities.

Connected construction enables the collection and analysis of data from multiple sources, including sensors, cameras and mobile devices. This data can be used to make data-driven decisions, optimise workflows and identify areas for improvement.

Download the whitepaper Connected Construction: A new technology mindset for a new era

“A connected construction experience has potential to deliver more projects in full, on time, in spec, and within budget, resulting in increased revenues and improved profit margins for your business”. GlobalData Plc. Drake, C. , Williams, D., and Armengol, S. 2022. Connected Construction: A new technology mindset for a new era (p.34).

Connected construction is about enabling a seamless information flow between project stakeholders – from architects and designers to contractors working onsite. Connected workflows and relevant data give all these stakeholders a better view of the whole project and a holistic understanding of all its moving parts. This opens more opportunities for discussion and collaboration, shortens response times, and enables faster and better decision-making.

2. Connected construction increases efficiency and minimises risks

Your team can increase efficiency by leveraging technology to streamline processes and optimise resource allocation. It enables different stakeholders to access and use a single source of truth where the most recent and relevant data is collected. This speeds up the construction process by reducing the time needed for RFIs, waiting for other teams, and fixing errors.

Change management is easy too, as when a change occurs it’s automatically visible to everyone. Stakeholders can be confident that they’re working off the latest information. This also allows adjustments to be made without sacrificing extra resources.

Connected construction minimises risk by automating how information is shared, minimising data loss, and reducing the duplication of tasks. It also improves risk management and safety by providing better visibility into any construction project. When stakeholders understand a project in its entirety, they can more easily work together to remove any obstacles.

Download the whitepaper Connected Construction: A new technology mindset for a new era

Connected construction improves risk management and safety by providing better visibility into any construction project

3. Connecting the physical with the digital to achieve better project outcomes

Connecting the physical with the digital in construction refers to integrating digital technology with physical objects and processes that are common to the construction industry. This is an important trend that can help construction companies stay competitive and achieve better project outcomes in today's digital age.

It’s a trend that can bring numerous benefits, including improved project outcomes, increased productivity, reduced risk, and enhanced safety. By collecting and analysing real-time data, companies can identify potential issues and take corrective action before costly delays or errors are caused. Connecting the physical and digital also allows for better communication and collaboration between all stakeholders involved in a construction project – leading to improved project outcomes and increased customer satisfaction.

A digital twin is a 3D virtual physical asset or system representation of a construction project that can be viewed from different angles. This allows stakeholders to visualise the final product before construction begins. It can also be used to simulate different construction scenarios and facilitate collaboration between various stakeholders, enabling them to work together more efficiently.

4. Making connections happen and adding real value

Teams can collaborate more effectively and in real-time by connecting all the stakeholders in a construction project, including designers, contractors, suppliers and clients. This can help in identifying and resolving issues quickly, leading to better project outcomes. When the stakeholders clearly understand the project, its requirements and its goals, then they can all work together toward the same results. Working collaboratively in this way means they can keep the project on track and minimise risks. Understanding each other's roles in the project helps to eliminate rework and other costly surprises, as any issues are visualised, identified and resolved early on.

“Better-managed projects and more streamlined processes – including the ability to process data in the field – can help firms achieve cost savings by reducing labor overheads and resource wastage, while also contributing to higher profit margins.” GlobalData Plc. Drake, C. , Williams, D., and Armengol, S. 2022. Connected Construction: A new technology mindset for a new era (p.07).

5. Building more sustainably and better to last for generations

By having a more connected workflow you can work more sustainably, too, collecting and analysing data that impacts rework, waste management, and even the carbon impact of a particular building project. Breaking down communication barriers and encouraging collaboration and data sharing across project teams is critical for reducing wasted materials and effort.

Download the whitepaper Connected Construction: A new technology mindset for a new era

“A connected construction experience in which different business processes and departments have access to a single source of business intelligence can help manage business resources more effectively and reduce resource waste.” GlobalData Plc. Drake, C. , Williams, D., and Armengol, S. 2022. Connected Construction: A new technology mindset for a new era (p.34).

Discover how connected construction can help you build more sustainably

Connected Construction: bringing a competitive advantage with a new technology mindset.

Using the most advanced technology together with the latest operational processes helps to create a competitive advantage. By minimising workflow inefficiencies, all stakeholders across the entire project lifecycle can achieve an end result that’s built to its highest potential.

The GlobalData whitepaper explores some emerging trends in construction technology, including augmented reality and artificial intelligence. The paper provides insights into how these technologies are being used in construction projects today and how they are shaping the industry's future.