Extract
The Digital Transformation in Construction, known as Construction 4.0, is essential to improve efficiency, quality and safety in the industry. Starting from the use of technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and others, Developers and Real Estate Companies, Design and Architecture Firms, and Construction Companies and Contractors, are adapting their processes to remain competitive and drive innovation and growth in the construction industry.
Contents
A Paradigm Change
The Digital Transformation in Companies and Organizations more than an option,It is a necessity for business success in today's digital age, requiring the adoption and integration of digital technologies in all areas of the business to improve efficiency and productivity;and implies a comprehensive organizational change, with a well-defined transformation strategy, a evolution of processes towards best practices and one high performance culture with transformational leadership.
In all industries, the integration of physical and digital work systems is a continuous and multidimensional process that demands an approach focused on continuous improvement. The case of Construction, one of the key pillars of the global economy, has been left behind and faces the need to adapt and adopt new tools to remain competitive.
This integration of Technology and Human Talent applies to all stages of the life cycle of a real estate development, from its conception, through design, planning and construction, to its operation. Thus facilitating communication and collaboration between the different project actors for faster and more accurate decision making that optimizes the use of resources, mitigates variation and improves workflow.
Construction 4.0: Innovation in a Craft Industry
In the Digital Transformation in Construction, also known as Construction 4.0, technologies play a central role in improving productivity, quality, sustainability and safety in all aspects of the construction process. These technologies have varied applications and their relevance depends on the type of project and the role of each actor within the value chain. of the construction industry.
Each key player in the construction industry requires its own solution package based on its individual conditions and realities, as the specific application of each technology and its effective integration in different contexts and projects will not be the same for everyone..
Key Technologies in the Digital Transformation of Construction
The Developers and Real Estate Agents, who serve as promoters of real estate projects of all types such as: housing, corporate, mixed uses, industrial, etc. They seek to have information updated in real time on the overall performance of their projects. This type of company requires solutions with a focus on analytics and project management:
Project Data Mining and Science that allows you to discover hidden patterns, trends and opportunities that can drive relevant and informed business strategies and decisions.
Digital Project Monitoring to monitor the progress of their projects and provide security and certainty to investment partners through digital control panels with key performance indicators (KPIs) and 360° photographic reports of the site.
The Design and Architecture Firms, who design, calculate and project the systems and spaces that make up the built asset such as: structuralists, mechanists, architects, interior designers, etc. They seek new ways to develop their projects. This type of company requires solutions with a focus on design efficiency:
Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality allow clients and contractors to visually experience designs before construction and address concerns and problems early.
BIM implementation in which teams are trained in the application and use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a design methodology to improve coordination and allow more controlled project management through the use of the 7 dimensions of design (idea, vector, form, time, cost, performance and maintenance).
BIM modeling of the ARQ, EST, MEP and/or CIV project in a planned and structured manner through a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) to satisfy the new requirements and needs of the industry and carry out value (re)engineering that guarantees the correct and complete execution of the designs.
And finally, the Builders and Contractors, which bring together tangible goods (materials) with intangible goods (labor) to create a more developed product such as work items: preliminaries, foundations, masonry, structures, installations, finishes, etc. They seek to streamline their operations. This type of company requires solutions with a focus on productivity:
Comprehensive Technological Architecture in which documentary processes are systematized, optimized and automated to free teams from administrative burden and allow them to concentrate on workplace supervision. This architecture must contemplate and connect the tools that companies in the industry use such as:
PMSs (Project Management Software) that improve coordination between different work teams.
ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning) that optimize workflows and process efficiency.
SCMs (Supply Chain Management) that allow more precise monitoring of the supply.
CRMs (Customer Relationship Management) that facilitates lead tracking and sales generation.
O&Ms (Operations and Maintenance) that facilitate preventive maintenance and optimize the use of resources.
BIM Construction and Logistics Simulation to visualize the logic and coherence of decisions before executing them with a digital model that leads to optimizing operations and saving costs.
Implementation of Lean Construction to achieve a cultural and thinking change that truly improves efficiency and reduces waste in construction projects, covering all areas of knowledge of the PMI + Construction Annex (PMI+AC), regulations and applicable international standards such as ISO.
Challenges and Obstacles in the Digital Transformation of Construction
To make the most of these opportunities, it is necessary to overcome the challenges and obstacles associated with the adoption of new technologies and foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning throughout the industry. Among the most important are:
Resistance to change: Many companies and professionals are accustomed to traditional work methods and may show fear and/or resistance to adopting new tools and processes.
Lack of Standards and Interoperability Protocols: The diversity of actors and the multitude of individual ways of using systems, each with their own standards and data formats, make collaboration and integration between different teams and construction processes difficult.
Digital Skills Gap: Most construction workers lack the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use new digital technologies in their daily work.
Implementation Cost: Investments in software, equipment and training may be excessive for the financial capacity of smaller companies, limiting their ability to adopt advanced digital technologies.
Companies mustCarefully evaluate return on investment of digital transformation and explore funding options and subsidies available at a local, regional or national level to support the adoption of digital technologies in construction. At the same time, technologies and projects that offer the greatest added value should be prioritized.
With this, you can provide appropriate training and support to help employees become familiar with new technologies and understand how they can improve their work. At the same time, it is necessary to establish common standards and interoperability protocols that allow fluid communication and data exchange between the various tools and systems used in each project.
Conclusion: Achieving Digital Transformation in Construction is Everyone's Task
Technological needs will vary depending on each project and each company. However, a combined effort is required from all key players to truly achieve a Digital Transformation in construction projects.
The benefits of this transformation are noticeable even if a company implements them in isolation and will be enhanced as the industry gains strength in the digitalization of its operations. The adoption of technology in offices and work spaces is and will continue to be a key differentiator to stand out in an increasingly competitive and globalized market.
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About Pablo Tellaeche (Author):
Owner and main consultant of TACs Consultores, Speaker and University Professor; seeks to bring a true and positive Lean Culture and Digital Transformation to every company with which he has the pleasure of collaborating.
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