{"id":23810,"date":"2023-12-10T02:21:04","date_gmt":"2023-12-10T10:21:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/digitalize-any-construction-project-by-thinking-backward\/"},"modified":"2023-12-10T02:21:06","modified_gmt":"2023-12-10T10:21:06","slug":"digitalize-any-construction-project-by-thinking-backward","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/digitalize-any-construction-project-by-thinking-backward\/","title":{"rendered":"Digitalize Any Construction Project by Thinking Backward"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A recent Causeway Insights 2023 report<\/a> is an exciting read. It examines how UK construction uses digital solutions for efficiency, integration, and sustainability. The report highlights contractors\u2019 expectations for digitalization and details the roadblocks they\u2019re facing.<\/p>\n

The report inspired me to think about how to digitalize any construction project, the success factors, and how to achieve them.<\/p>\n

Three success factors<\/h2>\n

We typically think of digitalization starting from high-level business goals: budgeting, scheduling, and meeting the client\u2019s requirements. What if we thought \u201cbackward,\u201d starting from an individual worker?<\/p>\n

Regardless of all the machines we have, the project\u2019s success culminates in workers\u2019 ability to be productive. That\u2019s why the first success facto<\/strong>r is the user experience of the worker. Make the person using the digital solution feel they are in control, get the information they need when needed, and free them from unnecessary bureaucracy.<\/p>\n

The second success factor <\/strong>is that digitalized workflows start when the project begins. That way, every project stakeholder gets value from digitalization from day one, which motivates them to use digital solutions systematically.<\/p>\n

The third success factor <\/strong>is the readiness of the whole value chain to provide and receive value in the digitalized process. This encourages the stakeholders to look beyond an individual project and constantly hone their digital capabilities.<\/p>\n

Three requirements<\/h2>\n

The requirements start from the other direction: the company leaders. They should educate themselves on the opportunities of technology and use technology strategically.<\/p>\n

Company leaders must ensure that the digital solutions are interoperable within the firm and across the value chain. This is possible by choosing solutions that allow automated data flow with standards and digital platforms.<\/p>\n

The second requirement applies to projects. They must have contractual clarity regarding digital workflows, shared goals, and incentives. In addition, all the technology and connectivity must be in place when the project starts. The project also needs an information coordinator. Could BIM coordinators take that role in the future?<\/p>\n

The third requirement concerns individual workers. They should receive proper instruction and ongoing assistance. Employees must be as dedicated to utilizing digital abilities as\u00a0any other tool\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0job site.<\/p>\n