The construction industry, known for its complex processes and numerous stakeholders, is on the brink of a digital transformation. As industries around the world embrace digital solutions to improve efficiency and productivity, the construction sector is also recognizing the transformative potential of these technologies.
In 2017, the McKinsey Global Institute published an influential report outlining how the global construction industry could increase productivity by up to 60%, resulting in an additional USD 1.6 trillion in annual value. This seminal report highlighted the industry's vast potential for growth through the adoption of modern digital practices.
By 2020, McKinsey had published a follow-up report titled "The Next Normal in Construction," which highlighted a significant shift in industry attitudes. Senior executives now view digital technologies and data-driven decision-making as critical to transforming operations and increasing value. This recognition marks a watershed moment for the construction industry, urging a shift to comprehensive digital transformation.
For this vision to be realised, the construction industry must fully embrace digital transformation. This involves using advanced technologies such as 100% constructible 3D models and leveraging the data they generate. True constructability reduces complexity, making it easier to manage projects efficiently.
The construction industry is inherently complex, with many participants and high expectations and costs. Tight budgets and shifting schedules frequently require constant adjustments. One significant challenge is a lack of clear visibility into project details, with information frequently fragmented, outdated, or missing. This fragmented approach makes it difficult to make informed decisions, and mistakes are frequently discovered too late, resulting in delays and additional costs.
However, the industry acknowledges that digital technologies enable better collaboration, greater control over the value chain, and a shift toward data-driven decision-making. These technologies make project managers reconsider their operational, design, and construction methods, shifting away from traditional approaches and toward more innovative and efficient practices.
Implementing BIM includes more than utilizing new software; it necessitates a fundamental shift in operational processes beginning with the structural design phase. Companies that incorporate BIM from the very beginning of a project have potential benefits throughout the production chain. BIM begins with the creation of a constructible 3D model, also known as a 'digital twin' of the finished product. This model can then be enhanced with additional data on schedules, materials, and costs, improving decision-making quality and reducing project risks.
The visual abilities of BIM provide an extensive perspective of the project, proving true constructibility. Beyond the implementation of BIM, constructible data is critical to improving business performance in the construction industry. Companies that use a digital twin of the final product can plan more effectively, reducing delays and rework.
BIM software makes sure that information is easily understood and shared by all project participants, replacing fragmented information silos with integrated, data-driven workflows. Certified models that include important constructible data such as cost, weight, and performance metrics streamline the supply chain, making optimal results more achievable both on and off-site.
Adopting a constructible approach improves communication with stakeholders and ensures a common understanding of project objectives. This method guarantees that all aspects of the construction process—people, processes, and tools are linked. As companies collect data on each project, the information becomes richer, leading to greater predictability, repeatability, and efficiency.
The construction industry is at a turning point, with digital transformation providing an opportunity for unprecedented productivity and value. The industry can better navigate its inherent complexities by adopting digital technologies, constructible models, and data-driven processes. As companies adopt these innovations, they open up the path for a new era of construction marked by increased collaboration, efficiency, and profitability.