
Technology underpins our culture of safety and quality and has totally transformed our efficiency.
The Era of Digital Transformation
The construction industry has been experiencing a digital transformation over the last decade. New technologies now enable property managers to monitor and track construction projects in real-time, improve communication with contractors, and leverage data to help everyone involved make informed decisions.
Embracing Digital Platforms for Collaborative Success
Relationships are built on collaboration. Successful, rewarding relationships rely on transparency and open communication, so we have embraced digital platforms or innovations that help us to collaborate more openly and effectively with all other stakeholders on a project. What this means is a dramatic decrease in communication breakdowns and missed deadlines. So what, specifically, are some of the platforms that have transformed the way we do things?
Common Data Environment (CDE)
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
The Benefits of a Common Data Environment (CDE) in Construction Projects
A CDE is a digital platform that allows different stakeholders in a construction project to access, share, and collaborate on data and information. This platform is designed to ensure that all parties involved in a project are working from the same data, reducing discrepancies, confusion and miscommunication. The CDE enables better data management, acting as a central repository for all project data, including drawings, 3D models, contracts, reports, specifications, schedules, and other documentation. This makes it easy for property managers to access important information about their assets in real-time and to track project progress, improve decision-making, reduce mistakes, increase accuracy, and ensure construction projects are completed on time and within budget. The level of collaboration the CDE makes possible reduces the amount of time spent by our project and site managers looking for information, and reduces the likelihood of redo’s or snags.
The Benefits of Using BIM in Construction Projects
BIM creates a digital representation of a building's physical and functional characteristics. It provides all stakeholders with a 3D model of the building with detailed information on its components, materials, and systems. BIM enables the building to be designed in a virtual environment, testing different scenarios and options before construction begins. This reduces errors, improves accuracy, and ensures that the building meets the necessary design standards. It enables construction teams to identify potential problems before construction begins, reducing the likelihood of rework and delays. BIM also helps to identify potential safety hazards before any work begins, ensuring that the building meets safety standards and reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Designers and builders can analyse and optimise the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the building too.
How digitalisation in construction improves safety
Digitalisation can improve safety and efficiency in a number of ways. For example, by using drones to survey construction sites, potential hazards can be identified and dangerous situations avoided without the need to climb scaffolding or other structures. BIM has made safety inductions more effective, engaging, and efficient with more interactivity and less need to read lengthy manuals. On Built sites, our safety induction is an online tutorial. All staff, visitors and subcontractors have to complete this before coming to site. It covers important safety topics such as confined spaces, hazards to be aware of, how to report an incident, how to act and behave in the workplace, what to do when something goes wrong, and understanding important safety policies and procedures. Digital tools improve the retention of safety information. Studies have shown that workers are more likely to remember information presented in an interactive and engaging way.
Digitalisation is the future of construction
While there are challenges to implementing digitalisation, such as resistance to change and the cost of its implementation, these are being overcome through training, education, and involving more workers in the process. As technology continues to evolve, we expect to see even more advanced digital tools being developed for the construction industry, further improving safety, efficiency, and the overall quality of construction projects. If you’d like to know more about how we have embraced digitalisation at Built Interiors and what it could bring to your next project, why not get in touch with the team today?
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