Construction sector: a gradual adoption of digital technology

While digital has taken over many sectors of activity, construction has long remained very traditional. However, this is not due to the lack of many types of tools on the market, such as construction management software, technologies related to energy efficiency and renewable energies, or building information modeling (BIM) platforms.
More recently, and like many other sectors, the most innovative technologies now offer solutions adapted to construction. In particular, virtual reality or augmented reality, 3D printing, robotics, and of course artificial intelligence. However, despite the multiplicity of tools, it is clear that digital investments in the sector have, until now, remained measured: according to a recent study by PlanRadar among more than 1.300 professionals in 15 countries, between 25% and 40% of companies in the sector have not invested at all in "historical" solutions (construction management and BIM). A share that rises to more than 75% for the most innovative technologies.
For many professionals, in addition to a certain traditionalism intrinsic to the sector, the absence of regulations imposing certain changes on companies or public incentives for digital transformation partly explain the delay. But not only that: the fear (not always justified) of the costs of deploying digital tools and that of a risk of low return on investment are also arguments against the digitalization of the construction sector.
Construction Management Software: Proven ROI Made Easy
"When the building is doing well, everything is doing well" is a common saying. Unfortunately, in recent years, crises have been coming one after another (pandemic, supply difficulties, inflation, credit crisis, etc.). In some countries, new construction (including non-residential) is at its lowest level in many years, while the improvement-maintenance sector remains resilient.
Coincidence or not, still according to the PlanRadar study, 97% of professionals expect a more or less significant increase in investments within their organization in the next three years. Among them, 77% envisage a "medium or significant investment" in construction project management software.
A particularly positive figure, which is not surprising given the concrete results offered by these platforms. Thus, among those surveyed who have already deployed them, 95% consider that the use of construction management software has led to a reduction in the costs of their projects, by 5 to 10% for a third of them, and even up to 30% (for 35% of them).
Digital projects: internal sponsorship necessary
Among other findings from the study, it should be noted that nearly two-thirds of respondents consider the number of digital profiles hired in their company to be insufficient or even non-existent. While those who have seen an increase in these profiles estimate it to be less than 5%.
But without a project leader, the digitalization of the sector will remain weak. The mission of the project leader is essential: it is this person or team who will be in charge of managing the entire process. Initially to define the needs, participate in the specific settings or developments and ensure its proper deployment. And above all, to bring on board the employees concerned, in order to ensure everyone's support for the project, and the proper adoption of the solution in their respective daily professions.
If these project leaders are the first ambassadors of the democratization of digital platforms in the construction sector, it is the men and women of the profession who will accelerate it, by taking charge of these simple tools. This is the trend observed for several years. This movement is no longer only top-down, but embraced and requested by all types of actors and collaborators. More and more actors are asking software providers to digitize their processes, implying a sharp increase in investments in this area.
Tribune by Álvaro Vega, Regional Manager France, Spain, Italy and Latin America, PlanRadar (LinkedIn).