[Webinar] Data as asset and sharing infrastructure in AEC

In a recent webinar, Mark Enzer, strategic advisor at Mott MacDonald, shared insights into how organisations can unlock the true potential of their data and what it means for the future of the AEC industry

The AEC industry is drowning in data but starved for insight. We generate more information than ever before. From BIM models and digital twins to drones, sensors, and collaboration platforms, the flow of information across projects is vast. Yet much of it remains locked in silos, unstructured, and underutilised, and the industry is struggling to turn it into real value.

In this exclusive webinar hosted by Newforma, join Mark Enzer as he shares bold insights on how AEC firms can flip the script: turning fragmented data into a strategic asset that drives smarter decisions, stronger collaboration, and measurable project outcomes.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

• Why more data isn’t the answer, more value from your data is
• How broken information flows are costing firms time, money, and trust
• How digital twins, BIM, and real-time monitoring create a new foundation for infrastructure success
• What it really takes to break down silos and make information flow between teams and tools
• How to prepare your firm now for the coming wave of AI, automation, and predictive insight
• Why a shared digital infrastructure should be treated as critical infrastructure

Construction productivity has long been a challenge

Despite advances in technology, many firms still rely on siloed systems, manual processes, and disconnected tools. The result? Miscommunication, costly errors, and delays.

Enzer believes the problem isn’t a lack of capability — examples of best practice exist — but rather uneven adoption and, crucially, a mindset issue. “Too often, data is seen as something the IT department handles,” he says. “But data is the fuel of everything we do. The real value lies in using it to make better decisions faster.”

From silos to flow

Unlocking value means ensuring data flows across projects and organisations. When information is trapped in silos, decision-makers don’t get what they need, when they need it.

Enzer stresses that productivity gains come not just from technology, but from aligning people and processes around data. “It’s about putting the right information in the right hands at the right time,” he explains. “That’s where the value lies.”

Managing risk: Doing nothing is riskier

Data also introduces new risks. Poor data management can lead to wrong decisions, project overruns, or even safety incidents. But Enzer argues the greater danger lies in inaction.

“The risk isn’t only getting data wrong — it’s failing to do digital transformation at all,” he warns. “We’re in an information economy. The real challenge is turning vast amounts of data into insight, not drowning people in raw numbers.”

AI’s role as a tool

Artificial Intelligence is often viewed as the answer to construction’s productivity challenges. Enzer sees AI as a powerful tool, but not a master.

“AI must sit on top of high-quality, structured data,” he says. “Otherwise, even the smartest AI produces the wrong outcomes. And we must remember: people remain at the centre. AI should serve people, not the other way around.”

Integration at scale

For true productivity improvements, Enzer emphasises integration beyond single organisations. Common Data Environments (CDEs) are essential, but multiple disconnected CDEs on one project only create more silos.

Instead, he advocates for shared processes, platforms, and risk models across project ecosystems. “Very often, the bigger risk is in managing information poorly. Shared approaches — to data and to risk — deliver more reliable outcomes than fragmented systems and contracts.”

Three steps to start today

Enzer highlights three actions organisations can take immediately:

1. Value the data – Recognise it as a core asset, not just a byproduct.
2. Know what you have – Map your data: what exists, where it sits, who owns it, and who needs it.
3. Create a roadmap – Balance short-term wins with a long-term vision. “Don’t pit the ‘nowists’ against the ‘futurists,’” he says. “We need both.”

Data sharing as infrastructure

Data sharing itself must be treated as industry infrastructure. Just as roads and power grids enable economies, so too does a resilient, scalable data-sharing infrastructure enable collaboration and efficiency across the AEC sector.

“No single organisation can build it alone,” Enzer concludes. “Data sharing infrastructure is infrastructure — and it’s essential to the future of our industry.”

Watch the full webinar

If you’re ready to move beyond digital buzzwords and start building real value from your information, don’t miss this conversation. Whether you’re leading digital strategy, coordinating BIM, or managing project delivery, you’ll walk away with a clearer vision—and a practical roadmap—for structuring success in the data-rich, fast-moving world of AEC.

The post [Webinar] Data as asset and sharing infrastructure in AEC appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.