Digital solutions have the power to transform the construction industry. From simple digital procurement platforms that make purchasing quick and easy to sophisticated BIM programs that are optimising project planning and design, innovative technologies are changing the face of the industry
Although the integration of digital processes into traditional workflows is already underway, the construction industry has been a little hesitant to join the digital revolution and there is still work to be done to improve adoption.
With benefits of new technologies including increased productivity, improved project management, enhanced collaboration, reduced errors and, ultimately, more successful projects, it’s essential the entire industry gets behind the digital solutions positively impacting construction.
Overcoming resistance to change
Resistance to change is usually one of the largest barriers to adoption in any circumstance where something new is being implemented. Many construction professionals, having been in the industry for a long time, are accustomed to conventional ways of working and may be hesitant to embrace new technologies.
However, change doesn’t need to happen all at once. Pilot projects and scalable solutions that adapt to an organisation’s needs are ways to begin a digital transformation that isn’t overwhelming.
Digital champions should work with colleagues to encourage adoption and showcase the benefits of doing so. This will gradually help ease any resistance to new processes.
Addressing awareness and education gaps
Stakeholders sometimes lack awareness of the benefits and functionalities of digital tools, which hinders willingness to invest in and utilise them. This makes education and training initiatives essential.
Those providing digital solutions should invest in robust training material that helps users gain the most benefit from the system. Organisations which experience success with new technology should share their successes to encourage more widespread adoption.
Creating seamless workflows and enabling collaboration
With multiple stakeholders involved in a large number of construction projects, fragmented workflows are a common problem. Therefore, integrating new tech and tools across various teams and ensuring collaboration can be challenging. The good news is many digital solutions are actually created with the fragmented nature of construction in mind and designed to improve workflows and increase collaboration across different teams.
Strong internal communication when rolling out new programmes will help to ease the transition process and ensure everyone involved is on the same page.
Risk vs rewards: The costs of digital
Another common barrier to the adoption of new ways of working is the financial cost of doing so. Software, hardware and training costs can be particularly prohibitive to SMEs and smaller businesses.
Although there may be some initial upfront costs for new technology, the right solution can often alleviate cost burdens elsewhere in the business; for example, digital procurement software that can be used to secure better prices for materials.
Before investing in any new technology, proper research should be carried out and teams who will need to use it should be briefed. By preparing properly for a new way of working, you can ensure that any money invested in used wisely.
Tackling data and privacy concerns
Ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive data when using digital solutions is a valid concern. By implementing strong security protocols and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, construction businesses can ensure they have data protection foundations in place.
When adopting a new digital solution, ensure you research the provider thoroughly and look out for cybersecurity accreditation like Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001. Your organisation should also have its own processes and procedures in place to keep data secure.
In many cases, new technologies are actually used to support data privacy and security. Digital can be used to improve accuracy of data by removing the need for manual input and digital data can be backed up, so it isn’t as vulnerable to risks like fire or water as traditional paper-based records are.
The Build Chain: A case study in positive digital procurement
The Build Chain is a digital procurement platform that is transforming the way subcontractors and SME housebuilders source materials. It’s an example of how the industry can successfully use a digital platform to reduce costs, save time and operate more sustainably.
“Those providing digital solutions should invest in robust training material that helps users gain the most benefit from the system. Organisations which experience success with new technology should share their successes to encourage more widespread adoption.”
Traditionally, the materials procurement process has been protracted and manual, involving numerous phone calls and emails to suppliers. The Build Chain removes the need for these repetitive tasks by enabling users to submit a single enquiry for materials that is automatically delivered to suitable, local merchants.
There’s no need to chase suppliers for a response, and because you can compare all quotes in a single dashboard, it’s easy to benchmark pricing and ensure you’regetting the best value. The focus on merchants local to site also helps subcontractors and SME housebuilders reduce the carbon emissions associated with transporting materials to site.
“The Build Chain has been a fantastic introduction to our business, saving us substantial amounts of money on many items and, equally as important, it’s saved us substantial amounts of time,” said Rachael Jolley, managing director of Rasico Construction.
“Not only does The Build Chain offer THB financial gain but also allows the company to engage with local suppliers, streamlining our supply chain and helping to improve the delivery of our projects,” said David Broughton, commercial director at THB.
To support businesses who adopt the platform, The Build Chain provides a comprehensive range of training materials and a support team is always on hand to assist users. The company has Cyber Essentials Plus certification in place to reassure clients their data is safe.
There is a fixed fee subscription cost required to access The Build Chain, with no hidden transaction or commission fees to ensure the platform is accessible to SMEs.
Neil Sheldon
CEO
The Build Chain
Tel: +44 3300 532 193
contact@thebuildchain.co.uk
www.thebuildchain.co.uk
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