Embracing digital construction techniques and technologies will have a transformative effect on the industry as a whole, alongside individual organisations and, in fact, the delivery of each project.

The challenges previously experienced when managing complex data or working from a single data source are removed and are replaced with opportunities to leverage new tools. To achieve the digital future that promises such benefits, however, there are some important factors to consider.

First, the easy bit – the reason digital construction is worth the investment. In practice, the techniques and technologies on offer can result in outcomes such as sites teams being able to save time on day to day administrative tasks and, instead, better allocate precious hours to focus on real issues that are critical to project delivery. A point that, alone, may seem relatively straightforward. Behind the scenes, however, this is involving predictive insights that enable crucial activity such as a reduction in site attendance and ability to maintain a safe working environment, which are both particularly relevant at the moment.

Intrinsic, and equally as important, to digital construction delivery and use, is security. This needs to be the wrapper around how digital technology is utilised to protect an organisation, but also its clients and the supply chain. Without safeguarding, the information collected could be vulnerable to cyber and other malicious attacks, with potentially hefty implications, both to finances and reputation. Without willing to sound too ominous to the budding digital innovator or adopter, it is nevertheless essential to be cautious enough to lay the groundwork for appropriate and proportionate measures to be put in place so the benefits can be reaped without undue concern.

Progress on this front should be noted, with Government data indicating cybersecurity spending in the construction sector was up 188% between 2018 and 2019.

Finally, while defining a digital technology and data strategy is the first step, maintaining the right culture from top to bottom is the real key to realising and delivering on best-in-class projects. Such an approach will have a lasting impact and ensure an organisation maintains long-term competitiveness.

Nick Leach is Senior Strategic BIM Manager at Sir Robert McAlpine.

Latest digital construction news

2 Finsbury Avenue celebrates bottoming out ceremony
10 Dec 2024

Guests gathered at the lowest point of the structure’s foundations, just over 50m below ground.

Read more about
How AI technology is helping drive project performance
14 Aug 2024

For three years we’ve been using Buildots’ cutting edge AI technology to help transform the way we deliver projects.

Read more about
Celebrating our success at the Digital Construction Awards
09 Jul 2024

Congratulations to our 1 Broadgate team, who won the prestigious ‘Delivering Sustainability with Digital Innovation’ accolade at this year’s Digital Construction Awards.

Read more about

Latest news

Maggie's Northampton topping out
21 Feb 2025

Sir Robert McAlpine Special Projects celebrates the topping out of Maggie’s Northampton, a new cancer support centre at Northampton General Hospital, marking a key milestone in providing expert care for those affected by cancer.

Read more about
Caroline Mulholland on good design in Healthcare
12 Feb 2025

As IHP is Lead Partner of the EHD Champions Awards, Caroline Mulholland reflects on the significance of design in healthcare, international best practice and lessons from the Awards.

Read more about
National Apprenticeship Week 2025 with Jack Chapman
11 Feb 2025

In support of National Apprenticeship week, we caught up with Trainee Quantity Surveyor Jack Chapman to hear about his experiences and progress on the path to a rewarding career.

Read more about