As digital transformation becomes a high-priority initiative to maintain competitiveness in a tough market, executives across all industries are aware of the benefits of digitisation, implementing construction software at some level across the business, FlowForma explains
Digital transformation is the integration of digital tools to optimise processes and make them more efficient. It has been proven to create significant value for construction firms, with a swift ROI and increase in productivity.
Despite this, automation in the construction industry is not where it should be. FlowForma, in partnership with Construction Dive, has conducted a survey with 100 key decision-makers about the current state of digitisation in the construction industry, with a strong emphasis placed on construction workflows and business processes.
What is the importance of business outcomes?
The report conducted by FlowForma found that the vast majority (94%) of construction executives and managers want to improve employee safety on-site. The industry has extensive safety requirements, given the nature of the job, and negligence of health & safety regulations can be costly to a construction firm.
For health and safety managers within the construction sector, risk assessment plays an important part. Potential hazards on a construction site require critical examination and careful documentation – manual administration can lead to human error.
Operational efficiency on construction projects is a priority
87% of construction executives and managers view an increase in operational efficiency as either very important or absolutely required. A high level of operational efficiency means that construction firms avoid overruns and complete projects on time and to budget.
Data is not just a commodity for business leaders, it’s a real business asset and leveraged for business strategy and decision-making. FlowForma’s survey revealed that real-time project analytics informs decision-making for 96% of construction executives and managers.
Furthermore, 92% consider data insights as a high priority business outcome, rating it as either very important or absolutely required. Process automation and BIM tools enable real-time data access, high data quality, and allow users to access data when offline – useful on a construction site with limited online capabilities.
Seamless integration of multiple solutions
For a digital landscape in which multiple applications are used simultaneously, it’s important that systems talk to one another, feed through data, and promote collaboration across the value chain. 88% of construction executives and managers want seamless integration of multiple solutions. The integration of tools is necessary to create a holistic data picture, generate transparency across project lifecycles, and promote better collaboration between teams.
The survey showcased that construction executives and managers would like a workflow tool to integrate with the following:
- Finance systems
- Project management software
- Document management software
- CRM systems
- ERP systems
Roadblocks to digitisation in construction
Implementing a digital strategy can seem a difficult task for construction business leaders, especially those with little management support or engagement. Very few construction firms have fully digitized their processes, and construction remains one of the least digitized industries.
What are the biggest obstacles to digital transformation?
Outdated methods
50% of construction executives and managers claimed to be satisfied with current processes. However, a high percentage (90%) still use outdated methods (email/Excel/paper forms) for 25-100% of their business processes, and 47% of respondents rated their firms at either a beginner or intermediate stage in their digital capabilities.
