Jennifer Thompson, CPO of MachineMax, explores how the industry can unlock the full potential of construction data
Over 90% of construction data remains unused. Data has the power to optimise operations, reduce costs and promote collaboration in construction, but a pervasive challenge persists – fragmentation.
We urgently need to change how data is collected and used to capitalise on untapped prospects for efficiency and innovation.
Streamlining data integration, promoting collaboration, and establishing standardised practices can unlock data’s true potential. The construction industry’s future relies on recognising and acting on this potential. Let’s look at how to maximise the potential of this latent power.
Bringing siloed data together into a Common Data Environment
Data silos and fragmented systems mean critical information is often trapped in isolated pockets, leading to inefficiencies and communication breakdowns.
Data fragmentation can lead to problems between design and construction teams, making project challenges worse and sometimes even leading to rework… These complexities also pose barriers to adopting advanced data-driven technologies like digital twins and machine learning, impacting the industry’s digital transformation.
Common Data Environments (CDEs) combine siloed data, providing a comprehensive solution for managing information throughout the project lifecycle. CDEs ensure information is easily accessible and up-to-date for all stakeholders. This centralised approach also leads to increased efficiency as it eliminates the headache of manual data retrieval and minimises data duplication, resulting in time and cost savings.
The importance of CDEs being easily embedded and cloud-capable cannot be overstated. They must integrate with other tools and enhance the project ecosystem, not complicate it, to promote remote collaboration.
Standardised construction data reduces miscommunication
Standard data practices are also becoming an important consideration in construction and project management. They ensure consistent data interpretation among stakeholders, creating a common ground for effective communication and decision-making.
This practice not only streamlines processes but also lays the foundation for achieving interoperability and data consistency, eliminating the need for error-prone manual data translation and entry.
Uniform and compatible data collection enables accurate reporting, analytics, and forecasting, all of which help create highly informed decisions.
Initiatives like ISO 15143-3 (AEMP 2.0) exemplify efforts to standardise telematics data in construction, offering a common framework for equipment-related data exchange.
Data integration frameworks are also being developed to automatically unify fragmented and incompatible data sources, supporting better data-driven decision support systems.
With the right tech and training, we can all benefit
Adopting standardised data practices in construction presents several key challenges. Ensuring consistent data requirements can be challenging across complex supply chains.
Moreover, achieving industry-wide adoption of these standardised practices requires collaboration from construction companies, technology providers, and regulatory bodies. Education and awareness campaigns are crucial to promote widespread acceptance.
Industry leaders are crucial in advocating for data standards and driving change as they can lead by example, champion standardised practices, and use their influence and resources to encourage others to follow suit.
With the influx of accessible data in construction, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Balancing simplicity and complexity in data collection is crucial. Businesses should identify and prioritise key metrics aligned with their objectives to enhance data management efficiency.
This streamlines data collection, ensuring relevance for decision-making. Emphasis must shift to actionable insights to provide tangible guidance on the next steps like behavioural changes onsite.
The industry’s future hinges on good construction data practice
Harnessing the power of data is imperative for the continued growth and success of the construction industry. Embracing CDEs and standard data practices offers a clear path forward, enabling efficient collaboration, informed decision-making, and data-driven innovation.
The next stage in the industry’s digital transformation hinges on industry-wide adoption of good data hygiene and the advocacy of leaders committed to setting new standards.
However, it’s crucial to strike the right balance between data simplicity and complexity, ensuring that data collection aligns with specific objectives and results in actionable insights.
By doing so, the construction sector can navigate today’s data challenges and build a brighter, more efficient tomorrow.
Jennifer Thompson
MachineMax
