Michael Durnin, director and head of digital construction at Murphy Geospatial, says precision is essential to data-driven decision-making
The construction industry is at a crossroads in an era marked by mounting demands from our population and planet. The sector faces formidable challenges that require innovative action. From carbon reduction targets to a shortage of skilled labour, the industry is increasingly turning to data for answers.
Take, for example, three areas that demonstrate the transformative power of construction industry digitalisation in construction: Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), on-site automation and digital project delivery. All three demonstrate the critical role of accurate measurement and information. After all, how do you tackle a problem without knowing the measure of it?
Modular build: Unlocking efficiency and savings
In 2023, an emerging trend in the construction landscape is a shift towards MMC, particularly the rise of offsite modular structures. This departure from traditional on-site labour could bring significant advantages to both the company and client. According to McKinsey & Co, MMC presents the opportunity for cost savings of 20% and accelerated project timelines of 50%.
What is central to the success of modular builds is accurate location information. By ensuring the correct dimensions and positioning of modular structures, projects become more efficient, are delivered faster and generate less waste.
Perhaps most crucially, digital assets and accurate measurement reduce instances of conflict. Avoiding conflicts also means avoiding fractious conversations, delays and costs in order to resolve the issue. The benefits hit the mark for those concerned with cost and strict timelines, as well as those who are concerned with a project’s carbon footprint and ESG reporting.
Automation: Precision in the new era
Construction sites undergo a profound transformation with the integration of automation, autonomous transport, robotics and artificial intelligence.
Let’s start with the positive sides of integrating autonomous workflows within a business. Around 60% of leaders in the construction industry believe that autonomy will have a significant impact in the following areas: market competitiveness, profitability, owner satisfaction and sustainability Hexagon Autonomous Construction Tech Outlook 2023.
Firms that have integrated four or more autonomous workflows throughout their businesses report greater improvements than those using fewer, including:
- 58% enhanced sustainability and waste reduction.
- 55% better cross-functional collaboration.
- 52% increased safety compliance. (Hexagon, 2023).
However, this evolution of automation in construction demands careful consideration of positional accuracy and environmental factors. We must ensure that automated systems align with the site being operated on and conformation to design intent is crucial.
Why is this so important? Misalignment can lead to costly rework, accidents and deviation from the original vision, which no one wants.
Digital tools, comprehensive mapping and real-time capture of site conditions all play a pivotal role in achieving successful implementation and reducing errors in the construction process.
Digital delivery: Bridging the gap between intention and reality
In any construction project, it is important to bridge the gap between intention and reality, and digital delivery helps to do that. Digital delivery marks a significant milestone in construction projects, relying on accurate geospatial data and meticulous measurement.
The industry and those who work in it gain vital insights by capturing the reality of site conditions and comparing them against the digital design world. This approach allows for as-built verification, effective programme and cost management, risk mitigation and seamless digital handovers.
However, improper implementation can result in clashes, delays and errors. Therefore, striking the right balance is essential to reap the benefits of a digitised construction process.
Reducing reworks for ramped returns
The construction industry grapples with millions of disconnected, inaccurate and incomplete assets generated daily. If we hope to overcome this challenge, it requires harnessing the power of information.
By leveraging digital advances, construction stakeholders can reduce reworks, clashes, delays, errors, risks and liabilities. The key lies in informed, data-driven decision-making facilitated by the proper technology implementation, and quality and return on investment are poised to rise as a result.
Measurement and accuracy: Unveiling the secrets of project success
For MMC, accurate module sizing and positioning are paramount to minimise delays, costs, risks and liabilities.
Likewise, digital delivery and automation hinge on precise location information to prevent clashes and ensure adherence to design intent. Lastly, trustworthy data underpins every step of the construction process, necessitating rigorous verification and validation.
According to Autodesk’s research, in Ireland, 41% of all data used by construction companies is bad, leading to poor decision-making 46% of the time, and in the UK, 32% of data used by construction companies is bad, leading to poor decision-making 31% of the time. The importance of correct data can’t be stressed enough; the devil is in the detail when it comes to unlocking the benefits of digital construction.
Geospatial management: Empowering construction progress
While designers and engineering teams are comfortable in asking for topographic mapping, 3D modelling or laser scanning, the reality is that it only represents a small part of the geospatial data available to them.
Geospatial management is a process that uses spatial data to visualise and verify construction progress throughout the entire project. It combines location information with visualisation tools to enable project stakeholders to make confident, data-driven decisions. Collaboration within project controls and the supply chain is crucial for reducing errors, conflicts and liabilities. By embracing geospatial management, project progress is enhanced through validated and verified information that can be trusted.
Our research into 40 years of completed projects by our team has realised estimated results of 5% error reductions, 5% extension of time (EOT) reduction and 1%-2% cost reduction. For our recent client in industrial and manufacturing, our geospatial management delivered a 21% increase in installation accuracy.
The UK government analysis suggests that more accessible and better-quality location data in infrastructure and construction could be worth over £4bn per year. The geospatial data industry is important to Ireland’s economy as it contributes to growth, creates jobs, saves costs and improves efficiencies in various sectors. The geospatial data industry in Ireland contributes €70m in gross added value annually, directly employs 1,677 people, supports an additional 3,087 jobs and generates sales worth €177.5m. It also saves the public sector €82m and creates time savings valued at €279m, according to Ordnance Survey Ireland.
Building a better future with construction industry digitalisation
It’s clear that the construction industry faces formidable challenges but embracing construction industry digitalisation is the key to unlocking a better future. As the sector undergoes a technology transformation, data-driven decision-making becomes paramount. By placing confidence in exact measurement and establishing a sole source of truth for position and accuracy, projects can be delivered with unprecedented productivity, sustainability and profitability.
Through this transformative shift, construction will redefine itself, revolutionising the way we build tomorrow’s world. The time for change is now, and with construction industry digitalisation as our guide, the industry can confidently march towards a future where innovation and efficiency coexist harmoniously, creating a better, more resilient built environment for generations to come.
Michael Durnin
Director and head of digital construction
Murphy Geospatial
Tel: +44 (0)203 598 3775
