Digital engineering is a constantly evolving concept that presents transformational opportunities for architecture, engineering and construction
Digital engineering is an elusive concept founded in the technological transformation impacting the AEC sector. While there is no agreed definition, the conversation surrounding digital engineering could be seen as a response to increasing complexity in the industry. New technologies, building materials, tools, techniques and stakeholders’ expectations have introduced new factors into the production process and present a novel and diverse set of challenges.
Digital engineering, in its most general sense, marks a new approach to innovation and lifecycle management, enabled by these advances in technology. However, it isn’t simply the uptake of new technologies but a concerted effort to use them to unlock greater value across the entire lifecycle of a capital asset.
Moving beyond BIM
Many understand digital engineering as the incorporation of BIM in the delivery and management of buildings and infrastructure assets. While this clearly doesn’t encapsulate the extent of digitisation in the industry, 3D modelling was, at a point, the most comprehensive example of design and development in a digitised environment.
BIM allows us to create models that support the design, construction and future operational function of buildings and infrastructure to optimise their whole-life performance. However, as argued by Scott McGovern of Laing O’Rourke: “There are now too many tools and processes to just put them in a ‘BIM bucket’.”
The technology now at our disposal expands beyond BIM and, as Crown House Technologies put it: “Digital engineering is much more than creating models. It’s about unlocking knowledge and stimulating insight, creating data and a platform for true project collaboration.”
In this sense, digital engineering represents the convergence of emerging technologies to capture insights and develop innovative solutions in a digital environment to improve project outcomes.
By this definition, digital engineering is a multidisciplinary field that, to borrow from Cognizant, encompasses the methodologies, utility and process of creating new products end-to-end. It leverages data and technology to produce improvements to applications – or even entirely new solutions – all underpinned by traditional engineering.
New skills
As our digital capabilities expand, it makes sense that the engineering skills required do also. Nowadays, digital engineers need to not only understand a much broader scope of technology but be able to implement it, train others and ensure that information captured adds value to the project.
Ray O’Rourke, chairman of Laing O’Rourke, argues that “tomorrow’s engineer will be defined by their ability to integrate innovative engineering approaches, digital technologies and rich data”. Along with 3D modelling, construction and design management, this new generation of digital engineers need skills in data science, systems integration, IT, project management and strategy.
Although these digital processes represent a significant part of the construction process, there is a very clear skills gap. General awareness of emerging technologies is not enough; we need people who can create an implementation strategy and apply it to the construction process in a way that is useful, robust, and aligned with industry development.
Education and solid leadership will play a pivotal role in addressing this issue. While digital engineering is justifiably considered one of the most transformative areas in the AEC industry, fundamental engineering principles are still the cornerstone. Curriculums and training will be a case of upskilling experts and supplementing traditional education for young people with relevant digital skills and knowledge of information systems.
Unlocking value with data
This digital and data-driven approach to engineering will only be truly useful with effective data management; data must be allowed to flow seamlessly throughout the asset lifecycle and beyond. The integration of data at all stages will allow for the most efficient method of delivery and better collaboration.
Data capture and manipulation are essential in developing accurate virtual models to test the performance of a design in real-time – including, cost, materials, time and environmental impact. In this regard, digital engineering at its best can take us through a building or systems lifecycle to better understand how early decisions affect operational performance.
Of course, the ability to unlock the power and various functions of data are dependent on the engineers. It is not just the implementation but the execution that will impact a project’s processes and add value.
A holistic project view
Although we still lack a universal definition, digital engineering is a more informed and collaborative way of working supported by a central data source. It is facilitated by technological advancements and digital processes to enable more productive methods of planning, designing, operating and maintaining assets.
Through data capture and integration, it seeks to add value to a project at delivery and beyond, offering the whole supply chain a more holistic view of a project’s objectives.
Ultimately, the processes involved in digital engineering are continuously evolving and the development of disruptive technologies will always persist. As such, digital engineering, what it entails and the skills required will always be in flux and a reflection of the environment.
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