Alex Micallef, UK general manager at Graitec, explores the need to draw further on digital technology in order to make MMC and offsite construction methods mainstream
The importance of technology in driving innovation in construction cannot be overstated – yet the industry has been slow to adopt new software, stilting progress in doing so. One of the areas where this is most apparent is in the uptake of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Despite the myriad possibilities offered by MMC offsite and construction methods to transform the industry, creating a cleaner and greener industry and delivering buildings that are fit for a net zero carbon future, MMC has been slow to gain ground.
MMC/offsite construction methods and technology go hand in hand and while at Graitec we are seeing sales for built environment software rising year-on-year; if the industry is to tackle the challenges ahead – and see MMC becoming a mainstream choice for the construction of new developments – we need to see a real step-change in the adoption of technology; both in completing day-to-day tasks and communication between project teams through to BIM and the use of tech to design and deliver new developments.
Digital technology underpins MMC and offsite construction methods
Digital technology is central to the creation of next-generation MMC schemes, playing an integral role from the way they are designed and costed right through to the build process. Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, like Revit, for example, is utilised throughout the entire lifecycle of a project.
It is positive to see the inclusion of digital technology within the government’s newly updated Construction Playbook, which references it as essential to the advancement of MMC and highlights the importance of ‘data interoperability’ to ensure that project partners can work more collaboratively.
However, while the government will no doubt continue leading from the front on the adoption of technology in construction, there remains a great deal of work to be done.
How can we advance the construction industry’s use of technology?
Our team spends a lot of time working with clients to understand their business and technological requirements; as an Autodesk reseller, we provide the software along with the hands-on support and expertise to make sure that companies are using the technology properly and drawing on all its capabilities. Those conversations have shed light on an alarming reliance on inefficient systems and manual processes, with many teams still working from excel spreadsheets.
The industry’s reticence to accelerate technological advancement in construction not only harms wider innovation and essential evolution but is also detrimental to business performance.
Cloud platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) allow documents to be accessed seamlessly by all involved parties, wherever they may be in the world; it improves productivity and streamlines interaction between project teams, helping to prevent errors and ultimately accelerating the delivery of development. It’s a simple piece of kit that delivers enormous benefit.
Using ACC, McKinstry reported time savings of 50% in Earned Value Tracking, while Cannistro saw 13% cost savings on materials and BN Electrical saw 12% time-savings in project delivery. Improvements in productivity and performance are more valuable than ever as we enter a challenging period ahead.
Tech used properly will transform the construction industry
Moving into 2023, construction leaders must champion the adoption of technology, forming teams with the skills and knowledge to ensure that software is understood and operated efficiently and to its maximum potential. Experts like Graitec are available to provide the support to install and embed new platforms, processes and workflows as seamlessly as possible.
Embedding technology throughout the construction process will facilitate innovation, spark new research and development programmes and help to pave the path for the development of better, more sustainable methods of bringing new schemes to life.
Technology used properly and to its fullest will move the MMC and offsite construction agenda forward in a more meaningful way and ensure that we are developing buildings that are tech-enabled, agile and fit for the future.
