Today, it's more common to see a construction manager arrive with a tablet under their arm instead of their usual pile of files. No more paperwork, everything is now digital.
This scene, which has become a daily occurrence, perfectly illustrates the transition that our sector is going through. And this transition comes with its share of great promises: increased efficiency, fluid and instant communication, and real-time monitoring of construction projects. In theory, it's every building professional's dream.
But the reality on the ground is more nuanced.
Is the digital revolution really better than the old fashioned way? This is precisely the question we are going to explore in this article! We will look at what this transition brings to our industry, its real benefits, the challenges it poses on a daily basis, and above all, how to use it in practice. Here, you will not find major theoretical speeches, but facts and advice that can be applied as early as tomorrow on your construction sites.
Lots of project managers thought that the digital tablet was going to solve all their problems. But from day one, they found themselves juggling between applications that did not communicate with each other, waiting for files to load on a fickle network and explaining, for the umpteenth time, to their 55-year-old colleagues how to access digital maps (And we get along: we have nothing against our colleagues over 55, digital technology does not replace experience!).
This situation is far from unique. Indeed, the promise of construction without papers often clashes with the reality on the ground. Procedures, which are supposed to be simplified, sometimes become complex. Digital tools, poorly mastered due to lack of adequate training, slow down work instead of speeding it up. And when a bug occurs or the connection drops, the entire construction site is paralyzed. Ironically, some find themselves printing documents or filling out Excel files “just in case”, creating a new form of paperwork, parallel to the digital system. In short, the digital revolution, which is supposed to free us from bureaucracy, sometimes seems to create a new one, more modern, but just as frustrating.
Ironically, some find themselves printing documents “just in case,” creating a new form of paperwork that runs parallel to the digital system. The digital revolution, which is supposed to free us from bureaucracy, sometimes seems to create a new one, more modern, but just as frustrating.
To really succeed in integrating digital technology into your projects, it is essential to focus on 3 essential pillars and not to neglect them.
Training is critical. It is imperative that every member of the team, from the novice to the most experienced, receive extensive training on the new digital tools. This approach recognizes that mastering these technologies can be complex and requires time and practice, just like learning traditional trade skills. Leading companies set up continuing training programs, allowing gradual and effective adaptation to new technologies implemented in the company.
Hours lost due to bugs or connection issues can cost a project a lot. To anticipate this problem, invest in software that has responsive and available technical support. Not only on paper, but also in practice! Ask your peers or on the internet about the quality of technical support before opting for software.
Finally, the careful choice of digital tools is essential. Instead of always opting for the most sophisticated solutions, select tools that really match the needs of the site and the skills of the team. The focus should be on ease of use and adoption by all, rather than technical complexity. A simple tool, but used effectively by all members of the team, is often much more productive than high-performance and expensive software that no one fully masters.
Admittedly, implementing these changes requires a bit of time, patience, and some adjustments. However, businesses that adopt this approach see a significant improvement in productivity and, in turn, in the customer experience. Teams adapt quickly, productivity increases, and even the most reluctant end up enjoying digitization, recognizing the practical benefits it brings to their daily work.
The digital revolution in the construction sector is a complex transformation project that requires an agile and collaborative approach. Businesses need to understand that digitization is a continuous process, requiring a well-defined strategy and effective change management.
To succeed in the transformation, construction actors must adopt a gradual approach. Thus, project owners and design offices are setting up short-term transformation goals, focusing on the gradual integration of tools. Beyond the traditional CRM for manage the customer portfolio, the visualization of the project as a whole becomes a prerequisite for competitiveness. For example, a team could first become familiar with the BIM (Building Information Modeling) before moving on to the use of connected objects on the construction site. This approach allows employees to adapt to new uses without being overwhelmed by too many simultaneous changes.
La communication plays a crucial role in this process. Your managers should encourage collaborative work and create an environment conducive to the sharing of experiences. Regular meetings can be organized to discuss transformation issues, share successes, and discuss challenges. This transparency helps to keep the team motivated and to adjust the strategy if necessary.
Collaborative learning is proving to be a powerful lever. Employees who adapt quickly to technology often become actors in transformation, guiding their colleagues. This internal support system reinforces corporate culture and accelerates the adoption of digital solutions.
It's important to recognize that digital maturity is evolving in a non-linear way. Some days, the team may regret the old ways, while others, they will marvel at the opportunities that digital technology offers. You will have to prepare your teams for this reality, stressing that these fluctuations are an integral part of the process.
La digital transformation of the construction sector represents a profound change that affects all aspects of the industry. To make this transition successful, you need to rethink how you work. This new era brings with it powerful transformation tools such as BIM, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, which offer unprecedented opportunities to innovate and increase productivity.
However, making this transformation involves much more than adopting new technologies. It requires an internal transformation, affecting both the skills of employees, organizational processes and corporate culture. Businesses must instill a culture of innovation and agility, while placing customer relationships at the heart of their strategy. Over the next few years, a successful transition will become a must, both for private contractors and for civil engineering with public works. The transformation of the construction sector is imminent and will affect all trades!
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