Over 80% of entrepreneurs feel that the digitisation of the construction industry is not going fast enough, while for 48% the digital transformation of construction processes is a top priority. This is according to research by Canon Netherlands. The company that is recently published 'The national benchmark: Digitalisation in Construction'. Canon examined where the various players in the construction industry stand when it comes to improving building processes.
Among other things, the report looks at the digitisation rate of construction, its impact and the opportunities and bottlenecks of BIM. Several Dutch players in the construction industry, such as contractors, engineering firms, developers and installation and architectural firms, contributed to the study. They answered questions such as: How far is digitalisation in construction? What opportunities and bottlenecks do companies in this sector experience? Where are the priorities? What are their plans for the future? We have compiled some of the results of the survey.
High priority
Digital transformation is a high priority in the construction industry, even higher than margin increase, cost reduction and customer satisfaction
Not fast enough
Just under 40% of companies surveyed count themselves among the vanguard in terms of adopting new technological capabilities. Yet they feel that digitalisation is not happening fast enough.
Still a lot of paper
Yet 98% still use paper to a significant extent in addition, especially in the form of large-format drawings. That percentage is expected by respondents to drop to 82% over the next five years.
Smart methodologies
Most companies are already working with advanced methodologies and techniques such as BIM, Lean planning, 3D modelling and teleconferencing. Many companies plan to increase their use of collaboration tools and smart methodologies, such as BIM and Lean, in the next 12 months.
Digital impact
Companies see digitalisation mainly as an asset for image building and customer experience. In other words, they want to see it above all to raise their profile. Its value for reducing risks and increasing profitability is perceived as smaller. However, there is an awareness that digitalisation is important for improving design and construction processes.
BIM
The majority of companies have been working with BIM for more than five years, but mostly at the lowest level (3D modelling). Less than 10 per cent also do planning, estimating, and management with BIM. Improving communication with chain partners is the main objective when deploying BIM.
The full report can be downloaded here.
