Digital Technology in Construction for an Improved ROI

Digital technologies are disrupting the construction industry by revolutionising design, engineering, and operational workflows. These technologies include document collaboration platforms and 2D & 3D design tools that impact the entire Building Information Modelling (BIM) cycle. By streamlining workflows, increasing efficiency, and optimising resource allocation for construction projects, digitisation helps construction businesses improve their ROI. Moreover, the socioeconomic impact of digitisation is worthwhile.

A recent publication by Statista reveals that the construction industry contributes over 6% of the global GDP. By 2030, it is projected to double compared to 2020 and reach $14.4 trillion.

This article will discuss how digitisation can help construction businesses improve ROI by improving AEC teams' efficiency by streamlining workflows. Let's discuss this in detail.

How Digital Transformation Improves Construction ROI?

Integrating the right technology in the tech stack of construction companies is a game-changer in terms of improved ROI and several other factors like reducing carbon footprint, ensuring client satisfaction, and staying ahead of the competition. The technology aims to tackle key challenges in the industry, such as:

• Project delays,
• Cost overruns,
• Compromised team productivity,
• Lack of insights and visibility,
• Logistics and supply chain deadlocks.

AEC decision-makers are implementing across-the-board digitisation and experiencing a significant increase in ROI. But how do digital technologies address these challenges? The following are two critical areas in which digitisation enhances & optimises the profitability of construction companies.

1. Workflows Automation & Optimisation

Construction teams work on various interconnected workflows and processes. Enriching collaboration and automation of these workflows ensures high productivity, reduced risks, and avoids clashes to help construction companies compete in the highly dynamic and aggressive market

For instance, Bluebeam Revu, the leading PDF collaboration tool, streamlines collaboration among remote teams by enabling effective communication and information sharing throughout the project lifecycle. Bluebeam redefines AEC workflows by allowing professionals to perform accurate quantity takeoffs and estimations.

Bluebeam’s market-leading, industry standard markup and measurement tools support project progression and ensure the conservation & consistency of critical project data. Moreover, scripting commands in Bluebeam Revu (Bluebeam Complete subscription) offer numerous automation capabilities, allowing construction teams to automate repetitive processes, optimise efficiency, and increase overall productivity.

2. Increasing Efficiency

Bluebeam Revu aids AEC professionals in ensuring accurate material quantities (takeoffs and estimations) and high-quality project deliverables. Timely delivery of projects that match all the regulatory, quality, and industry standards help construction companies build rapport with clients, optimise resources, and make savings in their budget expenditure significantly.

Data passed and shared between the design, engineering, construction, and operation phases of the project must be up-to-date, consistent, scrutinised, and error-free. Bluebeam subscription also gives you access to Bluebeam Studio and Cloud for seamless collaboration. Bluebeam Cloud, a cloud-native platform, ensures well-connected remote collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.

Bluebeam users can use Bluebeam Cloud on their laptop, tablet, or iOS and Android devices, anywhere and anytime. It allows users to create projects, upload PDF drawings, invite team members, and use different markups and field tools which can be customised for different trades and teams.

Digitising Construction - Bluebeam Case Studies

Case Study 1 - THE WEITZ COMPANY

Weitz Company aimed to enhance their preconstruction process by improving standardisation and consistent flow of non-redundant & updated information, especially for 2D quantity takeoffs and estimations. They were using traditional methodologies and software for taking measurements but fell short in facilitating the desired flow of information. The reason was only a few team members had the software, and data was not shared with other teams. To overcome this issue, they turned to Bluebeam Revu. Weitz began using Revu for their quantity takeoffs and creating custom tool sets based on CSI standards, which allowed them to track data digitally in one list and share it downstream. Revu's custom profiles provided an easy way to store display settings, ensuring consistency across offices and teams.

By implementing Bluebeam Revu for quantity takeoff and estimations, organisations can achieve standardisation, ensuring consistent methodologies and seamless workflows across their remote teams. An efficient estimation strategy allows experts to accurately capture dimensions and quantities to create more comprehensive and accurate bids. As a result, it reduces the risk of budget overruns and maximises the likelihood of winning the bid.

This is how Weitz Company used Bluebeam Revu to digitise construction workflows and improve ROI.

Case Study 2 - Turner Construction Company

In 2010, Turner Construction Company conducted a case study highlighting their efforts in reducing paper costs while constructing the Cobb County Superior Courthouse in Marietta, Georgia, USA. The project team utilised Bluebeam Revu for most drawings submittal, which resulted in a 65% reduction in reprographic fees and a 50% reduction in courier fees.

Motivated by cost-saving agenda, the team set sights on more digitised communication during the second half of the project, including snagging lists, PDF drawings, and operation and maintenance (O&M) Manuals. The team used tablet PCs to digitally track issues and review drawings on-site, reducing 84,780 pages, resulting in a 73% cost savings on project-related paper costs.

At project completion, most of the building documentation was delivered electronically in PDF format, with only one printed set submitted. This approach demonstrates the success of the team's efforts in reducing paper costs through the utilisation of digital technology.

Explore how Bluebeam is helping the construction industry become more sustainable while increasing efficiency and profitability.

Digitising Construction - Challenges and Solutions

Conclusion

Digitisation in construction has revolutionised the way construction companies operate to be competitive. By unleashing the true potential of digitisation, the construction industry can improve its operational efficiency, streamline workflows, cut budget expenditures, and increase productivity, ultimately leading to better ROI. From using cloud-supported tools like Bluebeam to adopting 2D & 3D design tools like BricsCAD & SketchUp, construction businesses can optimise their workflows and enhance collaboration among remote teams.

Digitisation in construction is the only way AEC companies can survive and thrive in the highly competitive market. Brighter Graphics understands the importance of Digitising construction and offers a complete suite of digital solutions, including Bluebeam, BricsCAD, and SketchUp, to help construction businesses transform and grow. Our support and training focus on helping businesses navigate the digital landscape and get the most out of disruptive digital technologies. Feel free to connect with Brighter Graphics and make your onboarding & digital transformation journey seamless.