How digitalisation is revolutionising project management – four concrete examples

Digitalisation has the potential to revolutionise the way we manage, control and carry out construction projects. In this article, we explore how digitalisation could affect project management in the construction industry.

Improved communication and collaboration

Digital tools, such as cloud-based platforms and project management software, enable real-time communication and sharing of information between all involved parties. This means that:

• Architects, engineers and contractors can share drawings and updates in real time
• Team members can provide feedback, ask questions and resolve problems faster
• Everyone has access to the same information, which reduces the risk of mistakes and misunderstandings
• The need for physical meetings is reduced, which saves time and resources
• Photographing and documenting the progress of the project can be done directly from the field.

Example: Company A uses a cloud-based platform in which it stores all the drawings and documents. When a change is made to a drawing, all parties involved are immediately notified, which reduces the risk of errors and delays. It is also possible to see who has made which changes and provide feedback directly in the drawings.

Increased efficiency as a result of automation

The automation of repetitive and time-consuming tasks can save time and reduce human error. By using digital tools, construction companies can automate scheduling and resource allocation and get real-time updates on project progress. It will soon be possible to use artificial intelligence to predict and prevent potential problems. In addition, digital tools can also be used to update inventory lists, track deliveries and assist with budget monitoring.

Example: Company B uses an AI-based solution that analyses past projects to predict potential bottlenecks in the current project. This helps achieve efficient reallocation of resources and avoid delays.

Improved risk management

Digital tools can be used by companies to identify and manage risks more proactively. With the help of data analysis, a construction company can:

• Track and monitor potential risks in real time
• Create digital checklists and safety protocols
• Use historical data to predict future risks
• Create a more robust risk management strategy based on quantitative data.

Example: Company C has access to a database with information about previous construction projects. By analysing this data, project managers and other relevant parties can identify patterns and predict potential risks in their current and future projects.

Better decision making through data analysis

Data is the key to making informed decisions. By collecting and analysing data, preferably a combination of data from different sources, construction companies can:

• Gain insight into project progress and the achieving of targets
• Identify trends and patterns that may not be obvious at first glance
• Compare current results with previous projects
• Make adjustments to a project while it is in progress, rather than waiting until it is too late
• Make decisions based on concrete facts rather than gut feeling.

Example: Company D uses a digital tool that collects data from all its construction projects. By comparing this data, the company can identify which methods and techniques work best and adapt future projects accordingly.

In other words, digitalisation provides the construction industry with a wide range of opportunities to improve project management. By using digital tools, companies can improve communication, increase efficiency, manage risks better and make more informed decisions. However, it is important to remember that technology is just a tool. Qualified, experienced people are still needed to ensure that projects progress as desired. But with the right tools available to them, these individuals can do their job faster, more efficiently and with greater precision than ever before.