In a recent report from NBS mapping the use of digital
technologies across the industry, 70% agreed that those who do not adopt
digital ways of working risk going out of business.
Over 500 people responded to the first Construction Technology Report from the Newcastle-based technology business which launched last week.
Having mapped the adoption of BIM in the UK over the last decade,
NBS wanted to run a parallel survey to provide a wider perspective of digital
transformation.
“Digital construction technology will finally become an enabler
for daily urban life worldwide, in combination with growth in offsite
construction and 3D printing,” said NBS CEO Richard Waterhouse.
“When developing, coordinating and sharing the information that is
needed on any project, there isn’t a single technology solution that does
everything. You cannot buy ‘BIM in a Box’ and this report shows the breadth of
tools our industry is using to strengthen their position and further digitise
their processes.”
Digital tools in use across the industry include: cloud computing,
AR, VR and mixed reality technologies, drones are becoming more commonplace and
many companies are advising that they’re already solving complex problems with
machine learning and AI.
Many are designing for offsite construction, with 41% doing so
now, and a third saying that they will be within the next five years.
The report shows that the potential is there for smart sensors,
the internet of things, material science development and robotics to vastly
change construction sites and design offices.
Richard continued: “Digital transformation is not simply the
adoption of a set of technologies.
“As we have seen over the last nine years with the continued rise
in the adoption of BIM, digital transformation is about creating a culture of
cooperation and innovation, supported by the use of digital tools.”
With 90% of respondents agreeing that digitisation will transform
how they work, particularly in changing how they communicate with clients and
how collaboration takes place, it’s no surprise that almost three quarters
agree that those who don’t adopt digital ways of working will go out of
business.
The report also includes case studies from Microsoft, Ryder
Architecture, BDP, Bond Bryan and IBI Group, sharing technology solutions and
software they use in combination with NBS specification products.
In tandem with renewed BIM processes responding to ISO 19650,
Parts 1 and 2, NBS continues to work closely with industry partners to
encourage digital transformation and industrial innovation, supporting the
evolving strategy of the UK Government.
To download the free report visit www.thenbs.com/ConTechReport
