Digital Revolution: Igniting Productivity in Digital Project Management
As the world evolves rapidly with technological advancements, construction and project management businesses in New Zealand need to start leveraging digital tools to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and deliver projects with efficiency and precision.
We’re in the game of getting (good) sh!t done which means continually developing our project management skills and challenging the status quo with epic technology.
Embracing digital transformation isn't merely a matter of staying relevant; it's about survival and growth in a highly competitive market. From safety upgrades to highways to commercial fit-outs, the construction sector is witnessing a paradigm shift propelled by digitalisation. From streamlined processes to data-driven insights, we delve into how BPM is not just riding the digital wave but leading the charge in driving unparalleled productivity. The future of our industry is digital, and we're here to guide the way.
It’s not all about BIM
BIM (Building Information Modelling) has undeniably transformed the way buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained, providing a collaborative platform that improves communication, and facilitates better project delivery with fewer clashes and/or errors. But the digital future of construction extends far beyond BIM, encompassing a range of tools and technologies designed to address the multitude of challenges and inefficiencies in today’s construction process. The hard truth is, that while BIM has a great part to play in the productivity of the construction industry until it is economical to be used on small to medium-sized projects and we have a construction workforce capable of being paperless on-site, it will not become commonplace and therefore make the impact on an industry that it should/could have.
Let’s talk cloud-based stuff
At the heart of the technological revolution lies cloud-based project management software. These robust platforms serve as centralised hubs where teams can plan, organise, and execute tasks with ease. From scheduling and resource allocation to tracking progress and communicating with stakeholders, these tools provide a comprehensive solution to the complexities of project management. With real-time updates and seamless integration across devices, teams can stay aligned and informed, regardless of geographical barriers or time zones. By getting this right, we believe that we could just achieve that utopian state of ‘having more time’. Many moons ago, when our Managing Director was a fresh-faced site engineer, he recalls a contractor submitting an RFI requesting information on how to extend a 7-day week to 8 days. And while we may not be able to do that, if we’re able to create more productive time by reducing administration then we may just be able to answer that RFI (albeit nearly a quarter century later!!).
But I have software for that
Stop me if you’ve heard this one………business finds software (through Google search, software’s paid advert, or other), the business tries a demo or gets great sales pitch from provider, business begins using software poorly implemented, business discovers it doesn’t quite do what it wants and/or is fit for purpose so only uses 5% of what it’s capable of or has mixed levels of use from their team through-out the business or just stops using it entirely meanwhile the subscription continues to roll in the background costing money and more wasted time (and arguably the business is less productive than it was before!). Partnering with technology implementation providers is a way to avoid this mistake. To quote a reference from The State of Digital Adoption in Construction Report, ‘Partnering can assist time-strapped businesses to understand the latest technology trends in a rapidly evolving field’. Follow the link to read the report for yourself or get in touch with our friends over at ConTech Solutions who can assist in your digital transformation.
We’re still all about the people
No point in having all this techy malarky if we don’t have the people to work it right!? Amidst the plethora of technological tools and solutions, it's essential to remember that success in digital project management in construction ultimately depends on us. While technology can streamline processes and boost productivity, it's the project management skills, dedication, and creativity of team members that truly drive success. Therefore, we invest not only in cutting-edge tools but also in fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation.
In conclusion, the digital revolution needed in New Zealand's construction industry holds immense promise for enhancing productivity, driving innovation, and shaping the future of building practices. By embracing digital transformation and harnessing the power of emerging technologies, we can unlock new opportunities for growth, and sustainability and of course, get (good) sh!t done.