Unlocking Productivity: How Construction Data Services Revolutionize Workflows, Reduce Errors, and Increase Transparency
How Construction Data Services Can Help Contractors Maximize Their Productivity
The key to success on any construction project is the ability to collect, organize and analyze data. Contractors who understand the value of data can maximize their productivity and gain a competitive advantage.
An effective way to manage data is with a common data environment (CDE). A CDE combines graphical and non-graphical information, as well as supports BIM workflows.
Streamlined workflows
Construction projects produce a massive amount of data. This information is not only generated during the build process, but also afterward. It’s important to properly store, access and analyze this information for future use.
Without a common platform, it can be difficult to keep all of the information for your project in one place. This is where a workflow system can help. Workflow integration offers seamless connectivity between software applications to maximize work efficiency and minimize errors like double data entries.
For example, Trimble Connect is a collaboration and communication platform for contractors and offers centralized data management. It provides a single source of truth (SSOT) for project documentation and automates submittal workflows. This ensures thorough evaluations and eliminates error-prone manual processes. Moreover, it allows users to share their data via multiple devices. This allows the user to communicate with team members in real time. This is a major benefit for contractors who must communicate with project stakeholders outside of the office.
Reduced errors
In construction, one unexpected issue can impact every aspect of a project. For example, an error in document or file processing can result in costly rework and delays. With construction data services, a single data source can help prevent these errors.
Construction teams work together to gather data and collaborate throughout the project lifecycle. This includes architects who design building and stylistic elements in architectural software, engineers who turn the designs into engineering software for costing purposes, and GCs who record as-built information on the jobsite using field technology.
The problem with this workflow is that the information is unstructured, causing inconsistency in format and even incorrect data. This study explores methods for structuralizing unstructured construction data, with a focus on using natural language processing and machine learning to correct the data. Streamlining this workflow will allow construction teams to deliver projects on time, improve their profit margins and ensure the safety of all personnel.
Increased productivity
Data-driven tools and systems provide insight into productivity and can help identify where efficiencies and cost savings are to be found. This is especially true for construction firms.
By analyzing data collected by telematics systems and other sources, contractors can optimize fleet sizes and machine requirements. This can prevent costly mistakes. It also allows managers to track performance to ensure productivity is on track and that projects are being completed within budget.
One of the most important benefits of these construction data services is that all relevant information can be stored in one place. This eliminates any ambiguity and provides complete transparency for business-critical decisions.
Using Trimble Connect, our collaborative common data environment platform, teams can easily manage graphical models and non-graphical project data. Additionally, the tool enables streamlined administrative processes like submittal review and change order approvals. This allows contractors to work faster and more efficiently.
Increased transparency
Data analytics can be used to improve workflows, automate tasks, find efficiencies and cut costs. This can be particularly helpful for the construction industry, which is one of the least digitised industries.
This type of data analysis can also be used to identify and mitigate risk. It can help to predict common roadblocks and ensure that a project stays on track. It can also be used to assess warranty claims and equipment performance.
The resulting transparency offers a more accurate picture of a project’s progress and can reduce the potential for costly delays. It can also lead to improved communication between key players, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. In addition, it can facilitate accountability by enabling team members to view their individual contribution. This helps to prevent miscommunication and ensure that all aspects of the construction process are covered. This is crucial to improving quality and reducing cost overruns. It can also help to create a more efficient workflow, making it easier for construction companies to meet their objectives and deliver high-quality results.