In the construction industry, keeping pace with technological advancements is not just beneficial but essential.
The latest research from PlanRadar, offers up an in-depth analysis of the sector’s digitalisation trajectory. Surveying over 1300 professionals from 15 countries, including the UK, the report, titled ‘Digitalisation in the Construction and Real Estate Sector’, gives a panoramic view of the current state and future prospects of digital integration in this industry.
Current State of Digitalisation
Despite growing awareness of the benefits of digital technology, the construction sector has shown a conservative approach towards its adoption.
The PlanRadar survey reveals that in the past three years, there has been a noticeable lack of investment in emerging technologies such as robotics (82% of respondents saw no increase), 3D printing (80%), artificial intelligence (75%), and virtual reality (72%).
This reluctance is indicative of an industry traditionally reliant on manual processes and hesitant to disrupt established practices.
Investment Trends and Barriers
The survey also sheds light on areas where investment has been more pronounced. Digital solutions for energy efficiency and renewable energy have seen notable investments (26% of respondents), reflecting the sector’s increasing focus on sustainability.
However, the adoption of technologies like project management software is inconsistent, with a significant proportion of respondents (26%) noting no investment in this area.
One of the main barriers to digital adoption is the perceived complexity of implementing new technologies.
As many as 77% of survey participants consider the introduction of new tech in their teams or companies to be challenging. This points to a need for more streamlined and user-friendly digital solutions that can be integrated with minimal disruption to existing workflows.
Growth Prospects and Regional Variations
Looking ahead, there’s a sense of optimism about increased digital investment. A vast majority (97%) of construction professionals anticipate a rise in digitalisation spending over the next three years.
The expected growth, however, varies significantly across regions. In Germany, Brazil, and Italy, respondents predict a substantial increase in investment (between 11% and 30%). In contrast, other countries, including the UK, anticipate a more modest growth.
Focus on Management Software and Sustainability
The primary areas of technological investment in the coming years appear to be construction management software, energy efficiency, and renewable energy solutions.
A significant 77% of respondents expect their companies to ramp up investment in project management software. This trend underscores the industry’s pressing need for efficient project planning, execution, and monitoring tools.
The investment in digital solutions for energy efficiency and renewable energy (68% of respondents expecting growth) highlights the construction sector’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
As global focus intensifies on reducing carbon footprints, the construction industry is aligning its practices with these broader ecological goals.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) at the Forefront
Another significant area of focus is Building Information Modelling (BIM), with 66% of professionals foreseeing increased investment. BIM’s ability to enhance project visualisation, improve accuracy, and facilitate better collaboration makes it a pivotal tool in the modern construction landscape.
Emerging Technologies: AI and VR
The role of AI and VR in construction is evolving. While their adoption is not yet widespread, about 43% of industry professionals expect investment in these areas to grow in the next three years. These technologies offer exciting possibilities for design, simulation, and project management, opening new frontiers for innovation in construction.
Robotics and 3D Printing: On the Horizon
Robotics and 3D printing, though not currently at the forefront of technological investment, are also set to see some growth. Approximately 27% of companies plan to increase their investment in these areas, signalling the sector’s openness to exploring more advanced and automated construction methods.
The PlanRadar survey shows a construction industry at the crossroads of a digital revolution. While there are challenges and varying degrees of readiness, the overall direction is one of progressive adaptation and adoption of digital technologies.
This transformation is poised to bring about significant efficiencies, cost savings, and improvements in project delivery, heralding a new era of innovation and development in the construction sector.
