If you are wondering what to do with the data you have been accumulating on your projects, you are not alone. Many MEP professionals are trying to decide how to make data useful in a consistent way. Yes, it’s important. Yes, you need to do something with it. But where do you start?
When you consider all the data you now have the ability to collect on a job, the first thing to be aware of is that your data is not perfect. It needs to be cleaned and organized before you can have consistent information that you can put to use.
More now than ever, you have the opportunity to integrate data into processes where you have not previously had it. Companies in the construction industry are realizing that their data is more flexible, relevant and useful than previously imagined.
In fact, you can reach the point of information overload. It is best to decide what about your business you can improve by using the data you have access to. You might harness it to solve a business challenge that you have. What business problem do you want to solve? Choose an opportunity where you can improve your business or solve a pain point.
If you’re not sure you can transform your company to meet these challenges, keep in mind that the construction industry has some of the best problem solvers because time is money. They continually have to solve problems, while remaining precise and flexible.
Construction companies have faced two kinds of risk for hundreds of years. There is a risk in going too fast or too slow, and there is a risk from bad information. And yet, as a case in point, companies have been resilient in coping with the pandemic, and they will continue to be flexible and adaptable. Most have proven they can change and adapt when it’s critical, and they can do so quickly.
So, the digital transformation that is taking place throughout the industry can be achieved. There is an increasing need to share and transfer information digitally. For example, compliance is often requiring a digital product. Every aspect of the job has the potential to carry similar requirements. In that case, when the entire project needs to achieve a similar plateau, your company will have to find a way to meet those requirements in a way that is not problematic to you.
The digital transformation centers on culture, people and attitudes. Just a few people with digital skills can collaborate within companies to accomplish this goal. These will be the holistic thinkers who can influence change and help you propel your company forward.
Some things about technology are inevitable because they increase the value of construction projects long-term. These types of innovations are likely to be customer/owner-driven. For this reason, they are compelling and unavoidable.
Listen today to episode 102 of Bridging the Gap podcast where I talk with Dan McCarthy, CEO of Dodge Data and Analytics about risks, data, digital twins, hiring, and digital transformation. To hear more from Dan, don’t miss out on MEP Force where he will be the kick-off keynote.
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