Embrace digital transformation or risk going out of business says NBS

In a recent report from NBS mapping the use of digital technologies across the construction 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 at the First Friday Club supported by Constructing Excellence North East and Watson Burton.

Having mapped the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the UK for almost a decade, NBS, a technology platform for the construction industry, decided 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