Blog: Digital Construction Week 2023: Key Takeaways and Learnings

Digital Construction Week is a top event for the construction industry, where professionals, leaders and innovators come together to explore the latest technologies, trends and best practices. We were both exhibitors and attendees at this event and had the chance to learn from construction experts and discover exciting new ideas and innovations in the field. Below are the main things we learned from the event:

Digital transformation is key: Thanks to digital tech, the construction industry is changing fast. To keep up, companies need to use digital tools to make their work easier, faster, and more collaborative. Much of the talk around this change is about how using data and digital tech can make projects better, more sustainable, and more competitive. Good communication and leadership are also essential. Other industries have already made the leap, and construction can learn from their success. One way to get started is by investing in an ERP solution made for construction. This kind of software helps you manage everything you need for a project, from finances to resources, all in one place.

Sustainability is top of the list: Construction companies are increasingly focused on sustainability as environmental concerns grow. They want to use eco-friendly materials and practices that reduce carbon emissions and promote stewardship. Since construction significantly contributes to carbon emissions, the industry is looking to digitisation, reduced waste, remote work, and offsite processes to make a difference. Technology is driving sustainability by improving efficiency, transparency, and profit. Many companies are turning to construction ERP systems to achieve sustainability goals while improving profitability. These systems provide a holistic approach to sustainability management and help companies meet their goals.

Collaborate to achieve more together: Collaboration is key to successful construction projects, and digital tech is making it easier than ever. Project management software and digital twins are just some tools that transform how projects are planned, designed, and executed. Discussions around collaboration included a session on successful collaborative leadership and the digital future of construction, focusing on cloud collaboration. Cloud-based ERP systems are a great way to facilitate communication between team members, providing real-time updates and enabling informed decision-making. They can integrate with other cloud-based tools like document management systems, making project management a seamless and collaborative experience.

Safety is still paramount: Safety is a top priority in construction, and the pandemic has made it even more important. Technology can help construction companies maintain safe working conditions and protect workers’ health. Wearables, sensors, simulation, and virtual environments are being used to improve worker training and safety. The Building Safety Act was discussed, emphasising the importance of digital asset management for safety compliance. Overall, the conference highlighted the need for digital transformation and the use of technology to improve safety management in construction. An ERP system like 4PS Construct can help companies proactively manage health and safety risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations, creating a safer work environment for employees.

Harness the power of data for better decision-making:  Construction companies must embrace data to stay competitive in today’s world. From IoT sensors to predictive analytics, data tools and technologies offer insights to support informed decision-making. Despite the potential benefits, the industry has been slow to adopt data-based solutions, relying on spreadsheets. Sessions on artificial intelligence, drones, and autonomous systems provided insight into the technologies’ potential benefits and challenges and how they may shape the future of construction. The industry needs to focus on connecting people, processes, and technology to make data easily accessible to decision-makers. Generative AI, like ChatGPT, will continue revolutionising the industry, making data management more efficient and accessible.

Several informative sessions addressed skills development and diversity in the construction industry. These sessions emphasised the significance of providing hands-on work experience for young people to foster their growth. The importance of promoting a diverse, fair, and inclusive workplace was also highlighted. Additionally, there were discussions on addressing unconscious bias, attracting and retaining diverse talent, and overcoming the challenge of low representation of women in digital leadership roles.

Digital Construction Week undoubtedly provided valuable insights and learnings that will shape the construction industry’s future in the years to come. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation in your construction business, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies is essential.

Get in touch today to learn more about how we’re driving digital transformation and innovation in the construction industry.