Construction as a mirror for IT: get maximum value from your IT department

Optimise where it counts: focus on the right IT processes 

Improve ERP performance without costly downtime 

ERP systems are at the heart of many construction companies, but they are also often a bottleneck. Long response times, poor integrations and error-prone workflows can shut down projects. 

Advice: 

• Use performance-monitoring tools/telemetry to spot bottlenecks early. 

• Automate your monthly batch processes to avoid downtime. 

• Start smart AI monitoring for predictive management of critical processes, such as invoicing and resource allocation. 

Document management: one system, no discussions 

The reality? Inconsistent versions of construction drawings and miscommunication between the office and the construction site cause delays. As a result, errors and poor communication are also known causes of failure costs. 

Tackle it immediately: 

• Implement version control with automated workflows for approval. 

• Opt for a cloud-based platform with mobile access for the construction site to avoid duplication of work. 

• Also hook up chain partners to your document management so that all stakeholders get to work with the right documents. 

BIM integration without friction 

BIM only delivers real value when all tools communicate seamlessly with each other. Inadequate data flows between BIM software and other systems lead to loss of crucial insights. 

Optimisations: 

• Provide API links that synchronise live data between BIM and ERP platforms. 

• Integrate BIM data with project progress dashboards so that project managers can immediately see where delays are imminent. 

Asset management: insight through automation 

Equipment that is untraceable or requires unscheduled maintenance can unnecessarily delay projects. 

Action points: 

• Implement IoT solutions for equipment tracking with real-time updates. For example, such as Hilti’s On!Track. 

• Automate maintenance planning based on usage data to prevent downtime. 

Predicting risks with AI: from reactive to proactive 

AI helps construction companies predict risks and reduce failure costs. Think of tools that automatically tell you when to place orders or detect deviations in schedules even before a project threatens to stall. 

Quick win: 

• Start with a pilot in which you deploy AI-predictive analytics for one specific process, such as time registration or supplier performance. 

• Reinforce this by making results visible in dashboards that connect directly to your existing IT landscape. 

Sustainability requires data-driven solutions 

The construction industry is becoming increasingly strictly regulated in terms of CO2 emissions and material consumption, in addition, the vast majority of industry participants are subject to a reporting obligation via the CSRD. IT can accelerate in this by bringing all data on emissions and usage together in one overview. 

Read more about data collection for the CSRD in this blog: Collecting data for the CSRD: start your preparation! 

Quick win: 

• Build a reporting dashboard that shows CO2 emissions and consumption per project site. 

• Integrate sensor data from vehicles and installations to give real-time insight to project teams and subcontractors. 

From fragmented data to a single platform 

Multiple separate systems with their own data silos slow down decision-making and lead to misunderstandings. 

Approach: 

• Opt for a single ITSM platform that brings together project data, incident reports and changes. 

• Implement a ‘single source of truth’ strategy through integrations between your ERP, document management and BIM solutions. 

Pro-tip: 

Start small: for example, by setting up project administration centrally and rolling it out step by step to other departments. 

Solving staff shortages through automation 

IT teams also face capacity shortages. As operational tasks pile up, strategic work is compromised. 

Solutions that work: 

• Automate patch management, user requests and reporting processes with RPA (Robotic Process Automation). 

• Use self-service portals to outsource repetitive tasks such as password resets to users themselves. 

Create support: put IT and project teams at the same table 

The success of digitisation hinges on cooperation between IT and project teams. Introducing new tools only works if users are involved in the process. 

Approach: 

• Organise joint innovation sessions in which teams offer suggestions for improvements. 

• Chart results immediately to build trust and encourage further adoption. 

Step into the role of digital leader today 

Do you want your construction company to remain at the forefront of a competitive market? Then the IT department is not just a support service, but a strategic building block. 

Three actions you can start taking right away: 

1. Audit your ERP performance: Which processes take too much time and cause downtime? 
2. Analyse your collaboration tools: Which tools provide real value, and where can integrations be smarter? 
3. Automate repetitive tasks: Set up a pilot for patch management, reporting or document version management. 

Construction is digitising at a rapid pace. IT is driving that transformation. Make sure your team is ready to take on that role.