BSI calls for construction organizations to digitally transform to gain a competitive advantage

24 October 2019

BSI launches new report designed to support organizations through their digital transformation journeys

Achieving true digital transformation within the built environment has previously been a near impossible task, according to BSI, the business improvement company. With compliance requirements, urbanization and sustainability demands, organizations are on a tightrope, balancing these priorities whilst trying to modernize their services at the same time.

The rise of new digital industrial technology, known as Industry 4.0 is arguably one of the most evolutionary eras the construction industry has ever experienced. Centred around the exchange and automation of information, this wave of digital transformation moves physical assets from static structures into connected ecosystems. Big Data, IoT and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are improving the way buildings are designed, made and maintained as they support machine-to-machine and machine-to-human communication.

However, research from BSI’s Digital Transformation Report has revealed that 32%[1] of construction professionals feel unprepared and behind in delivering digital transformation standards in 2019 and only 12%[2] of construction organizations would consider themselves as leaders in their field in terms of their digital transformation strategies. Whilst there have been some great advances from construction organizations, this lack of confidence is hindering the ability of others in the industry to modernize and deliver better services for their clients.

BIM, a key foundation of digital transformation in the built environment has helped construction organizations create collaborative environments from every phase to work together to overcome challenges and improve trust and increase profitability. BIM has also been found to reduce delays – in fact, BSI research found that using BIM processes have contributed to an average project time saving of 15%[3].

For those organizations looking to gain competitive advantage, reduce outgoings, work more efficiently and increase their resilience, standards will undoubtedly help to support a digital transformation strategy. The ISO 19650 series will provide a framework which allows the industry to work effectively, efficiently and to a high standard.

Andy Butterfield, Built Environment Managing Director at BSI comments, “In today’s competitive market, it’s no longer enough to sit back and wait for change to happen, especially as some construction organizations are already leading the way in digital construction. However, with the right digital transformation strategies and support in place, modernizing the services construction organizations offer clients is easier to achieve.”

Download BSI’s Digital Transformation Report, here.