With rising construction costs and ageing public infrastructure competing with new projects to meet growing population demands, the necessity for digital transformation in the construction industry is unmistakable.

The construction industry now stands at a crucial digital crossroads.

The decisions we make today will determine whether we fully realise the transformative potential of emerging digital tools.

Will asset owners, designers and contractors seize this opportunity, or will we miss the vital signals and the many benefits new technology can bring?

There are those who argue that construction is too complex, costs too high and the challenges too formidable for comprehensive digital transformation to proceed. This perspective may hold true at a macro level, but it is vital to recognise that, on a smaller scale, with a dedicated focus and a commitment to collaboration, digital transformation can rapidly deliver tangible results.

Leading the charge with digital innovations and investment

At Fulton Hogan, we have not only embraced digital advancements but are leading the charge with calculated risks, strategic investments and enhanced cooperation with our clients and design and delivery partners.

The implementation of cutting-edge digital tools and processes has markedly increased our efficiency, productivity and safety. Furthermore, these advancements have significantly improved our project management and delivery capabilities, fostering superior data-driven decision-making across the business.

We’ve invested in the development of a bespoke 3D scanning tool – FHRapidView^® – along with LiDAR-capable devices for our staff to use in the field. This advanced technology and proprietary software enables accurate, geo-located and real-time data capture that is shared quickly with our clients and delivery partners.

We can now capture 3D data of our stockpiles, structures, trenches and other assets, upload that data into our geospatial platform or BIM environment, and enable our teams to make better informed data-driven decisions.

Infrastructure is about playing the long game, and we need to take same approach to investing in our people and digital tools and systems.

Despite current cost and resourcing pressures, the long-term productivity benefits throughout the planning, build, operation and maintenance of infrastructure outweighs the upfront investment.

The crucial role of collaboration in digital transformation

With our tech infrastructure and team in place and the benefits becoming increasingly evident, it is now time that our clients and industry partners collaborate with us in this digital transformation journey.

The potential within the construction industry is vast, yet unlocking this potential necessitates collective action. Sharing the risks, learnings and opportunities inherent in digital transformation is essential. Clients, consultants and contractors must collectively embrace digital tools and an innovative mindset throughout the lifecycle of an asset to fully harness these benefits.

Our recent success story with the Asset Management Data Standard (AMDS) in New Zealand showcases what concerted efforts can achieve. The NZ Transport Agency’s collaboration with the construction and asset management sectors to develop the standard has provided the basis for significantly improved land transport investment decision-making. AMDS stands as a testament to the foundational impact collective efforts can have on our sector’s digital transformation.

Envisioning a digitally transformed future

Digital transformation paves the way to a future where data-driven decision-making optimises asset lifecycles, predictive analytics pre-emptively addresses potential issues and augmented reality enhances design and on-site troubleshooting.

Imagine a future where all stakeholders collaborate seamlessly via integrated digital platforms, reducing project timelines and costs while elevating quality and safety standards. Building Information Modelling (BIM) will be a cornerstone in these initiatives, ensuring that all parties work with synchronised, up-to-date information to minimise errors and rework.

Our vision for the next wave of digital transformation is clear: it must unite clients and industry stakeholders in a shared commitment to innovation and the adoption of new developments, grounded in standards like AMDS.

We are eager to engage more closely with our clients and partners to navigate their experiences and challenges as we collectively move forward.

Who will join us in the digital fast lane? The traffic signals are turning green and the time for action is now.

– Bevan Sandison, General Manager Engineering Solutions, Fulton Hogan