The use of data within the construction industry is growing rapidly. Data streams are playing an increasing role in the design, execution and management of projects. To make that data truly valuable, it is crucial that organizations create the right awareness around data use. Everyone needs to understand that his or her contribution to data quality directly affects the success of a project - even if it's not immediately visible. But how do you ensure that all noses are pointed in the same direction?
Corporate culture and digital transformation
Every organization has its own culture: a way of working and making decisions. Not everyone immediately sees the benefits of a new, data-driven way of working. Impositions are often counterproductive and can even slow down the process. Change management is therefore essential in digital transformation in construction. Including employees in the benefits of data use ensures support and better results.
Openness and practical examples
Be transparent and show with practical examples the risks involved in poor data management. Think of high failure costs, errors due to wrong information or duplicate work. Also show what would have been possible with well-organized data flows. A real-time dashboard can make this insightful: data are presented visually and not just as long strings of numbers. This increases engagement and convinces employees of the added value of data usage.
Ownership and responsibility
Get employees to take responsibility for their own role in the data process. Whether in design, implementation or management, each discipline provides crucial input. When colleagues take ownership of their data, they feel more responsible for delivering, checking and using it. This encourages data quality and prevents errors in later phases of the project.
Standardize and benefit
A common language is necessary to make data use within projects successful. Open standards such as IFC, COINS and ISO 19650 offer a solid basis for this. Combine this with practical checklists and quality controls during reviews and deliveries. In this way, data management becomes an integral part of normal work processes, and not an 'extra task'. The result? More efficient collaboration and higher project quality.
Training and collaboration
Because data, automation and system integrations are constantly changing, continued learning is crucial. Short and regular training sessions on data quality, new tools and working methods keep everyone up to date. This keeps the organization flexible and keeps everyone on the same page.
Visit DigiBouw 2025 and put your organization ahead digitally
Want to know more about AI on the construction site? Visit DigiBouw on November 19 & 20 in the Beatrix Building in Utrecht and get your organization digitally ahead.
