What is Connected Construction?

ops
Jul 16
3 min read

Updated: Jul 18

Imagine the typical construction company 10 years from now. What will day-to-day operations look like for its engineering and constructing civil and building projects?

If you pictured a high-tech scenario where interconnected teams and technologies work together in highly collaborative, real-time working environments to increase productivity and efficiency, you might not be far off.

Connected construction is driven by data and collaboration

At its core, connected construction relies on data to inform decisions and uncover insights that boost productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability. It goes beyond simply linking machines or systems. Rather than a basic, one-off connection between tools or devices, connected construction represents a broader digital transformation. It’s about establishing intelligent data workflows that support real-time collaboration among diverse stakeholders—enhancing efficiency and outcomes throughout the entire project lifecycle.

By ensuring the right people have access to the right information at the right moment, teams can make smarter, faster decisions—leading to better project transparency and overall performance.

Many construction firms struggle with a host of challenges due to porr communication. Problems that will arise will likely make collaboration more challenging and undermine profit.

How traditional construction companies usually conduct business

Construction projects can develop in many ways. Some go smoothly and collaboratively, while others may be more turbulent and challenging. By closing the gaps between people, processes and technology, connected construction helps everyone identify and resolve problems faster.

It’s about having up-to-minute information to make better decisions right from the start of a project for better outcomes at the end.

Use data to improve team workflows

Today’s contractors want to be free of managing multiple single-solution software programs that struggle to work well together. Instead, they’re investing in scalable platforms that enable them to take advantage of the latest tech innovations, including virtual and augmented reality, robotics, predictive analytics and machine control, drones, next-level pre-construction detailing and estimating tools, real-time financial, enterprise resource planning (ERP), project management capabilities, and mobile workflow and collaboration solutions.

Better-managed projects and more streamlined processes – including the ability to process data in the field – can help firms achieve cost savings by reducing labor overheads and resource wastage, while also contributing to higher profit margins

“One of our biggest business advantages is our ability to move information quickly, accurately, and efficiently to our people and equipment.”

Britton Lawson, Director of Construction Technology, Veit & Company, Inc., United States

The connected construction experience brings construction processes–from design and financing to engineering and maintenance–together to make your projects more efficient and profitable

Exploring the connected construction experience

If you have access to a common data environment (CDE) and a standardized set of connected workflows for all stakeholders, departments, and disciplines of the construction process, we can eliminate the challenges through better communication.

But you might not be experiencing these benefits because you’re working in traditional business silos. This is why connected construction is so valuable.

A single source of data that anyone can access at any time will improve communication, reduce labor overheads and resource wastage, and generate greater profit margins.

How to make your move to connected construction

When introducing new technologies as part of your connected approach, ensure you have a roadmap that outlines your vision and includes practical steps for how different teams will use the technology.

A clear roadmap can help you convey your objectives and vision so that you can champion the benefits of the new technology.

“Technology allows us to deliver a product that is not just built ‘as planned,’ but is delivered ‘as intended,’ often allowing us to make recommendations and deliver a final outcome that exceeds original expectations.”

Jeff Buckley, Prefab/BIM Program Manager at Aldridge Electric, United States