The world is awash in technology. From smartphones and their related applications increasingly consuming our attention, to more recent innovations like generative artificial intelligence on the verge of upending countless industries, technology is constantly at the forefront of our world.
The construction business is no different. Even though the industry has a longstanding reputation as a laggard when it comes to technology adoption, in recent years—especially since the COVID-19 pandemic—construction has made tremendous strides in its embrace of digital tools to get more done with less.
In fact, according to a construction technology report by global real estate services company JLL, the industry managed to jam roughly 36 months of technology adoption into a single year thanks to the pandemic, which spurred a rise in remote work and need for digital communication and collaboration.
Paper Pervades
Despite the accelerated progress, too many construction firms still rely heavily on paper to manage essential workflows. This is especially true of smaller contractors, who often don’t have the dedicated information technology (IT teams and budgets to spearhead new technology implementations, leading them to believe that using today’s cutting-edge digital tools is out of reach.
As of 2020, the most recent year for which data are available, these small to medium-sized construction firms (SMB), which can range in size from one employee to a few hundred, represent about half a million of all total construction businesses in the United States alone. SMB firms represent similar proportions of all construction firms in Europe and the Asia-Pacific Region.
This means a large portion of the industry may be on the outside looking in when it comes to digital technology adoption, at a time when governments around the world are pushing these tools to make construction more efficient and environmentally sustainable.
Thankfully, it has never been easier for SMB construction firms around the world to adopt digital tools. In this article, we outline six reasons why it’s never been a better time for smaller construction firms to embrace the benefits that come with using digital technology.
Reason 1: The Hidden Costs of Paper-Based Workflows
Using paper for many construction processes and workflows may be familiar, but it’s likely eating into SMB owners’ potential efficiency and profits—more than you realize:
Printing costs: The ink and hardware required to print large construction documents isn’t getting cheaper, and tabulating these costs on a per-project basis is labor-intensive.
Potential for errors: Miscommunication is more likely with paper, as varying versions of documents physically travel from location to location with multiple collaborators commenting in potentially illegible handwriting.
Lost jobs: In today’s digital world, more and more general contractors and design firms require project partners to collaborate with digital tools, meaning firms stuck using paper-based workflows might miss out on work.
Reason 2: Evolving Tech Models Make Adoption Widely Accessible for SMBs
While the costs—both hidden and tangible—with using paper continue to climb, adopting digital tools has never been more affordable, even for smaller firms without IT teams and big budgets.
Lower upfront costs: The competitive landscape in construction has created an environment where it’s easy for firms to test new software products for free or with minimal financial commitment.
Lower total costs: Once a new digital solution is implemented, the ongoing costs for use continue to decrease, as most construction technology companies have shifted from expensive perpetual licensing models to monthly Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) subscription offerings. This gives contractors the flexibility to adjust, or even cancel, their plans if needed.
In all, this greater affordability and accessibility means smaller construction firms can vet, train and integrate new digital tools easily without large financial or lengthy time commitment
Reason 3: Efficiencies Gained with Digital Bolster Profitability
Lower total costs, paired with ease of testing and implementation, make embracing digital software tools an easy decision for SMB construction firms. But what makes today’s construction technology even more attractive are the efficiencies gained after putting them to work.
Moreover, as the construction industry continues to deal with a crippling skilled worker shortage amid a tight labor market, all while building and infrastructure demand remains high, construction firms that embrace digital tools can get more done in less time and with fewer workers—resulting in reduced overhead costs and more profits.
The time savings gained by streamlining document transportation and stakeholder collaboration alone are well worth the cost of digital adoption—but the cumulative impact of taking manual workflows digital for smaller construction firms can be life-changing.
Reason 4: Organized, Streamlined Communication and Collaboration
By taking previously paper-based stakeholder document reviews digital, firms can save time (and money) on several fronts:
Eliminating transportation: When various stakeholders need to sign off document reviews, they no longer have to be in the same room. Nor do documents need to physically travel between separate offices.
Minimize errors, potential for re-work: By taking previously manual markups and translating them into a clean digital environment, construction firms can drastically cut down on the possibility that illegible comments lead to jobsite errors, causing costly re-work Moreover, today’s digital collaboration tools automatically generate a detailed record of every comment or markup, eliminating the potential for miscommunication.
Single source of truth: By digitally storing and collaborating on the same documents, small construction firms reduce the risk that multiple versions are being circulated. This ensures that official project documents are being viewed by the right stakeholders with the correct permissions.
Reason 5: Anytime, Anywhere Access
The transient nature of construction means workers may be constantly on the move—from the office to the jobsite and vice versa. This is especially the case with smaller construction firms, whose owners likely spend most of their days traveling from one jobsite to another.
With today’s digital tools, workers can access critical project documents from anywhere on practically any device, whether it’s a laptop in an office or tablet or smartphone while in the field. No need to transport reams of physical copies to store in the back of a truck
By embracing construction-specific technology tools to store project documents, small construction firms can enable a level of security previously unattainable with paper. Most of today’s digital tools come with multiple layers of security, protecting sensitive project documents at a time when the industry is among the top targets of cyber criminals.
What’s more, the storage and backup capabilities embedded with these tools mean SMB owners can rest easy knowing their critical documents and project data are safe and secure.
Finally, at a time when all businesses are looking to reduce their carbon footprints, going digital gives construction a powerful yet simple way to drastically improve its sustainability efforts.
Getting Started on Your Digital Journey
Adopting construction technology tools doesn’t have to be scary. Thanks to the industry’s evolution, today’s digital tools have never been more tailor-made for smaller construction firms.
Ready to learn more? Give Bluebeam a try for free!
This is especially the case with Bluebeam, whose construction industry digital solution has allowed millions of customers around the world to cut down on the costs associated with analog, paper-based workflows in favor of streamlined, secure, and simple digital markup and collaboration tools.
If you have questions or need help upgrading your Bluebeam licenses, feel free to reach out to us at bluebeam@microsolresources.com.
The shift toward Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows in civil infrastructure projects represents a pivotal moment for the industry. Much like its transformative impact on the building sector, where BIM adoption grew from 17% in 2007 to being an expected standard for 75% of projects today, civil engineering is poised to benefit from enhanced efficiency, collaboration, and cost savings.
The Case for BIM in Civil Infrastructure
BIM’s adoption in civil projects is driven by its ability to address challenges previously unsolvable with 2D designs. Complex infrastructure scenarios, such as underground utilities, demand a 3D perspective to fully understand existing conditions and accurately plan for construction. The rewards of this model-based approach are evident—improved designs, better scheduling, fewer errors, and cost control.
However, the journey toward full BIM integration requires more than technological upgrades. Organizations must embrace cultural shifts, enhanced training programs, and redefined workflows to fully realize BIM’s potential. Pilot projects offer a low-risk avenue to test and refine these changes, gradually transitioning toward an enterprise-wide adoption.
People-Centric Change Management
The success of BIM adoption hinges on people. As the report emphasizes, fostering buy-in is critical. For individuals to embrace this transition, the benefits must be clear—streamlined updates, reduced redundancy, and collaborative efficiencies. Engineers and draftspeople alike must adapt to new roles, with engineers taking a more hands-on approach to modeling and draftspeople evolving into process managers or technical trainers.
Training plays a pivotal role in this transition. Organizations are leveraging “just-in-time” training and mentorship programs that bridge generational skill gaps. Younger professionals, often well-versed in 3D tools from gaming or education, bring fresh perspectives, while seasoned experts offer invaluable industry experience.
Process and Workflow Improvements
The shift to BIM presents an opportunity to reassess and optimize workflows. Standards and guidelines, often encapsulated in “BIM Manuals,” provide a foundation for consistent, collaborative practices. Enhanced data-sharing protocols, portable models accessible on mobile devices, and integrated cloud solutions ensure seamless collaboration across disciplines and geographies.
The model’s centrality fosters a unified “single source of truth,” enabling efficient clash detection, streamlined communication, and reduced requests for information. These advantages are especially critical for large-scale, multi-year projects involving diverse stakeholders.
Technological Evolution and Implementation
At the core of BIM workflows are cutting-edge technologies like 3D modeling tools, LiDAR scanners, and cloud-based platforms. These tools not only enhance accuracy and visualization but also democratize access to project data. Virtual construction techniques, for instance, allow teams to preemptively identify and address issues, minimizing costly on-site corrections.
Early adopters are setting the stage for widespread adoption by refining their workflows through iterative implementation. Successful pilot projects have demonstrated BIM’s ability to deliver projects on schedule and under budget, fostering greater confidence in the approach.
A Collaborative Future
The path to full BIM adoption in civil infrastructure is not without its challenges, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. Collaborative workflows, supported by open communication and shared responsibility, are key to realizing BIM’s full potential. As the industry continues to evolve, keeping an open mind and fostering innovation will ensure that BIM remains a driver of efficiency and excellence in civil engineering.
By embracing this transformation, firms and agencies can not only meet current demands but also pave the way for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future.
If you’re looking to implement BIM workflows and want expert guidance, Microsol Resources is here to help. Contact us at info@microsolresources.com to learn more about how we can support your BIM journey!
Traditionally, 2D and 3D takeoffs happen in separate applications, and then the data is brought together manually. The result is a disjointed and cumbersome process that takes a lot of time and effort. By unifying 2D and 3D workflows on a centralized platform, estimating teams can reduce the risk of scope gaps and inaccurate takeoff, leading to profitability.
Autodesk Takeoff is changing the way estimators win more work by combining 2D and 3D takeoff capabilities in a single, online solution. The unified solution allows estimating teams to quickly quantify elements from both 2D and 3D models and manage them alongside subsequent documents in a centralized environment.
Autodesk’s quantification capabilities are integral to Autodesk’s new vision for construction: a connected experience where data easily flows through every stage of construction. With connected construction, the industry will become more collaborative, efficient, and profitable for all builders. As part of Autodesk Construction Cloud’s unified platform and common data environment, Autodesk Takeoff will be available alongside Autodesk Build for the field teams and Autodesk BIM Collaborate for BIM and VDC managers in early 2021.
Having a single source of truth fosters collaboration and allows teams to work confidently, knowing they’re working with the most up-to-date documents and information. Here are a few other reasons and benefits for having a single source of truth:
Keep Teams Connected in Real-Time
Align estimators with construction teams with cloud-based data management that ensure everyone is working from a single source of truth. Eliminate oversight by giving the entire team access to the most up-to-date information.
Save Time With Automation
Save time creating competitive bids by performing more accurate 2D takeoffs and generating automated quantities from 3D models. Ensure that the most detailed quantities are captured to ensure the best project scope.
Reduce Risks with Insights
Avoid rework by visualizing project scope in 3D, allowing estimators to better understand design intent and constructability issues. Leverage a single inventory of 2D and 3D quantities throughout the construction process.
Create winning bids with Autodesk Takeoff
The combination of 2D and 3D takeoffs will help eliminate any type of oversight and streamline the process of how we do our takeoffs by having data points collected in a single tool.
David Vrabel
Estimator Herrero Builders
Collaborate across your estimating team, projects, and business
Centralize document management
Organize, distribute, and share files on a cloud-based, single document management platform, ensuring all team members have access to the same information and latest document set.
Avoid repetitive processes
Perform linear, count, or area takeoff with multiple quantities output and use custom formulas to generate complex quantities. Easily move existing takeoff to newer versions of the drawings.
Connect your data
Aggregated 2D+3D quantities can be rolled up by classification, type, and material. Easily export quantities to Excel and connect to your estimating solutions.
Simplify user management
Safeguard your projects with robust user-based permissions. Ensure the right people have access to the right data and tools.
Takeoff with speed and accuracy
Get access to quantities from the model for tremendous time savings and improved project scope visualization.
Improve Collaboration
Autodesk Takeoff breaks down data silos, allowing multiple estimators to collaborate on the same project.
Professional and Detailed Reports
Generate customized, detailed, and visually appealing reports to improve the presentation of your bid.
Autodesk’s quantification tool will eliminate cumbersome workflows of sharing data between multiple solutions.
John Mack
Virtual Design Department Manager Dome Construction
For more information about combining 2D and 3D takeoff capabilities in a single, online solution, contact us at construction@microsolresources.com.
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