Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency through digitisation

[edit] The digital revolution

In today’s fast-paced construction landscape, the need for efficient, accurate and streamlined reporting has never been more crucial. As construction site supervisors juggle multifaceted projects, timelines and stakeholder expectations, traditional methods of reporting are riddled with inefficiencies. Handwritten notes, manual data collection and decentralised record management are time-consuming and prone to errors. The rigidity of conventional reporting templates further compounds these challenges. For construction site supervisors, these outdated methods translate to delays in decision-making, communication breakdowns and, ultimately, costly project delays.

Digital platforms are emerging as game-changers for project reporting, promising to revolutionise how supervisors handle site information. Yet, many construction firms remain tethered to traditional reporting methods. A 2020 study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors1 found that while over 70% of construction firms recognise the importance of digital transformation, a third allocate less than 3% of their total turnover to digital technologies. This reluctance to invest in digital solutions means many companies are missing out on the myriad of benefits digitalisation offers, such as streamlined workflows and cost savings, which this article will explore.

[edit] The promise of digital platforms

One of the most significant advantages of digital platforms in construction is the unparalleled efficiency they introduce. By eliminating the traditional burdens of manual data entry, these platforms drastically reduce the risk of clerical errors. This streamlined approach to reporting, combined with the capability for real-time data capture, empowers supervisors to instantly address discrepancies, thereby averting potential project delays.

Another standout feature of digital tools today is their centralised data processing. Digital platforms democratise information, ensuring all stakeholders have immediate access to the latest information. This transparency fosters trust, facilitates collaboration and ensures all project stakeholders are on the same page. Decision-making is more collaborative and informed, which will limit any errors that may lead to unnecessary rework.

With the advent of cloud-based solutions, data can also be backed up in real-time, ensuring that crucial project information is never lost and can be accessed any time, any place. This eliminates the tedious task of combing through multiple documents and the confusion that arises from conflicting data points. Embedded features that address data security can also ensure sensitive project information remains protected from prying eyes.

Recognising the unique nature of each construction project, the most effective platforms offer customisable reporting templates and integrate with other software solutions. This adaptability ensures that supervisors can rapidly produce reports and effortlessly tailor them to meet the specific needs of each client, expediting a laborious task for significant time savings.

More than efficiency

Technology is not the only thing evolving in UK construction. In light of expanding building safety legislation and sustainability reporting in the UK, accurate and timely record management is no longer simply a question of efficiency. Burgeoning requirements, such as the Building Safety Act and recent changes to Part L building standards underscore the importance of robust construction site reporting. Site supervisors must have their house in order to pass rigid safety assessments. Case in point, the recent introduction of Gateways 2 and 3 of the Building Safety Act emphasises the need for rigorous checks and documentation at various stages of the construction process for high-risk residential properties. This scrutiny could soon shift to the wider industry.

By leveraging these platforms, construction site supervisors can ensure they are not only meeting the legislative requirements but are also equipped to provide evidence of compliance to provide a comprehensive digital Golden Thread throughout projects. With a heightened focus on safety and accountability, the ability of digital tools to provide real-time, traceable and centralised documentation has become non-negotiable to safeguard projects from potential legal and operational challenges.

Importantly, evidencing compliance with sustainability and safety often solicits photographic evidence. The sophisticated photo management capabilities of digital platforms stand out here by eliminating the disarray commonly associated with traditional photo management. Where images and videos might have been scattered and hard to locate in the past, digital platforms allow them to be geo- tagged and pinned on digital construction plans using a mobile device and shared in real time throughout the compliance assessment process. These photos can also be systematically organised by project and seamlessly integrated into professional reports.

[edit] The way forward

The construction industry is at a crossroads. On one hand, the benefits of digital platforms are undeniable. On the other, there is a palpable hesitation among many firms to fully embrace these digital solutions. However, as the industry continues to evolve, the shift towards digitalisation is not just inevitable – it is imperative.

For construction site supervisors, the message is clear: digital platforms offer a way to streamline operations, improve communication and enhance overall project efficiency. By leveraging these platforms, supervisors can simplify their reporting duties, making it easier to handle multiple projects at once and speed up all documentation processes. Ultimately, going digital empowers construction teams to set the gold standard for excellence in reporting and address the challenges posed by traditional methods head-on, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

This article appears in the AT journal, issue 149 spring 2024 as 'The digital revolution: Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency' and was written by Rob Norton, UK Director, PlanRadar .

--CIAT

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