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Fundamentally, digital tools and AI transform and augment traditional practices, enabling better collaboration, greater control over the value chain and a shift towards data-driven decision-making. Design, construction and operational methods now incorporate innovative practices that improve efficiency.

Examples range from consultants leveraging digital twins with additional data on programmes, materials and costs — leading to better-informed decisions — to contractors performing real-time revenue calculations on cloud-based programs, offering unmatched analysis and forecasting capabilities.

Beyond the cost and time savings associated with digital tools, safety measures are also improving. For instance, machine learning can predict and flag quality or safety issues on a construction site.

Some of the first digital tools adopted by the construction industry remain integral to everyday tasks. For example, Excel rose in popularity in the 1990s, gaining traction once Microsoft introduced Visual Basic for Applications, allowing users to manage tasks and data more efficiently.

A 2020 survey by LetsBuild found that 85% of the industry still created estimates on Excel. Spreadsheets can save time and reduce costs associated with potential mistakes. However, they require accurate data input, good knowledge of formulae and difficulties in collaborating in documents can lead to errors and inaccuracies.

Another pioneering tool in the industry is computer-aided design (CAD), which dates back to the early 1960s when the first attempts were made to automate traditional drafting processes. CAD overhauled the existing process, bringing precision and speed.

Building information modelling (BIM) took this further by integrating data into 3D models. As well as providing a geometric representation of structure, BIM also integrates information about materials, costs and programmes, enhancing collaboration, reducing errors and offering a more accurate representation of the building throughout its lifecycle.

Like BIM, digital twins offer a digital representation but augment this by facilitating virtual interactions with assets and offering real-time updates. Because the digital twin matches the performance of its physical counterpart, scenario testing can occur, allowing for a digital rehearsal to optimise the building design and enhance its performance before construction.

Over the years, digital twin technology has become more affordable and powerful, with simulations leading to ever more capable insights. In addition to reduced costs and increased speed to project start, there are tangible ESG benefits for the industry and wider society, for instance, the predictive nature of a digital twin can test the suitability of new sustainably sourced materials.