Data: the first step to harnessing AI in construction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the construction industry, and if you’re not yet on board or using AI as effectively as you can yet, read on.

Disruptive technologies such as AI have the potential to positively transform various facets of the construction industry, ranging from design and planning to project management. However, to be effective with your AI adoption goals, there’s one key element that needs to be considered as your first step: data.

Why data is the foundation for AI in construction

What does data have to do with AI adoption? These are great questions – ones I’m sure are crossing your mind right now.

The answer lies in the Common Data Environment (CDE). A CDE is a centralised hub of information stored in the cloud and accessible across teams and project members.

The CDE stores and provides access to your data in one location and is a crucial first step towards AI adoption – particularly in areas like construction, design, and project management where data is often dispersed and unstructured. Messy data, put simply, creates inefficiencies and can increase the costs, time and resources associated with a project – the opposite of what you want.

Having a good CDE in operation is the first step to harnessing the power of AI, which can in turn provide real-time predictive modelling, monitoring and reporting, mitigating risks and enhancing project strategies.

Here's a more detailed look at why a CDE is so important

A good CDE serves as a single ‘source of truth’ for the collection, management, storage, and dissemination of your data. It ensures that all relevant information is stored in one location, providing a unified and reliable data source accessible to all project participants. What’s not to love about that?

A cloud-based CDE will provide always-on access to all team members, from the boardroom to the worksite – supporting dynamic and flexible workflows. It will also provide:

• Efficiency by centralising data, ensuring that all relevant information is stored in one location and making it easier for AI systems to access the large datasets they need for effective training. This central repository eliminates the need to search through multiple sources, saving time and reducing the risk of missing important data.
• Elimination of data redundancy and inconsistencies as all team members and systems pull from the same dataset. By having a unified data source, duplication of effort and conflicting data are minimised – leading to more reliable project outcomes
• Streamlined access to your data, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiencies. Users can retrieve the information they need quickly, which is particularly useful in fast-paced project environments.

Aurecon leverages datasets to innovate with AI

Aurecon is a design, engineering and advisory company with over 7,800 employees and a strong presence across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Dedicated to innovation and advancement, Aurecon is embracing the technology revolution in construction and is committed to socially responsible AI utilisation.

According to Matt Hayward, Aurecon Digital Lead, Land and Water New Zealand, “In 2024, the construction industry is seeing new advancements in AI technology… AI is a highly valuable tool in construction, but its success is reliant on accurate and up-to-date datasets. 2024 will be the year that organisations focus on the fundamentals, prioritising robust procedures and policies to maintain the protection, security, and privacy of these datasets.”

He's not wrong. These are the fundamentals for innovation, and there’s never been a better time to get on board.

Maintaining accurate, reliable datasets is one key function of a good CDE, which standardises how data is stored and formatted, establishing uniform protocols for data management and ensuring quality control and consistency across the board.

To learn more, check out all the findings in the full eBook AI in Construction: Steps to Success and Value Realisation.