The biggest buzzword in construction right now is AI, and it’s for good reason. The construction industry is facing some big challenges, including higher labour costs, a lack of skilled workers, the cost of raw materials, growing competition and economic uncertainty. Just to name a few. The big question is: what are companies doing in response to these challenges?
What we’re seeing a huge take-up in the use of AI to mitigate some of these challenges. Construction businesses across the Asia Pacific region are using AI for predictive insights; to improve profitability; in the use of generative design; subcontractor evaluations and more.
A joint research report by Deloitte and Autodesk found that 30% of surveyed construction businesses in the region are currently using AI and machine learning (ML), while 38% plan to do so in future. And according to research by Accenture, the application of AI could lead to profit increases of 71% for the construction industry by 2035. These are big numbers and can’t be ignored.
What we know is that AI can massively increase profitability and dramatically reduce project costs for the construction industry, with tangible benefits focusing on radical efficiency gains, the early prevention of construction risk and improved everyday decision-making.
However, embracing AI is not just about adopting new tools; it requires a big shift in how we manage data, collaborate, and innovate.
Adopting and integrating AI, supported by a robust Common Data Environment (CDE), will unlock entirely new levels of efficiency, safety, and sustainability in construction.
A CDE is a centralised hub of information stored in the cloud and accessible across teams and project members. Adopting the right CDE will support your AI integration efforts by providing a platform and central hub for your data, which in turn will provide the foundation to harness the exceptional power of AI. With a good CDE, you’ll get real-time predictive modelling, monitoring and reporting, mitigating risks and enhancing project strategies.
In addition to having a good CDE as a foundation, companies who are implementing AI successfully are taking proactive steps and following these three key success factors:
If you want to succeed, you’ll need the best tools and the right support. Choosing an AI technology partner that is construction-specific with industry expertise, solutions and support is critical for the successful rollout of AI initiatives and will help you reap the rewards from innovation.
Autodesk can help you build your AI capabilities because it’s an industry-focused provider with decades of global experience in design, construction, and building operations. This deep industry domain and data experience means Autodesk can deliver more industry-focused intelligence and insights, leveraging larger language models to provide expert assistance. AI will serve as a digital assistant, but you will still have guidance and governance, controlling the final outcomes – just as it should be.
A recent study by McKinsey found that companies in APAC that invest in training programs are 60% more likely to successfully implement AI, and they’re not wrong.
With any innovation, giving teams the right tools and training are two key fundamental elements for success. Despite the big leaps AI is helping the construction industry take, we know that construction is primarily a human endeavour and it will remain so. Our workforce’s skills, expertise and innovation are essential to long-term success. Because of this, it’s critical to provide your team with the best training and development opportunities to build the right AI and data analytics skills within your team. At Autodesk, we support many of our clients with the tools and also the training to help their teams successfully implement. It’s not just about having the tools: it’s also about knowing how to effectively use them.
The construction industry needs tools and solutions that connect their teams, data and technology to break down silos and disconnected processes that hinder transformation.
To help teams with this journey of transformation, they need to lean into innovation through tools that connect construction – from design to plan, build, handover, and operations.
Fostering a culture of innovation that can do all this means creating an environment that encourages experimentation and collaboration across teams. By encouraging a forward-thinking, collaborative mindset, organisations can adapt to industry trends and maintain a competitive edge to thrive into the future.
To learn more, check out all the findings in the full eBook AI in Construction: Steps to Success and Value Realisation.
