How to Use Data to Overcome Preconstruction Challenges
Preconstruction is a critical phase of the construction process, as it sets the foundation for the entire project. During this phase, stakeholders work together to plan and design the building or infrastructure.
Preconstruction can be a challenging phase, as it involves many key decisions that can have a significant impact on the project’s outcome. To overcome these challenges, construction professionals are turning to data to make more informed decisions, which has helped avoid cost overruns and delays.
Platforms like https://www.alicetechnologies.com/product/preconstruction allow you to use data to your advantage, letting you simulate strategies and digitize core construction methods.
Nevertheless, here are some ways data can be helpful in countering preconstruction issues.
Identifying potential risks and opportunities
One of the most important ways data can be used during preconstruction is to identify potential risks and opportunities. This can be done by analyzing data from past projects, such as cost and schedule data, as well as data from similar projects currently in progress.
This can help identify potential issues that may arise during the project and allow construction professionals to develop strategies to mitigate these risks. For example, data can be used to identify patterns in past projects that led to cost overruns or schedule delays.
By analyzing this data, construction professionals can identify potential risks and develop strategies to avoid these issues in future projects. This can include things like better cost estimating, improved project management, or more accurate scheduling.
It’s important to mention that data should not be used in isolation, but rather in conjunction with other forms of information gathering and analysis, such as site visits and stakeholder interviews. Construction professionals should also be mindful that past data may not always be applicable to the current project, as every project is unique, and the context and circumstances can vary.
Cost savings
Data can be used to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved efficiency, such as by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks in the construction process.
For example, by analyzing data from past projects, construction professionals can identify areas where materials or labor were used more efficiently. This can help them identify opportunities for cost savings in future projects.
Evaluation of design options
Data can also be used to evaluate different design options.
Building information modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of a building that allows architects, engineers, and construction professionals to access and share information in real time.
BIM can be used to evaluate different design options and predict the impact on cost, schedule, and quality. This can help identify the best design option for a particular project, taking into account factors such as cost, schedule, and quality.
In addition to analyzing different design options, BIM can also be used to predict the impact of changes to a design on the overall project. This can be extremely useful during the preconstruction phase, as it allows construction professionals to make changes to the design that will have the least impact on the project’s cost, schedule, and quality.
BIM can also be used to predict the impact of different materials on the project. For example, by inputting different material options into the BIM model, construction professionals can predict the impact on cost, schedule, and quality. This can help them identify the best materials for a particular project, taking into account factors such as cost, schedule, and quality.
It’s worth noting that BIM is not only for new building projects. It can also be used for retrofit and renovation projects, allowing analysis of existing structures and identification of opportunities for improvement.
Additionally, BIM can be used to simulate the building’s performance and identify areas that require improvement. This can include things like energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Data, especially through the use of BIM, can be a powerful tool in evaluating different design options during the preconstruction phase.
By analyzing different design options and predicting the impact on cost, schedule, and quality, construction professionals can make more informed decisions and identify the best design option for a particular project. This can lead to more efficient and cost-effective projects, and ultimately, better buildings and infrastructure for end users.
Improvement in communication and coordination
Data can also be used to improve communication and coordination between all parties involved in the project.
With the use of digital tools and platforms, it is easier for all parties to share information and collaborate on a project. This can lead to more efficient and cost-effective projects, as well as improved quality.
Additionally, data can be used to track the progress of a project and identify any issues that may arise, allowing construction professionals to take corrective action. One example of how data can be helpful in communication and coordination is the use of project management software, which allows all members of the project team to access and share information in real time.
By using project management software, construction professionals can easily communicate and coordinate with each other, even when they are working remotely or on different parts of the project.
Another example is the use of 4D modeling, which combines 3D building models with schedule information. This allows construction professionals to visualize the construction process and identify potential conflicts or issues. This can be extremely useful in identifying potential scheduling issues and developing strategies to avoid them.
For example, if a construction professional identifies a potential conflict between the electrical and plumbing systems, they can work with the relevant parties to resolve the issue before it becomes a problem.
Furthermore, data can be used to improve communication and coordination by providing all members of the project team with a single source of truth. By having access to the same data and information, everyone is working with the same information, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or miscommunication.
This can be achieved through the use of cloud-based data storage, which allows all members of the project team to access the data from anywhere, at any time.
Moreover, data can be used to track the progress of the project and identify any delays or issues. For example, by using data from the construction schedule, construction professionals can identify if the project is on track, ahead of schedule, or behind schedule. This allows them to take corrective action if necessary, improving communication and coordination.
Overall performance enhancement
Data can also be used to improve the overall performance of a project. By analyzing data from various sources, such as sensors, drones, and other digital tools, construction professionals can identify patterns and trends that can be used to improve the overall performance of a project.
This can include things like energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. Additionally, data can be used to predict outcomes, such as the cost and schedule of a project.
Data can be a powerful tool in overcoming preconstruction challenges. By analyzing data from past projects, evaluating different design options, improving communication and coordination, tracking progress, and improving overall performance, construction professionals can make more informed decisions during the preconstruction phase.
This can lead to more efficient and cost-effective projects, and ultimately, better buildings and infrastructure for end users.
As the construction industry evolves and embraces technology, data will play an increasingly important role in the preconstruction process, helping professionals to navigate the challenges and make better decisions.
