The Importance of Digital Transformation for the Construction Industry

With SMEs accounting for the vast majority of the construction supply chain, adopting digital transformation could bring significant benefits for the whole industry, yet the evidence suggests they are being left behind. What needs to change? Industry 4.0 is a general term that refers to a range of emerging technologies that many believe mark the fourth industrial revolution. Underpinned by data and analytics, these new technologies are heavily focused on interconnectivity, automation and machine learning. For the construction industry, they represent a world where seamless technology platforms will help improve productivity, promote flexible production capability, create high-value jobs, aid competitiveness and, ultimately, drive growth to support national economic success. However, for the digital transformation of the construction industry to be successful, we need to see adoption not just by large enterprises but in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up a significant percentage of the industry.