The digital advantage: Using technology for a better built environment

As Architects, Engineers and Construction (AEC) professionals, you’re having to find new ways to collaborate, create and be effective in these changing times. The challenge is clear – redesigning and rebuilding the schools, hospitals, offices and homes of tomorrow to meet the challenges of today.

Technology is an invaluable tool to help you achieve this. With the right tools at your disposal, you can produce a brighter future for the industry and the wider world.

This guide looks at the positive impact of digitization on the AEC industry, which has typically lagged behind other industries, and how it leads to increased efficiency, speed, innovation, intelligence, and security.

AEC businesses require greater efficiency in these challenging times

Fortunately, digitization creates the efficiencies and opportunities that AEC professionals are looking for. Robotics automate manual tasks, exoskeletons give workers improved strength and safety for greater efficiency onsite, while modern Building Information Modelling (BIM) software makes projects more efficient through integrated workflows and automation.

• BIM Advances
61% of Construction Contractors say BIM improves project schedule performance through integrated workflows.

• Robotics
16.4% growth rate in Construction Robots predicted between 2020 and 2027 .

• Automation
30% increase in production can be achieved through manufacturing process automation.

How to increase efficiency through digitization?

You could investigate advances in BIM platforms and robotics, relevant to your work. Or you might explore ways of enhancing your existing processes through emerging technologies such as virtual reality, 3D and 4D modelling, artificial intelligence, and automation.

Also consider upgrading your large format printing technology to support your use of emerging technology with more efficient printing. You can, for instance, save time and increase efficiency by using the HP Smart App so you can print from virtually anywhere with HP plotters. Modern printers can help you to exploit recent innovations in collaboration technology so that you can scan and send documents to your colleagues and partners, or upload changes to online repositories or BIM systems.

The need for greater design, innovation and development speed

How can digitization give you greater development speed and innovation?

AEC professionals are looking for intelligent tools that will save them time

How AECs can shape the future of smart buildings

How to use digitization to make my processes more intelligent?

Consider how you could add intelligence to your digital processes by incorporating AI-based design. You could also use data-driven insights to create more detailed and sophisticated designs, iterations and buildings. Also, think about enhancing your designs, workflows and activities with dashboards, analytics and data-driven BIM.

HP large format printing technology supports intelligent AEC processes through more efficient printing. Additionally, HP Smart Tracker software, integrated into the printing workflow, provides smart and sophisticated data tracking and reporting for distributed teams.

AEC practices need to better secure and protect their professionals

As more and more AEC professionals work from home, the cybersecurity threat to businesses has risen. However, digitization can help secure you, your data and your clients.

• Threat to Architecture
1 in 6 architecture firms has been a victim of a hacking, phishing or ransomware cyber-attack .

• Construction under attack
1 out of every 39 construction industry email users gets targeted by spear-phishing .

• Security technology
Technology is offering ways to improve security and safety through data encryption and user authentication, safety drones, exoskeletons and wearable sensors .

How can digitization help to mitigate my security and safety risks?

You can enhance your office security by increasing your use of encryption, authentication, secure collaboration and endpoint security for mobiles, workstations, printers and scanners. You can also advance your organization’s and clients’ safety and security through emerging solutions such as safety exoskeletons and wearable sensors in the construction phase.

In addition, HP plotter technology uses multi-level security to protect ideas and people. Plus, HP Smart Tracker software offers secure print job assignment, with optional password-protected categories that helps to prevent errors.

Seamless, safe and sustainable

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https://www.enr.com/articles/46832-construction-cybercrime-is-on-the-rise