Despite its benefits, many firms still haven’t adopted the transformative technologies that could revolutionize their operations for the better. There are several obstacles – shortage of skilled labor, cost of implementing these technologies, and hesitation of changing traditional practices, which hinder their progress towards digital adoption.
Engineering and construction are two massive sectors in the world, and today, if an E&C firm wants to stay ahead of their competitors while demonstrating environmental stewardship and optimizing operations, they must adopt modern technologies.
How do they start?
Steps for Digital Adoption
Firms may find it challenging to immediately integrate new technologies due to the complex and costly nature of the process, encompassing purchasing, installation, and staff training. So, how do they begin?
Deloitte’s State of Digital Adoption in the Construction Industry 2024 report outlines five key action points to enhance digital adopt-
- Start Small, Scale Smart: Begin with small pilot projects and consider change management costs when expanding, increasing the chances of a successful digital transformation.
- Empower Tech Champions: Identify and support leaders who champion technological advancements within your organization to maintain motivation during full-scale implementation.
- Measure Diverse Success Metrics: Track various indicators of success, such as efficiency, cost savings, employee engagement, and satisfaction, to gauge the impact of digital adoption comprehensively.
- Build Digital Partnerships: Foster collaboration with industry peers and trusted partners to create a robust digital ecosystem, facilitating the discovery of optimal solutions and best practices.
- Assess AI Readiness: Evaluate your organization’s readiness for artificial intelligence, considering both the requisite skills and the adequacy of data systems and architecture.
Furthermore, firms can invest in comprehensive training programs, foster a collaborative culture, offer incentives for participation, customize solutions to fit business needs, engage with industry networks, prioritize data security, and encourage feedback and iteration.
These strategies, combined with the recommended action points, create an environment conducive to embracing digital transformation and driving innovation across E&C operations.
