In the rapidly evolving world of construction project management, embracing digital tools and technologies has become essential for staying ahead. Digital dashboards, in particular, offer a comprehensive platform for managing and analysing project data, improving communication and collaboration, and streamlining processes. CID spoke with Chris Stock, from Dewan Architects + Engineers, about the firm’s use of digital dashboards and the benefits they bring to their construction projects.
Utilising digital dashboards for transparent project monitoring
Dewan Architects + Engineers utilise digital dashboards to showcase Building Information Modelling (BIM) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for project BIM Models. This shared platform provides transparency to project stakeholders by tangibly illustrating BIM data on aspects such as model maturation, health, performance, compliance, and integrity. The digital dashboard ensures that all stakeholders have equal access to the BIM data, facilitating collaboration and informed decision-making.
Value addition and reporting capabilities:
While not mandatory, the use of a digital dashboard adds value to a bidding company’s reporting capabilities and transparency. Clients appreciate the ability to access project data through a digital dashboard, which enhances their understanding of project progress and fosters transparency.
Digital dashboards offer numerous advantages, including easy access to information, immediate data sharing, integration of multiple data sources, quick updates through data modification, and simplified data maintenance. These advantages reduce administrative tasks, improve resource allocation, and enhance overall efficiency, enabling teams to focus on more critical activities.
The evolution of a digital workdesk:
Implementing a fully digital workdesk involves assessing the current state, evaluating existing workflows, identifying areas for improvement, developing a digital transformation strategy, researching and selecting appropriate technology, conducting pilot programs, providing training and support, integrating the digital workdesk with existing systems, and fostering a digital culture within the organisation.
BIM facilitates collaboration among stakeholders, optimises design through 3D modelling and analysis, detects clashes between systems and components, estimates costs, plans construction activities, and aids facility management post-construction. The use of BIM improves project outcomes, enhances communication, and fosters better decision-making.
Improved Communication and Collaboration: The use of digital dashboards and BIM has significantly improved communication and collaboration between design team members, contractors, and clients. Digital dashboards provide a centralised platform for stakeholders to access project data, collaborate in real time, and provide timely feedback. This enhances coordination, reduces errors, and improves overall project efficiency.
Overcoming challenges in dashboard implementation:
Implementing digital dashboards comes with challenges such as integrating data from multiple sources, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness, and encouraging stakeholder adoption. Dewan Architects + Engineers address these challenges by standardising data collection processes, implementing data quality checks, providing training and support, and demonstrating the benefits of digital dashboards to stakeholders.
However, digital dashboards offer opportunities to improve data analysis, decision-making, collaboration, and project efficiency. Real-time access to project data allows for proactive monitoring and issue identification, while streamlined communication enhances coordination among stakeholders. Digital dashboards also enable accurate forecasting, reduce administrative tasks, and ultimately lead to better project outcomes.
Chris Stock is the BIM Operation Head at Dewan Architects + Engineers. With over 10 years of advanced BIM knowledge, he has successfully managed and delivered a wide range of construction projects.