How Connex Construction Cloud solves the challenges of the construction industry

Productivity challenges linked with low levels of digitization and a high climate impact have for years stuck to the construction as unsolvable challenges. But how do we actually solve these issues?

Several analyses have pointed to digitalization and technology as key means to address both the productivity and climate challenges, but the Danish construction industry has not yet managed to utilize these factors to solve the challenges. Despite newer technologies gaining ground in society, the construction industry has experienced an average annual productivity increase of only 1.4% over the past decades, while other comparable industries are experiencing increases of double or more.

A fragmented value chain

One of the main reasons for the lack of progress in productivity is largely due to the fragmented value chain, where the design, execution and operation phases are mostly detached from each other. This is characterized by broken communication flows, silo tools, inadequate handover and lack of data collection across the teams.   

Today, the construction industry typically operates under what is known as the "silo mindset". The silo mindset is identified by a composition of professionals all working on the same project but with separate budgets, software applications and agendas. As a result, collaboration is difficult to perform in practice, often leading to increased risks of errors, delays and conflicts. A reality that most construction companies find themselves in.

While the multiple levels, disciplines and professions are unavoidable conditions in the construction industry, there is a broad consensus that optimizing collaboration between the different actors in the construction value chain - from the business case, through the design phase, to on-site construction and subsequent operations - is key to increasing productivity, fostering collaboration as well as sustainability.

Big savings to be made...

According to DI Byg, the construction industry can save between 3.5 and 10 billion DKK a year by strengthening collaboration and using digital tools to streamline and unify processes. And on many projects, productivity rates could easily double with the use of digital tools alone.

However, too many tools can also have the opposite effect of increasing complexity. In fact, studies show that construction companies own on average around five construction applications, often used simultaneously across multiple projects. While there is nothing wrong with introducing new software, the sheer volume of tools often intensifies problems such as miscommunication and inefficiencie, which is why it is relevant to highlight the value of implementing one unified and integrated construction platform.

 At RIB we have created an integrated software platform that meets all the needs of the construction industry.

A digital tool that truly addresses the challenges of the construction industry is RIB's latest platform, Connex Construction Cloud, which connects data, workflows and teams in one place.

Here are 5 main areas where Connex Construction Cloud makes a significant difference.

1. Bridge the gap between project teams

With Connex, the entire project organization - from client, consultant, general contractor and subcontractor - is brought together in one unified platform, ensuring effective communication and optimal collaboration from the start of the project. By only giving access to the channels each project participant needs, project communication between construction parties is structured and simplified. You can choose the collaboration setting that best suits your project and make it easy for your teams to collaborate effectively.

2. Connect phases and workflows

Many risks can be eliminated by using repetition and tightening up processes in construction. With a wide range of predefined workflows, Connex Construction Cloud makes it easy to standardize and digitize all construction processes to fit exactly your project’s need and company standards. For example, by allowing you to customize your own forms, the platform helps you collect exactly the data you need to complete inspections, design changes, deviation reports, agreement forms - efficiently and well documented. You achieve higher quality while optimizing your resources compared to manual paper-based workflows and processes, which ultimately helps you reduce construction waste.

3. Centralize document management - manage files, documents and models

Avoid data getting lost in so-called phase shifts between concept, design, execution and operation. Connex Construction Cloud gives you documentation and traceability of all processes, agreements and decisions throughout the project. Organize, distribute and share models, files and documents on a document management platform where everything is connected, and all project participants have access to the information they need. Teams gain full transparency of the immediate project and meaningful insights that make it safe and easy to collaborate and make the right decisions.

4. Easily create and track design and constructability issues, view BIM properties and manage clashes and collisions.

With Connex BIM on site, there is no more working from outdated data and hard-to-access design material. Connex Construction Cloud will do all the work for you - you only need to upload your IFC file, and we will generate the entire location structure for you, extract BIM properties, and 2D plans, which are automatically aligned with your 3D model. Connex BIM is fully integrated with project workflows, meaning you and your colleagues can easily:

·       Follow status

·       Keep track of deadlines

·       Collect on-site data

·       Inspect the design material in 3D and/or 2D,

·       Create tasks directly from the BIM model

·       And much more...

You can work offline, then you don’t have to worry about the mobile coverage. With Connex Construction Cloud, the office and the field are always connected, minimizing errors and misunderstandings, while preventing productivity losses in the form of delays, wasted resources and budget overruns.

5. Data-driven insights with real-time project reporting and dashboards

Through interactive dashboards, Connex Construction Cloud gives you a complete visual overview of your entire project portfolio. You can identify tasks or other critical issues that are likely to affect the design, schedule or economy of your projects. You will therefore be able to quickly act proactively on obstacles, gaps and delays. With just one click you can share the project status with other project participants and extract reports with important information, tasks, registrations, locations etc. which helps you uncover every detail of your project.

The range of digital tools is substantial, and it can be difficult to make the optimal choice. In Connex Construction Cloud, your project gets one unified platform and the best starting point for your project.

You can create a free project and try Connex Construction Cloud today. You can also book a demo with one of our consultants.