DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

The research project entitled “Digital transformation at CPWD” is an attempt to study and analyze the digitization of the organization. Organizations in construction Industry influenced by other rapidly changing markets (such as B2C with platforms that have triggered new relationships, tailored products and powerful service levels), now expect also the same from their homes, offices, commercial buildings and infrastructures to make their “connected lives” even more a reality. Constructions need to be more and more individualized, modular, connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) and allow for specific performance tracking, optimization of energy and improved security and health parameters for instance. The expected impacts on direct costs, delays but also safety, image, work satisfaction and environmental protection are numerous. Key here is to select levers very carefully differentiating business units and projects. Not all “great digital ideas” that appear on the market will eventually carry real savings. Numerous data will be generated throughout the construction process and will hold tremendous value that needs to be captured. Tech savviness is spreading in the construction industry, which traditionally has been, resistant to change, accelerating the adoption of digital tools. Cost baselines are quickly evolving making competition even more intense in an environment with traditionally low margins. The time is right for the implementation of a real digital strategy in the construction sector. This paper explains the concept of digitization, construction industry, challenges faced in digitization, merits of digitization. A premium government organization CPWD has been taken for the case study. This report deals with descriptive research design, it describes data and characteristics about the phenomenon being studied. The findings in this survey are based on an online survey across all over India and telephonic survey. Random sampling was done to give everyone an equal opportunity to participate. Findings of survey suggest that digitization at CPWD is in its infancy stage, lack of relevant skills and implementation cost appeared as biggest challenge. A lack of BIM expertise could become a serious competitive drawback in the near future. It is recommended that the organization should make BIM use as one of the criteria for the award of public contracts.