How digital ready is the construction industry?
The Digitalisation of Construction report examines the digital capability of NSW's construction industry.
Key information
The purpose of the report is to determine how 'digital ready' the construction industry is to meet the opportunities of the digital future.
Most class 2 builders and about half of class 2 designers are at only the 'basic' stage of digitalisation.
- While many want to improve their digital readiness, the biggest barrier is cost.
Key findings
- Most class 2 builders (57%) and designers (48%) are in a basic stage of digitalisation.
- It will take about ten years for the industry to reach ‘digital maturity’. This is where the use of Building Information Models (BIM) and Digital Twins is standard.
- Top drivers of digitalisation:
- achieving greater accuracy and trustworthiness (70%)
- improving quality and standards (66%)
- delivering on time, budget, and quality (61%).
- Top barriers to digitalisation:
- the cost of software and licenses (67%)
- the cost of hardware (57%)
- inadequate design fees (55%).
- 80% of the industry is a small business (less than 20 employees).
About the report
Designers and constructors involved in class 2 multi-story residential buildings were surveyed and interviewed as part of the research to determine:
- the current level of digital maturity of designers and constructors in NSW
- the motivators and barriers to digital adoption
- existing and future skills gaps
- opportunities to raise industry capability.
The report was a partnership between the Building Commission NSW and Western Sydney University’s Centre for Smart Modern Construction.
This research is completely independent.
