New study from Dodge Data & Analytics and
Bentley shows model-based tech and field/project management
software improve project outcomes for civil contractors in the
U.S., but are currently underutilized
Today, Dodge Data & Analytics and partner Bentley released
the first of a two-part report series tied to digital technology
strategies amongst civil contractors. This initial report titled,
Going Digital: Modeling, Scheduling and Field/Project Management
for Civil Construction SmartMarket Brief, takes a specific look at
model-based technology and field/project management software. Its
findings show that while there is a sizable opportunity for civil
contractors to improve their outcomes with wider technology
adoption, 39% of civil contractors currently don’t use
field/project management software and 66% don’t use model-based
technology for their projects. The report explores this and offers
ways to help make the tools even more effective in the future.
Use of modeling tools is relatively low, and among those using
them, only one automated workflow, model-based quantity takeoff for
estimating is widely employed. When reviewing several other
workflows (such as simulations for RFP/business development
communications or digital as-built handovers to owners), the study
found that only about 30%-40% of the respondents actually using
model-based technologies currently employ any of these other
activities. The contractors who use them consistently, however,
report a high level of value derived from them, and once deployed,
they use these workflows on the majority of their projects as
well.
The study reveals that moderate levels of implementation also
still yield critical project outcome benefits, and reduced rework,
improved schedule performance, improved stakeholder understanding
of the project and improved profitability are frequently among the
top benefits achieved through model-based technology. In addition,
83% of civil contractors report a notable impact on the reduction
of project schedule delays from the use of these tools.
Those using field/project management software also report a
number of benefits:
- 61% report that they get high/very high value out of their
projects data
- While improved schedule performance is a top value driver,
improved labor productivity, cost predictability/profitability, and
reduced costs are all notable project benefits named
- 93% experience a medium or higher impact from these tools on
the reduction of schedule delays; 34% claim high/very high
impact
- 65% believe that these tools reduce the risk of construction
cost overruns
“We know that the U.S. needs to make major investments in
infrastructure over the next few years,” said Steve Jones, Senior
Director of Industry Insights Research at Dodge Data &
Analytics. “As the amount of work increases and as the workforce
and supply chain challenges continue to plague the industry,
contractors need ways to maximize their productivity, have
dependable schedules, and have reliable levels of profit. The
findings of this study demonstrate the ways in which digital
technology and resources can serve as key parts of their strategy
for success when facing these challenges.”
Users of both model-based technology and field/project
management tools believe that they could get more out of these
tools if they integrated with other software and digital resources.
This supports the increasing need for contractors to move beyond
single point solutions to a more holistic means of incorporating
different technologies and the data they contain on their
projects.
“As the report indicates, Heavy Civil (horizontal) construction
lags behind vertical building projects in its use of model-based
and field/mobile technology,” said Richard Humphrey, VP of Product
Management. “This may be attributed to the spatial context of civil
projects and the nature of how civil design models are created.
Adoption of the latest technology from civil contractors and
building contractors, however, is proving to help address these
problems and realize greater significant efficiencies, keep
projects in control, and deliver better project outcomes
overall.”
In addition, the study examined the attitudes of those not yet
using these tools. Interest in field/project management tools among
non-users is particularly high, with 46% thinking about whether to
use it frequently, and an additional 17% who are strongly
considering using it. Those who are not using model-based
technology are a little more cautious, with 45% who think about
using it occasionally and 27% who consider it frequently. Most
non-users would like to realize the benefits (i.e., improved
profitability, reduced cost, improved labor productivity, improved
schedule performance and improved cost predictability) from both
types of tools in order to more actively pursue implementation.
“As demand for infrastructure increases and projects become more
complex, the industry (i.e., contractors) will not be able to
deliver and close the gap between supply and demand for
infrastructure by doing things the same way,” continued Humphrey.
“Civil contractors will need to accelerate their adoption of
Model-based and mobile technology to meet these challenges and not
get left behind.”
The full report is available for free download at
www.construction.com. Bentley will also discuss the findings
further during its Bentley SYNCHRO User Conference from June 22nd –
25th. If interested in registering, please visit:
https://www.bentley.com/en/learn/synchro-virtual-conference
About Dodge Data & Analytics: Dodge Data &
Analytics is North America’s leading provider of commercial
construction project data, market forecasting, and analytics
services and workflow integration solutions for the construction
industry. Building product manufacturers, architects, engineers,
contractors, and service providers leverage Dodge to identify and
pursue unseen growth opportunities that help them grow their
business. On a local, regional or national level, Dodge empowers
its customers to better understand their markets, uncover key
relationships, seize growth opportunities, and pursue specific
sales opportunities with success. The company’s construction
project information is the most comprehensive and verified in the
industry.
As of April 15th, Dodge Data & Analytics and The Blue Book
-- the largest, most active network in the U.S. commercial
construction industry -- combined their businesses in a merger. The
Blue Book Network delivers three unparalleled databases of
companies, projects, and people. Dodge and The Blue Book offer 10+
billion data elements and 14+ million project and document
searches. Together, they provide a unified approach for new
business generation, business planning, research, and marketing
services users can leverage to find the best partners to complete
projects and to engage with customers and prospects to promote
projects, products, and services. To learn more, visit:
construction.com and thebluebook.com.
About Bentley: Bentley Systems (Nasdaq:BSY) is the
infrastructure engineering software company. We provide innovative
software to advance the world’s infrastructure – sustaining both
the global economy and environment. Our industry-leading software
solutions are used by professionals, and organizations of every
size, for the design, construction, and operations of roads and
bridges, rail and transit, water and wastewater, public works and
utilities, buildings and campuses, and industrial facilities. Our
offerings include MicroStation-based applications for modeling and
simulation, ProjectWise for project delivery, AssetWise for asset
and network performance, and the iTwin platform for infrastructure
digital twins. Bentley Systems employs more than 4,000 colleagues
and generates annualized revenues of more than $800 million in 172
countries. www.bentley.com
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210621005037/en/
Media: Christine Byrne | Bentley Systems | +1 203 805
0432, Christine.Byrne@bentley.com Nicole Sullivan | AFFECT Public
Relations & Social Media | +1-212-398-9680,
nsullivan@affectstrategies.com
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