We recently discussed the value of big data in our post How to Turn Big Data into Real Insight. In the article, we looked at the value of collecting construction data about operations, but we also discussed the hurdles involved in the processing and analyzing that data. For most construction firms, hiring full-time data specialists is out of the question. But there are many other ways that construction companies can tap into the insights and foresight that data mining provides. The first step to developing a big data plan for your firm is to start with the basics.
Start with the Basics: Understanding Big Data
In order to use big data in construction, it has to be turned into either business analytics or business intelligence.
On its own, big data is useless. In order to use big data in construction, it has to be turned into either business analytics or business intelligence. You can think of data as the raw building material that produces the final constructed building. Big data is collected about a firm’s operations (time logs, temperature readings, sensor data, digital plans, and RFIs for example), and intelligence and analytics help to put it into context. For example, ROI represents an analytic that is determined by gathering and analyzing raw financial data.
What’s the difference between business analytics and business intelligence?
Business intelligence focuses on developing a clear picture of the state of the company. In contrast, business analytics are used to determine why a particular phenomenon is happening. Business intelligence is typically done manually by those involved in strategic leadership positions, while business analytics are produced by construction software and other data mining technology.
Intelligence and analytics are both integral insights to a construction firm’s success – knowing what you want to learn will help you match the data insight to the right task.
Intelligence and analytics are both integral to a construction firm’s success, and knowing what you want to learn or investigate in will help you match the data insight type to the right task. Business intelligence is more qualitative and is best for exploring areas of operation that are not as easily measurable, such as the state of day-to-day operations or customer satisfaction. Analytics, on the other hand, are quantitative and therefore useful for making predictions about future trends, analyzing financials or evaluating productivity.
4 Ways Construction Firms are using Big Data
Big data can be used in many different ways, but here are some of the most popular ways that construction firms are using data to streamline operations:
Sensor Data
Many construction firms are investing in sensors, which they install in various places across the job site. Sensors can measure temperature, humidity, noise levels, vibration, toxicity levels and more. Gathering sensor data from the job site allows firms to predict the longevity and effectiveness of building materials and techniques. It also allows companies to ensure that workers aren’t exposed to harmful levels of noise, vibration or toxic chemicals.
Construction Safety
In Construction Safety: 4 Things You Need to Know, we looked at the safety issues the construction industry is currently facing. Data is an effective tool for ensuring that job sites adhere to the strictest safety standards. Data can help predict risks, avoid hazardous environmental conditions and monitor the maintenance and repair of vital safety equipment.
Field Data
In the field, paper is still prominent. Unfortunately, when construction firms use paper, they’re not able to collect the rich and valuable data that are generated on the job site every day. Information about change orders, task completion, safety issues, and time logs can provide construction executives with valuable information about areas for improvement.
Materials Tracking
Conserving materials is an integral part of keeping construction projects on schedule and under budget.
Construction Project Controls included in a construction software system like CMiC have tools for tracking materials inventory, allowing firms to:
Automate purchase orders and requisition management
Anticipate delivery schedules
Forecast supply needs
Automate general ledger updating
Turning materials data into actionable insights about the availability of supplies is one of the best ways for firms to gain an edge over the competition.
Conclusion: Gaining Flexibility & Visibility With Big Data
By transforming raw data into analytics or intelligence, construction firms gain a flexible, well-rounded view of productivity, efficiency and financial performance. Both intelligence and analytics allow construction executives to gain a bird’s-eye view of operations as well as a more detailed, zeroed-in look at the individual elements that impact the big picture.
Data also allows companies to predict emerging trends and prepare for industry changes. In short, data allows companies to change and adapt quickly in a time where competition has never been fiercer.