Why You Should Know About Digital Construction

What digital construction involves

Digital construction involves generating and managing information for the entire project life cycle – starting with design and moving through to integration. The core technologies include:

CAD

Computer-aided design helps to plan projects with visualisations of room layouts, wiring plans and fixture placements.

BIM

Building Informational Modelling keeps all information in one place, as opposed to physical blueprints. It lays the foundations for modern digital construction, encouraging collaboration.

3D rendering and visualisation

As an upgrade to 2D images, 3D imaging helps to visualise a design before construction begins. Where CAD focuses on precision and technical accuracy, 3D rendering has added aesthetic value, perfect for bringing a project to life.

Digital specification tools

These tools help all stakeholders to collaborate by putting the specifications in one place. They help with tasks such as product selection and ordering, as well as sharing and version control.

IOT and systems programming

Smart home installers must have a keen understanding of Internet of Things systems to program products. This involves integrating products such as sensors with smart devices for full user autonomy.

Why digital construction skills are a must for smart home professionals

Integrators have a duty to stay up-to-date with changes in their industry. Digital construction skills will keep them ahead of the curve and improve their business longevity, for example:

• Closing the skills gap by bringing every team member up to speed
• Improving customer service with more detailed designs and specifications
• Working with wider stakeholder teams to bridge installation expertise and digital.

From hiring the best staff to improving customer transparency, digital construction skills should be the first priority for professionals.CEDIA members can regularly update their knowledge with our online resources.

Benefits of digitising construction processes

Educating staff on digital construction will have profound effects on the business overall. Spotting problems with 3D rendering and CAD may speed up project times and avoid costly changes.

This accuracy provides added customer assurance, leaning on the correct specifications and wiring diagrams. With an immersive visual, integrators can close sales faster. Further, customers may be sold on the sustainability benefits – getting each design right first time without waste.

Digital construction encourages collaboration across several disciplines, making work faster, more accurate and higher quality.

Examples in practice

We’re already seeing construction being digitised in many smart home setups. For example:

• AV and lighting: pre-build simulations help to visualise room layouts for function and aesthetics
• Maintenance: digital twins provide non-physical copies of designs to help spot errors
• Pre-installation walkthroughs: augmented and virtual reality tours enhance the customer experience
• Faster ordering: automated spec lists allow customers and contractors to order faster.

Building your digital construction skills

There are great learning opportunities for building your digital construction skills. By partnering with suppliers who offer digital tools, you’ll have first-hand access to the latest developments.

What’s more, industry events such as Digital Construction Week gather thousands of industry professionals to help improve your knowledge. Training routes include:

• CAD and BIM course
• Rendering software workshops
• Programming for integrated systems.