The construction industry is awash with data, but turning it into actionable insights remains a major challenge, according to industry experts at the New York Build Conference, held on March 12-13 at the Javits Center in New York City. Despite an explosion of data generation, much of it is disorganized and lacks standardization, slowing down processes and reducing its potential value.

The Problem with Data in Construction

During the conference, one of the central themes discussed was the vast amounts of data generated in construction, but the challenges associated with its inconsistent application. The lack of standardization across projects has led to inefficiencies and wasted time, as noted by Charlie Portelli, a digital innovation strategist at Perkins&Will, a global design firm based in Chicago.

“There’s data all around us, from our models, spreadsheets, contract documents, email communications, teams, chats, but it’s not really organized,” Portelli said. “If you don’t normalize it, you’re just going to get spotty gibberish.”

This chaotic data environment is a significant barrier to making the most of the information at hand. Many firms still struggle to turn raw data into insights that can guide decision-making, according to Satoshi Kiyono, a virtual design and construction project manager at Turner Construction in New York.

“Data is around us everywhere. Now, there’s also a lot of data that is not collected, it’s not digitized,” Kiyono explained. “But if you start understanding what is that digital information and how you can connect that information — that’s good data. How do you start measuring and connecting data that is noise versus what is valuable?”

The Potential of AI in the Construction Industry

To tackle these data challenges, panelists at the conference suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) could play a pivotal role in validating data, automating workflows, and improving decision-making. AI can help organizations make sense of vast amounts of information, enhancing overall efficiency in the construction process.

“You’re really talking about sharing data in a way that can inform decisions,” said Sheena Shook, director of business development at Modulus Consulting, a San Francisco-based construction consulting firm.

Shook highlighted how AI is being integrated into daily construction practices to improve project management and decision-making. However, while there is potential, it requires time and effort to implement successfully.

On-Site Tools: Revolutionizing Data Collection

Though organizing and cleaning data remains an ongoing challenge, advancements in robotics and reality capture technologies are providing new solutions to improve data collection and onsite monitoring. Tools such as mobile scanning and AI-powered site analysis are beginning to make a significant impact, revolutionizing jobsite efficiency and data collection methods.

Salvatore Cali Jr., deputy commissioner of public buildings at the New York City Department of Design and Construction, shared insights into how advanced tools are improving data capture on the job site.

“We go in with a 360 camera and we actually survey the entire facility and that will be used to document the current conditions. That is being done monthly,” said Cali. “It’s used for change orders, payment, progress and assists with scheduling. That’s something brand new that we just started.”

Innovations like Boston Dynamics’ Spot, a robotic dog designed for site capture and safety monitoring, are also contributing to a safer construction environment. Shook noted that the robotic dog automates progress tracking and inspects hazardous areas, which improves safety by reducing human exposure to high-risk tasks.

Over time, these tools are expected to simplify data collection, giving AI the necessary data to identify patterns and offer actionable insights.

Overcoming Barriers to Widespread Adoption

Despite the promising potential of AI and robotic tools, widespread adoption remains a challenge. As Benjamin Friedman, lead data scientist at DLR Group, a design firm in Omaha, Nebraska, pointed out, the key to success lies in consistent and long-term use of these technologies by all project stakeholders, from general contractors to field workers.

“Build it, don’t buy it,” Friedman said. “Clean data is required [and] is very hard work. None of this is a ‘pull it off the shelf and it’s going to solve all your problems.’ AI does not work that way.”

Friedman emphasized that while the tools and technologies exist, there is still a long way to go before they are fully integrated into the construction industry. The challenge lies in not just introducing these tools but ensuring that they are continuously used and maintained over time to generate valuable insights.

The Future of Construction Data

Despite the current challenges, the growing focus on data-driven technologies in construction suggests a bright future for the industry. The combination of AI, robotics, and advanced data analytics will likely lead to a more efficient, safer, and sustainable construction process in the coming years. However, to reach this potential, the industry must overcome barriers such as data standardization and technology adoption, and commit to a long-term strategy that ensures the tools and data are utilized effectively.

As the construction industry continues to innovate, the evolution of data collection, validation, and integration will ultimately unlock new possibilities for productivity and project success.

Originally reported by Sebastian Obando in Construction Dive.