Using data and mixed reality visualisation to ensure perfect delivery

The challenge

Over the last decade the built environment has taken huge leaps forward in modernising. Technology is driving performance and digital data is available at every corner of a project. So why, if the industry has come so far, does it sometimes feel like nothing has really changed? 

The answer is data. There’s so much of it but no real connection between it. Siloed statistics. Incomparable information. Data is scattered across projects and this is a problem right across the industry, because while it means that data exists in abundance, it’s either not being used or it’s not being used effectively.  

Picture a typical construction project. There could be over a hundred procured packages of work, each collecting and reporting data - feeding safety information into one system, documenting delivery times on another, and recording material deliveries elsewhere. All of this data is useful to a project. But it’s similar data, sitting in different places. This not only results in duplicated effort but also makes it impossible for senior leaders to see the big picture, spot blockers and make fast, impactful decisions. 

While solutions exist, due to the complexities of construction projects, they are evolving too slowly. To speed up progress, Mace conducted a comprehensive study into a technical solution and best practice behaviours that is now transforming how we deliver projects.   

The approach

Over the last decade the built environment has taken huge leaps forward in modernising. Technology is driving performance and digital data is available at every corner of a project. So why, if the industry has come so far, does it sometimes feel like nothing has really changed? 

The answer is data. There’s so much of it but no real connection between it. Siloed statistics. Incomparable information. Data is scattered across projects and this is a problem right across the industry, because while it means that data exists in abundance, it’s either not being used or it’s not being used effectively.  

Picture a typical construction project. There could be over a hundred procured packages of work, each collecting and reporting data - feeding safety information into one system, documenting delivery times on another, and recording material deliveries elsewhere. All of this data is useful to a project. But it’s similar data, sitting in different places. This not only results in duplicated effort but also makes it impossible for senior leaders to see the big picture, spot blockers and make fast, impactful decisions. 

While solutions exist, due to the complexities of construction projects, they are evolving too slowly. To speed up progress, Mace conducted a comprehensive study into a technical solution and best practice behaviours that is now transforming how we deliver projects.

The conclusion

Unlocking the potential in every project, the digital command centre is revolutionary in its capability to deliver both faster and safer, with higher-quality information streams and lower carbon emissions. 

The possibilities are endless and for that reason we’re still scratching the surface. We’ve learnt a huge amount along the way - from discovering the best way to set up a project from day one, to how unexpected challenges like global pandemics can be managed to reduce the risks to the programme and, importantly, to people on site. All by bringing together data that every project has at its fingertips.