5 ways to digitize construction projects in 2025
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Construction projects will be smarter and more efficient in 2025 thanks to digitalization. The Dutch construction industry is growing, but is struggling with a shortage of skilled workers. Digital tools are the solution to doing more with fewer people while saving costs and time. Here are the key ways digitalization is transforming the construction industry:
- Drones: For site surveys and progress monitoring.
- 3D printing: To produce building components quickly and accurately.
- AI tools: For better planning and risk management.
- Cloud project management: For centralized storage of documents and communications.
- Sustainability: Focus on reuse of materials and environmentally friendly methods.
These technologies improve collaboration, increase productivity and ensure regulatory compliance. For companies, digitization in 2025 is no longer a choice but a necessity.
Dutch Building Standards and Requirements.
Digitalization in the construction industry requires companies to comply with Dutch norms and standards. These form the basis for successful digital transformation within the construction industry.
Dutch building codes and standards
The Nederlandse Besteksystematiek (NBS) plays an important role in digitizing construction projects. With more than 2,000 users, this system provides a uniform approach to project specifications [2].
Important features of the NBS system are:
- Direct connection to BIM models via NBS-SFB
- Integration with software such as CubeSpexx, Archicad and Revit
- Focus on sustainability and circularity
- Built-in safety guidelines
- Free access
"The NBS Specification System has embraced the latest trends in sustainability and circularity." - NBS Specification Systematics [2]
Communication Standards
The NBS Building Materials platform attracts between 75,000 and 100,000 unique visitors each month [2]. This highlights the importance of standardized communication in construction.
Effective digital communication requires three main pillars:
- Standardized documentation: All project documentation must meet STABU guidelines for consistency.
- AVG compliance: Digital communication platforms must comply with the AVG, focusing on security, transparency and user rights.
- Chain Integration: The Construction and Engineering Chain Standard ensures efficient information exchange between different parties.
5 ways to digitize construction projects
AI-driven plan scanning
Specscan's Starfish AI technology automatically converts construction drawings, STABU descriptions and specifications into accurate work packages. This technology recognizes structural elements, calculates material requirements for cost optimization and identifies risks early on.
Wondering how the AI Startfish technology works? Book a demo and we will explain how you can use it within your construction projects.
Cloud project management
After digitizing plans, a central digital management environment is crucial. Specscan's platform provides a place where everything comes together:
- Project documents and communications: Everything organized in one place to avoid information loss.
- Planning and progress monitoring: Helps manage deadlines better.
- Integration with ERP systems: Ensures smooth interfacing with existing business processes.
Smart supplier selection
Efficient project management enables smarter procurement strategy. The system compares price offers, assesses supplier performance and ensures compliance with procurement rules. This keeps costs and delivery times under control while ensuring quality.
Project risk monitoring
Provide digital tools for risk monitoring:
- Real-time monitoring: Monitor deviations instantly.
- Automatic notifications: Alerts when problems occur.
- Digital checklists: Improves quality control.
- Preventive measures: Based on data analysis.
Digitization also brings stricter data protection requirements, as explained in the next section.
AVG-Compliant SaaS Tools.
Specscan provides secure data storage within the EU, transparent data processing and secure communication between involved parties.
"AI will not take over your job, but a bid manager who can work well with AI will." - Matthijs Huiskamp, founder and CEO of Altura [4]
Digitization in construction: benefits and challenges
Digitization in construction offers great opportunities, but also brings challenges that require careful consideration. The move to digital work processes is becoming increasingly important to address issues in the sector, such as the shortage of qualified personnel and disruptions in supply chains [1]. This trend is supported by concrete results in practice.
For example, Donald Powers Architects reported a 30% productivity increase in design and documentation, as well as a 50% decrease in information requests during construction, after digitizing their work processes [5].
Digitization offers measurable improvements in project performance. Specific benefits include:
- More efficient processes: Automation of repetitive tasks and better coordination between teams.
- Better collaboration: Central communication platforms reduce misunderstandings.
- Cost control: More accurate budgeting and real-time monitoring of projects.
- Fewer risks: Problems can be identified and addressed earlier.
- Regulatory: Easier compliance with laws and regulations.
This is confirmed by industry experts:
"The construction industry's future hinges on digital transformation...digital tools offer a competitive advantage by enhancing design collaboration, improving project management, and ensuring regulatory compliance." - Hexagon [1]
Challenges of digitization
In addition to the benefits, there are also obstacles that deserve attention:
- High implementation costs: Investment in hardware, software, training and a possible temporary drop in productivity.
- Staff training: Employees must be trained to use the new systems effectively.
- Integration issues: New tools must integrate well with existing systems and processes.
- Data security: Protecting sensitive project information and complying with the AVG is critical.
To properly calculate return on investment (ROI), it is important to consider costs for hardware, training and labor hours, in addition to expected productivity gains. A carefully crafted implementation plan helps to maximize benefits and mitigate risks [5].
Conclusion
After discussing standards and digital applications, it became clear that the move to digital working is an important step. Digital transformation within the Dutch construction industry is not only about technology, but also requires a well thought-out approach. Practical examples show that companies that make smart use of SaaS solutions significantly improve their work processes.
For example, Klimaatroute shows how digital tools for energy labeling make processes more efficient. Hegeman Nijverdal illustrates how advanced scanning technology helps prevent construction errors by detecting floor slopes and subsidence at an early stage [3].
The future revolves around three main pillars: security and regulatory compliance, automated workflows and integrated solutions.
Security and regulatory compliance:
Using GDPR-compliant tools and storing data within the region is becoming increasingly important, especially with geopolitical tensions.
"Leveraging AI while protecting data, addressing geopolitical risks with robust security measures, and upholding the highest industry standards will be key to success." [7].
Automated workflows:
A good example is Bouwapplicatie.nl, which processes more than 30,000 registrations and inspections each month for more than 2,000 users. This clearly shows how effective automated systems can be [6].
Integrated solutions:
GloBLD 's approach highlights how strategic collaborations and customized solutions - such as the integration of scan-to-BIM technology - can improve project processes [3].
To be successful in 2025, construction companies must invest in secure and scalable SaaS solutions that meet Dutch standards and respond to future developments.
FAQs
× How can construction companies justify the cost of digitization and what are the long-term benefits?
Construction companies can justify the cost of digitization by focusing on the long-term benefits. Digitization improves efficiency, reduces operational costs and increases sustainability. For example, consider using data analytics to reduce material waste or cloud tools that streamline communication and collaboration.
In the long run, digitization can ensure higher customer satisfaction, faster project delivery and increased competitiveness in an increasingly digital marketplace. Although the initial investment may seem high, the savings and improvements in processes often far outweigh the costs.
× What are the main challenges in integrating new digital tools into existing systems and processes?
When integrating new digital tools into existing systems, companies can encounter several challenges. Technology adoption is often a stumbling block, as employees sometimes struggle to embrace new systems or there is a lack of knowledge about the capabilities of digital tools. This can lead to resistance within teams.
In addition, software integration poses a challenge. Non-integrated systems require manual data transfer, which is not only time-consuming but also increases the likelihood of human error. Finally, a lack of specialized IT support can make choosing and implementing the right tools difficult, especially in smaller organizations without a dedicated IT department.
It is therefore important to properly train employees, invest in user-friendly solutions and develop a clear digital strategy in advance.