Page 15 - EngineerIt April 2021

AUTOMATION

Four trends set to shape

construction in 2021

By Simon Bromfield, Territory Sales Manager (Africa), Autodesk

As 2020 clearly proved, it can be difficult to make predictions. However last year also showed
the need for individuals, businesses and entire industries to be able to adapt to uncertainties.
As a result, looking into 2021 we expect greater emphasis to be placed on businesses and
organisations to become more resilient.

or many architecture, engineering and construction Data-driven design
(AEC) organisations, 2020 was all about getting We have been digitising for a long time, but last year we saw a
Fthrough the challenges created by the pandemic. The huge acceleration in data driven design which will continue this
introduction of immunisation programmes means there is light year. We are more rooted in the digital world than ever before.
at the end of the tunnel, but difficulties remain. Therefore, This digital transformation has been made possible by better use
I believe 2021 will see businesses implement far greater of data.
digitisation within their operations. Last year technology was As the built environment captures more and more data, the
adopted largely out of necessity to enable teams to continue design and build process will become increasingly outcomes-
to collaborate on projects remotely. focused. The common data environment (or CDE) - with cloud
data storage and document management - will extend from the
I anticipate that the following four trends will continue to drive project to the asset to support the movement of data through the
AEC organisations in 2021: full project life cycle to include owners.

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