Preconstruction & Technology: Gaining an Advantage with Collaboration

The art of preconstruction peers into the future and builds a safety net for the unpredictable. Through proper planning, the unknown won’t derail the entire process of building a project.

During preconstruction, properly leveraging historical data and patterns helps builders predict and prepare for potential issues while remaining adaptable to unexpected challenges. Wisdom, analytics, and trends are no longer locked in the minds of experienced PMs and GCs: They're available for scrutiny that empowers every stakeholder to alleviate their biggest pain points.

This article discusses the keys to leveraging technology to shape preconstruction into the foundation for successful projects, becoming more consistent and finely tuned with each round.

Leveraging Preconstruction Technology

In a world of finite resources, proper use of technology during preconstruction delivers efficiencies that address labor challenges and reduce costs, like better resource allocation and planning based on historical data, more accurate cost estimations and budgeting, and the ability to identify — and avoid — potential supply chain issues.

Several key factors contribute to effectively applying technology for preconstruction, which makes project execution more agile and less costly.

• Focus on Data Connectivity

  Focus on data integration, collaboration, and connectivity, rather than siloed solutions. Preconstruction connects to project execution and, through integration, promises better outcomes at the back end by prioritizing quality input on the front end.

• Prioritization of Holistic Platforms

  Integrated platforms can help create lasting effects for preconstruction that a one-off app can't — by generating connectivity, collaboration, and data sharing, as all stakeholders convene to weigh, balance, and maximize the construction triangle of time, quality, and cost.

• Reliance on Data

  Teams can rely on their data for high-quality insights, analytics, reports, and trends. For example, a healthcare center planned for Boston might have a twin in Phoenix — but differing climate, codes, and construction methods will impact costs and timelines. Technology captures relevant data, to support decision-making that drives risk mitigation and operational efficiencies.

• Use of 3D Models

  Using 3D models to practice construction while the project remains a concept. Teams can test the “what if” and “if this, then that” questions of installation. With lessons learned, they can schedule people and materials for the right place at the right time. They can also see into the future regarding access to and maintenance of MEP systems, delivering on owners’ goals of sustainability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.  

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Good Data Hygiene and Analytics

Preconstruction is a product of multiple elements, including bid board, cost database, quantity takeoff, cost estimation, and bid solicitation. Traditionally, they are developed in isolation and stay siloed, preventing a comprehensive view for further opportunities to refine the final product.

The ability to de-silo and learn from past data hinges on quality input. Old-fashioned housekeeping and recordkeeping during execution informs the success of future preconstruction. They solidify the plan for construction by connecting critical preconstruction pillars such as quantification, cost massaging, proposals, and exclusions and inclusions.

A good execution team will take notes of RFIs, change orders, cost impacts, lead times, allocation of trades, and all other elements that their preconstruction colleagues will need. In turn, the preconstruction team collaborates with the execution group for insights into all possible contingencies.

The process, facilitated by the holistic use of preconstruction technology, enables the identification of patterns and trends across projects. Differences can raise red flags, preventing reliance on outdated notions while drawing attention to areas needing improvement.

For example, if the late delivery of rooftop units delayed recent projects, knowledge of that trend helps preconstruction schedule earlier orders – not just diagnosing a condition but remediating it before it happens. Potential issues are caught, and preventative strategies are designed.

In a volatile world where economic, climate, and political forces inject uncertainty into every transaction, tech-enabled preconstruction generates more accurate forecasting of costs, timelines, and resource needs.

Perhaps more importantly, thorough preconstruction allows creation of contingency plans and risk assessments. Knowns and unknowns are balanced in harmony. If Plan A doesn’t work, Plans B, C, and D are ready for implementation. By tuning into the variables, builders can pivot toward the unexpected while adhering to strategic goals.

A Foundation Built from Preconstruction

Like the foundation of building, preconstruction is the unseen setting for everything that follows. The keys to success include:

• Prioritize integration and collaboration features when selecting preconstruction technology solutions.
• Focus on improving data hygiene and record-keeping practices across all project phases.
• Develop processes to regularly analyze and learn from historical project data.
• Encourage closer collaboration between preconstruction and execution teams to improve data flow and project outcomes.
• Invest in training to ensure teams can fully leverage available technology and data insights.

Transforming preconstruction into a collaborative process puts the power of prediction in the hands of builders. In a world of uncertainties, technology-based preconstruction is no crystal ball, but it’s a formidable tool for anticipating the unknown and finding advantages in every situation. 

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