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Solving Information Silos in Large-Scale AEC Infrastructure Projects

The large infrastructure projects within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry have experienced increased complexities in terms of the number of stakeholders, the volume of information, and the duration of projects. Although digital technologies such as Building Information Models, project management tools, and enterprise solutions have increased efficiency in executing projects, there is an inherent problem with the manner in which projects are conducted within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. The inherent problem is information silos, which has made it difficult for project teams to access information when it is most needed.

Information Silos in AEC

Information silos can be described as a condition where information is fragmented and stored within various systems, which are unable to communicate with each other. In an Architecture, Engineering, and Construction project, for instance, the architecture team would rely on building information modeling, whereas the construction team would work within its own ecosystem, and the project controls team would work within its own cost management system. The teams would, therefore, create their own versions of reality, which would then create information silos, thereby affecting the project in terms of costs and time.

The Impact of Silos on Large Infrastructure Projects

The impact of information silos can be observed in the case of infrastructure projects where even small changes can cause significant problems. Decisions taken based on information may cause problems that cannot be corrected at a later stage. There may be more cases of cost overruns due to the lack of information on changes in the design process and their impact on costs. However, coordination issues faced by different parties may cause issues such as delays, which may cause more problems in the projects. It is not easy to blame anyone for these issues as it is not easy to trace the source of the problems or discrepancies.

Why Information Silos Persist

Despite the growing awareness about this problem, information silos still exist due to various technological and organizational factors. For example, various tools have been employed by AEC organizations, but these tools were not developed with the aim of collaborating with other information systems. In addition, the lack of uniformity in data standards and names complicates the achievement of uniformity in information systems. Moreover, information silos arise due to various organizational factors. For example, information sharing and collaboration are usually done by individuals working independently, with no motivation to collaborate and share information.

Building a Connected Data Ecosystem

There is a need to eliminate information silos by transforming from a disjointed set of information systems to a connected data ecosystem. This is based on the idea of a Common Data Environment (CDE), which is defined as a platform that is employed to store, manage, and share information with regards to projects. This is important since all relevant stakeholders will be working with a single source of information. This will ensure collaboration and eliminate the risk of information inconsistency. However, it is not enough to have information stored in a single source; the information must be managed in a way that facilitates.

Integrating BIM with Enterprise Systems

The next important step in eliminating silos is integrating BIM with enterprise systems like ERP, scheduling, and cost management systems. When the design information is linked with the financial information, the organization will have a better view of the project’s overall performance. This will help the organization in better decision-making because it will have a better idea of the impact of changes in the design on the cost and time of the project. It will also help in better control of projects because it will ensure better alignment of all aspects of the project.

The Role of Data Governance and AI

The role of data governance in eliminating silos in the AEC industry is significant because it will help in keeping the information consistent across the ecosystem. It will help in setting better standards for the creation, validation, and sharing of information, thus keeping it accurate and reliable throughout the project lifecycle. In addition, it is also seen that emerging technologies like AI are helping in eliminating silos in the AEC industry. It will help in structuring unorganized information from unstructured sources like documents and drawings, thus helping in better decision-making by eliminating surprises from the information.

Enabling Real-Time Visibility and Collaboration

However, for organizations to completely eliminate silos, there is a need for organizations in the AEC industry to break free from static reporting and instead opt for data synchronization in real-time. This can now be achieved through the latest cloud-based platforms and dashboards, which enable organizations to have a real-time understanding and awareness of their projects. This is where the culture of data changes in real-time comes into play, prompting organizations to be proactive in their approach to project management. Another factor to consider is the cultural dimension.

The Future of AEC: From Silos to Synchronization

As the AEC industry continues to move forward in its evolution, the capacity to manage information will be one of the key distinguishing factors for successful companies. The focus of digital transformation projects in the industry has increasingly been on creating integrated systems that unite data, processes, and stakeholders. Technologies like digital twins, advanced analytics, and API-based integration technologies are creating the possibility for the next level of synchronization in the AEC industry. This state of the future enables information to flow seamlessly, which in turn enables teams to make decisions more quickly, more intelligently, and more confidently.

Conclusion

One of the most significant barriers to efficiency and success in large-scale AEC infrastructure projects remains the presence of information silos. However, overcoming this challenge requires more than just the adoption of new technologies. Rather, it requires a strategic approach to the challenge. The creation of a connected data platform and the adoption of real-time integrated processes in the AEC industry can transform the fragmented nature of information into a powerful asset. Ultimately, the elimination of information silos in the AEC industry is not just about improving processes; it is about unleashing the full potential of information.

AEC [22] CFD [11] Control Valve [2] Inventor [1] Mesh Model [1] STL [1]