Impact of Data in Construction Progress Tracking

Construction progress tracking is like building a complex lego structure with multiple small, medium and large blocks. It is the process of keeping track of the different stages of a construction project, from the initial planning stages all the way to completion.  

Why is Construction Progress Tracking Important? 

Having a mechanism and strategy to track progress ensures that the project is on schedule, within budget, and any issues or delays can be identified and addressed quickly. There a number of other advantages too; 

• By tracking progress, project managers can ensure that the project is moving forward according to the timelines set in the initial plan. In the event of any delays, they can detect the roadblocks early and take corrective action in time. 
• They can manage costs effectively. Construction projects can often be expensive. By having a tracking system in place, project managers can identify potential cost overruns early on and take steps to control costs, and avoid exceeding the budget. 
• Given the complexity involved in constructing a building, having a progress tracking system can help identify potential risks before they become unmanageable. For example, sometimes workers can encounter soil or geological conditions that were not accounted for in the initial design, which could lead to delays and additional costs. Progress tracking can help project managers mitigate this risk by adjusting the project plan early on to account for the additional work required, or they may be able to bring in additional resources to help tackle the issue. 

• Progress tracking can provide data and information that can help with effective and quick decision-making. 
• It can provide transparency into the status of the project and ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page on the progress being made. This can build trust and credibility with the stakeholders too. 

Role of Data in Construction Progress Tracking 

Data-driven decision making has been on the rise in construction progress tracking for several years, but it has gained significant momentum over the past two. In fact, one of the early drivers of this trend has been the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the early 2000s.  

BIM is a digital modelling tool that allows architects, engineers, and contractors to create a virtual 3D model of a building or infrastructure project. This model can be used to generate data on construction activities and progress, as well as to identify potential issues and conflicts. 

Read more about BIM and its applications in the global construction industry today. 

A Merit expert adds, “In recent years, there has also been a growing focus on leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to improve construction progress tracking. This includes using AI-powered algorithms to analyse project data and identify potential risks and issues before they become major problems.” 

It also includes using data analytics to generate insights on project performance, such as identifying areas where costs or timelines are exceeding expectations. 

When it comes to incorporating data into monitoring construction progress, these are the data points that project managers need to collate; 

• Data on planned versus actual start and end dates of tasks or activities. 
• Data on planned versus actual costs of tasks or activities. 
• Data on the allocation and utilisation of labour, equipment, and materials. 
• Data on the quality of completed work and any issues or defects. 
• Data on potential and actual risks that may impact the project. 

• Data on project-related communication, including meeting minutes, email correspondence, and progress reports. 

By collecting and analysing all these data points, project managers can track progress against the project plan, identify potential issues, and make informed decisions on how to address them.  

Additionally, they can use data to generate reports and dashboards that provide a clear and concise overview of project progress. This can help project stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and project team members, stay informed and up-to-date on project status, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes. 

6 Best Practices for Using Data in Construction Progress Tracking 

The sudden data outburst that industries are experiencing holds equally true for the global construction industry too, even though the industry has been known to take slow, deliberate steps in adopting digital technologies. So, when it comes to finding effective ways to make optimal use of data in driving construction projects, there are some best practices that project managers can follow. Let’s look at what they are. 

1. Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines project timelines, budgets and goals. Ensure that the plan includes a breakdown of tasks, milestones and deadlines. 

2. Invest in a project management software to track the progress and milestones laid out in the plan. The software can help project managers stay organised and provide real-time updates on the status of various tasks. For example, CoConstruct is designed for independent builders in the residential construction industry to help project managers create, assign and track specific tasks along the way. Some other widely used software tools include Autodesk BIM 360, Procore, PlanGrid, and Bluebeam. 

3. Establish clear, measurable benchmarks for progress, such as the completion of specific tasks or the achievement of specific milestones. For example, critical path analysis is an example of a benchmark that project managers can set. This analysis identifies the sequence of tasks that must be completed in time for the project to stay on schedule. Some other benchmarks include milestone schedule, budget tracking, quality control, safety standards, and more. 

4. Invest in digital tools like drones, cameras and 3D modelling software to capture data and track progress in-real time. 

5. Regularly update stakeholders on the progress of their projects. Stakeholders typically include project sponsors, contractors, and other team members. 

6. At the core of it all, use data to drive each and every one of these decisions. Using data effectively can play a significant role in bringing more efficiency, cost saving, quality and accountability in the entire construction process. 

Merit’s Expertise in Data Harvesting & Data Analysis in Construction  

Our state-of-the-art data harvesting engine collects high-volume, industry-specific data at 4 times the speed, with 30% more accuracy than normal scrapers, at a lower cost and with refined quality control from seasoned data experts. 

Our solutions help some of the world’s largest construction intelligence brands seamlessly deliver data and insights to their end customers, including:   

• Delivering curated content from thousands of online documents or PDFs   
• Aggregating millions of specialised, industry-specific data points   

To know more, visit: https://www.meritdata-tech.com/service/code/data-harvesting-aggregation/