The series aims to empower construction professionals, particularly SMEs, with practical insights into leveraging automation, digital tools, and AI to enhance efficiency, quality and sustainability across all phases of construction.
The series provides actionable strategies for integrating cutting-edge technologies into everyday workflows without overwhelming teams or increasing complexity.
Why the series is important to the sector?
1 Addressing Critical Challenges
The construction sector faces increasing demands for faster project delivery, sustainable practices, and higher productivity. Automation provides solutions to meet these demands while improving accuracy and reducing errors.
2 Democratising Technology for SMEs
Many smaller firms struggle with adopting digital tools due to perceived costs and complexity. This series demystifies automation, presenting affordable and accessible technologies that are practical for SMEs.
3 Workforce Transformation
As automation and AI reshape the construction workforce, the sector must adapt by upskilling employees and fostering collaboration between humans and machines. This series provides strategies for transitioning teams into the future.
4 Accelerating Housing Delivery
The housing crisis in Ireland remains a critical issue. By leveraging automation and digitised construction methods, the sector can significantly reduce project timelines and improve resource allocation.
5 Aligning with Sustainability Goals
If we are to achieve our climate action responsibilities, we need to utilise the best technology to support environmental compliance and resource efficiency. The series highlights how automation can integrate sustainability into workflows without adding complexity. Work
Work smarter, not harder
What topics will be covering in the series?
The sequencing of this six-part series prioritises building knowledge first, then progressing to more specialised and practical applications of automation that will appeal to a diverse range of stakeholders.
1 Automate to Elevate: Construction Automation, a Path to Efficiency and Quality
• The basics of construction automation and its benefits for SMEs.
• Case studies of automation improving project quality and efficiency.
2 Smarter Blueprints:
Automating the Blueprint, Generative Design and BIM
• How compliance to national BIM requirements can be made easier with automation.
• Case studies of design optimisation using AI and digital tools.
3 Plan Success:
Enhanced Planning and Costing, Optimising Data for Project Success
• Tools for smarter planning, scheduling, and cost estimation.
• Case studies of integrating digital product passports for material tracking.
4 Build Better:
Next-Gen Build, Digitising MMC and the Job Site
• Automating workflows for modular and prefabricated construction.
• Leveraging robotics and on-site automation tools.
5 Green Automation: Streamlining Sustainability, Automating Building Compliance
• Tools for tracking materials and carbon footprints in real time.
• Case studies of automated regulatory compliance.
6 AI Empowerment
Humans + AI, The Future Construction Team
• Everyday AI tools that enhance workforce productivity.
• Strategies for reskilling teams to adopt AI-supported processes.
Work smarter, not harder
EVENT ONE Automate to Elevate
Construction Automation, a Path to Efficiency and Quality
This event introduces professionals to the potential of construction automation, emphasising tools and strategies that streamline workflows and improve project outcomes. This event highlights how automation can enhance efficiency and quality while offering practical steps for integrating these solutions into existing processes without overburdening project teams with greater complexity.
First Steps for Integration
For many organisations, the idea of integrating automation can feel daunting, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources. This event addresses these concerns by providing simple, actionable steps for gradual integration. Topics include identifying repetitive or time-consuming tasks that are prime candidates for automation, selecting user-friendly tools, and training teams for seamless adoption. The focus is on incremental changes that deliver immediate benefits, such as reduced administrative burdens and improved on-site coordination.
Case Studies
This event shares real-world examples of how SMEs have successfully leveraged automation to enhance site efficiency. These case studies will demonstrate how automation can lead to tangible improvements, such as faster project delivery, better resource allocation, and higher safety standards. Examples include deploying robotics to handle labour-intensive tasks, and leveraging digital reporting tools to improve transparency and compliance.
Work smarter, not harder
EVENT TWO Smarter Blueprints
Automating the Blueprint, Generative Design and BIM
This event focuses on two key technologies driving this change: generative design and advancements in Building Information Modelling (BIM). These tools streamline workflows, optimise layouts, and ensure compliance with industry standards, enabling faster and more efficient project planning.
First Steps for Integration
Implementing generative design and BIM begins with identifying areas in the design workflow where automation can have the most immediate impact. For generative design, this often involves automating layout and space planning for optimal results. For BIM, the initial focus should be on adopting user-friendly tools that align with the project’s scale and complexity. Key steps include building a centralised project data model, training teams on BIM collaboration platforms, and incorporating automated compliance features to meet Irish BIM mandates, such as those outlined in ISO 19650.
Case Studies
Real-world examples will illustrate the transformative potential of generative design and BIM. The use of automated clash detection, reducing construction errors and provides a centralised platform for all stakeholders to collaborate effectively.
Additionally, compliance with Irish BIM mandates can be simplified through automated reporting, auto completion of ISO templates, saving on significant administrative effort.
Work smarter, not harder
EVENT THREE Plan Success
Enhanced Planning and Costing, Optimising Data for Project Success
Efficient planning, scheduling, and budgeting are critical to the success of any construction project. Automated planning software simplifies complex workflows, optimises resource allocation, and provides real-time updates to keep projects on track. Similarly, cost estimation tools enhance budget forecasting and tracking, enabling teams to better control costs and avoid overruns.
First Steps for Integration
The journey toward automating planning and costing begins with assessing existing workflows to identify pain points, such as inefficiencies in scheduling, resource management, or budget tracking. Adopting tools like automated scheduling software can help streamline the creation of project timelines, allocate resources dynamically, and adjust schedules in real time. For cost estimation, automation enables more accurate forecasting by reducing reliance on manual calculations and minimising human error. The next step is integrating these tools into current processes incrementally.
Case Studies
This event will seek to present real world examples of the use of advanced scheduling tools to help reduce delays by optimising resource allocation and highlighting potential bottlenecks before they escalate.
Additional case studies will seek to focus on improving budget management by providing real-time insights into costs, enabling teams to quickly identify and address cost variances.
Work smarter, not harder
EVENT FOUR Build Better
Next-Gen Build, Digitising MMC and the Job Site
This event explores how digitising modern methods of construction (MMC), such as modular and prefabricated workflows, is transforming the construction industry. By adopting automation, construction teams can streamline processes, reduce waste, and accelerate project timelines. Modular and prefabricated construction rely on off-site manufacturing and standardised components, offering an efficient alternative to traditional construction methods.
First Steps for Integration
SMEs looking to adopt digitised MMC can start by assessing current workflows and identifying bottlenecks that can be streamlined through automation. Tools such as BIM (Building Information Modelling), Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) and project management software can be used to plan modular workflows, ensuring precision and greater efficiency. For example, digital tools can optimise manufacturing schedules, track components, and automate quality checks during prefabrication.
Case Studies
This event will seek to present construction teams using off-site modular workflows to reduce waste by standardising materials and minimising on-site rework. manufacturing and on-site assembly.
Additional case studies will present how SMEs have leveraged digitised systems to reduce housing project timelines while maintaining quality and compliance.
Work smarter, not harder
EVENT FIVE Green Automation
Streamlining Sustainability, Automating Building Compliance
With environmental responsibility becoming a core priority for the industry, this event focuses on practical tools and strategies for tracking materials, reducing waste, and automating compliance with sustainability regulations. Automation allows teams to streamline complex sustainability processes, such as monitoring resource use, generating reports for green certifications, and meeting client and regulatory expectations.
First Steps for Integration
For construction teams beginning their journey toward automating sustainability, the first step is adopting tools that simplify resource tracking and data collection. Digital platforms can be used to monitor material usage, track embodied carbon, and identify areas for improvement in real time. For example, integrating product passports into project workflows provides transparency across the supply chain, ensuring materials meet sustainability criteria. Automating sustainability reporting is another critical step, as tools can generate compliance documentation for certifications like LEED or BREEAM with minimal manual effort.
Case Studies
This event will seek to present digital product tracking systems that help teams significantly reduce waste by providing real-time insights into material use, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.
In addition the event will seek to present a case study of automation tools for compliance reporting streamlining documentation for certifications, saving time and reducing errors.
Work smarter, not harder EVENT SIX
AI Empowerment
Humans + AI, The Future Construction Team
This event explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of the construction workforce. This session highlights practical AI tools that complement human capabilities, streamlining on-site operations and improving efficiency. With AI-driven workflows gaining traction, teams can automate repetitive tasks, improve decision-making, and enhance productivity across all project phases.
First Steps for Integration
Introducing AI into construction workflows begins with identifying processes that can benefit most from automation and decision support. Teams should start small, integrating AI into a single aspect of operations, such as on-site monitoring or material tracking, before scaling to broader workflows. Training programs focused on reskilling and upskilling employees are critical to ensure teams are equipped to work effectively with AI technologies. Clear communication about AI’s role as a collaborator, not a replacement, is essential to building confidence and fostering adoption.
Case Studies
This event will seek to present case studies of consultants and general contractors experienced in engaging and leveraging AI to support their project teams. It will also seek to provide advice on how to strategically adopt AI to support business processes.
It is hoped that the lessons learned in these case studies will demonstrate how the combination of AI tools and human expertise can consistently lead to better outcomes, demonstrating the potential of AI to transform construction workflows.
CitA Ltd.
29 Mount Street Upper Dublin 2
D02 K003
Ireland
E: admin@CitA.ie
W: www.CitA.ie
The Construction Automation Series 2025 is not just about embracing technology—it’s about working smarter, not harder. By equipping industry professionals with the tools and knowledge to adopt automation, the series empowers them to tackle sectorwide challenges, improve competitiveness, and deliver high-quality projects faster, greener, and more efficiently.
Harnessing the potential of Information Communications Technology in the Irish Construction Industry
