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PAUL WALLETT

TRIMBLE SOLUTIONS

Embracing connected construction

Throughout the history of modern construction, information irregularity has been behind delayed or over-budget construction projects. The causes of the problem are obvious: all significant building projects involve a complicated network of interdependent teams performing numerous procedures at the same time. Naturally, there will be gaps in the flow of precise and realtime data, resulting in mistakes or errors on the job site, necessitating rework or, in some cases, destruction and reconstruction.

A convenient and fool-proof way to address this information irregularity, that has been missing thus far, is finally changing. An attempt has been made to integrate and ‘connect’ all stakeholders, teams and individuals to a centralised software, by taking full advantage of widespread availability of high-speed mobile internet and affordable smartphones and tablets. This innovative approach to planning and execution of a project is called ‘Connected construction’.

Connected construction is essentially the next step in the digitalisation of the construction industry. This digitalisation is not restricted to individual processes; rather, it connects and integrates them into a unified whole. Consider the following example to gain a better understanding: The structural engineering team makes some changes to the project's 3D BIM model, and this change is immediately and automatically communicated to the fabricator, who can now update the machine to reflect the new requirements, or to the onsite supervisor's mobile device, which now has access to the necessary adjustments for work onsite.

It is therefore safe to state that the 'connected construction' approach tends to eliminate the all-too-common silos in the construction industry, as it integrates and unifies people and processes involved in a project across all stages by utilising the most cutting-edge hardware, software, and services. In the end, it contributes to the creation of a single, absolute source of accurate and real-time information for everyone, allowing for data transparency and sharing. It also eliminates data duplication and rework, reduces the risk of miscommunication, and improves overall construction workflow efficiency.

Data sharing between field and office when done manually, not only results in poor communication but also creates blocks that impede project efficiency and productivity. Industry experts have noted that the absence of standardised tools for data sharing is a major cause of miscommunication and rework.

Another major issue for both project owners and teams is data visibility, in which one team does not have access to the data of another. Worse, nearly no one has complete project status information. Because many teams may require the same set of data, this circumstance frequently results in data duplication.

Also, having erroneous or obsolete data with one team - say, the contractor or fabricator - when the structural engineering team has already made changes to it can stymie project progress. These issues can be effectively addressed by using the right methodology of connected construction, which offers better data visibility and accuracy for all project stakeholders.

Every transformation initiative must start with clear objectives that tie to larger company goals. This will ensure that the initiative receives the attention, support, and focus needed. The outcomes of Connected Construction become even more valuable when they align with larger strategic initiatives and economics within the company.

Any Connected Construction initiative needs more than a budget for technology; it needs top-down support and endorsement. Collaboration must become integral to company’s culture, focus, and execution. To ensure the transition momentum is maintained, it must be anchored in milestones and measured with clearly defined metrics. This way, you can track and communicate results, celebrate successes,

Industry insight

and keep everyone focused for the long haul.

Data is invaluable in a Connected Construction ecosystem. Inventorying the data the company currently collects, quantifying its value and exploring new ways it can help the company make better and faster decisions is a prerequisite.

The construction industry has dealt with the same problems for decades now. Point solutions can make incremental improvements, but to make massive strides we need to address the disconnects between people, processes, and technology that exist today.

Connected Construction closes the gaps and creates transparency by providing an ecosystem for all stakeholders involved in the project lifecycle to access and share data, and work collaboratively toward a common end result.

Paul Wallett, Regional Director, Middle East and India, Trimble Solutions.

ARASH JALILI

UNIQUE PROPERTIES

Why invest in Dubai?

Following the foreign property ownership decree in 2002, which allowed non-citizens to own property in Dubai, the city has seen a construction boom attracting investors from across not only the nation but the globe.

Today, Dubai offers many investment opportunities in both the residential and commercial sectors. But what exactly makes Dubai a haven for investors in the property space?

IT IS A HIGHLY REGULATED INDUSTRY Real estate investment in Dubai is governed by a set of laws and regulations aimed at protecting

investors' interests. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) handles all registration of sales and purchases of land, in addition to approving, organizing, and documenting transactions concerning registered land and real estate in Dubai. Additionally, the Real Estate Registration Agency (RERA) puts legal frameworks and mechanisms in place to regulate the activity of real estate developments, owners associations, and brokerage companies, helping ensure a stable and solid foundation for all transactions to take place. There are also several services available for investors from far and wide to help make this process as easy as possible.

COMPETITIVE PRICING AND ATTRACTIVE RENTAL YIELDS Buying to let is a lucrative investment as rentals remain the popular choices for buyers looking to make a steady investment with attractive property prices and payment plans, and more. Investors looking at buy-to-let properties in Dubai can expect as much as 10% annual rental income, with short-term rentals and holiday homes. Furthermore, Dubai property rental yields are significantly higher than those offered in other popular global hubs such as London, Toronto and New York. Recent data also lists Dubai as the most ‘affordable’ city to purchase a home compared with other major international hubs such as Hong Kong, Paris and Singapore.

FAVOURABLE TAXING CONDITIONS The real estate sector is no exception to Dubai’s favourable taxation system, which is known for its tax-free real estate investments. In Dubai, real estate investors gain maximum profit without paying property tax.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Whether near the beach, in the middle of the city, or secluded in the calm desert, location remains an essential investment element in Dubai's real estate that can largely influence the return on investment. With a vast landscape full of unique properties and communities, there is something for everyone looking to buy to live. Other factors to consider when looking at the market include facilities and proximity to transport and school, size, quality, maintenance costs, interest rates, and market conditions at the time of purchase.

YOUSUF FAKHRUDDIN

FAKHRUDDIN PROPERTIES

How sustainable are sustainable solutions?

The green agenda in real estate is increasingly being taken into account, with the UAE government continuing to pursue sustainability and environmental conservation proactively. Sustainable practices are increasingly being used in construction projects as developers can see the numerous advantages of environmentally friendly structures. These benefits include reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change and creating prosperous communities that can help propel economic recovery and development. In addition, new technologies are providing sustainable and innovative solutions to climate change, which offer developers a chance to create carbon-conscious buildings.

However, it is essential to consider whether these sustainable solutions are genuinely sustainable for developers in the long run. Though sustainable buildings may cost more to construct initially, they are more cost-effective in the long run and offer several other benefits that make them well worth the investment. Green buildings also create jobs, spur economic growth, and improve public health. Green buildings are not only more environmentally friendly, but they can also offer significant cost savings in terms of energy and water usage. In addition, they provide occupants with a healthier and more comfortable environment.

As the UAE continues become more invested towards sustainability, we can expect to see more developers following suit and reaping the rewards of building a better world. The recent Expo 2020 event in Dubai was a major propeller for sustainable development and technology integration. Its aftermath is a clear indication that the market is ripe for change and that there is a growing demand for sustainable solutions.

According to research, carbon-conscious buildings will not only appreciate in value as people become more committed to environmentally responsible projects, but they also have the capacity to save up to 30% on energy consumption, according to research. The numerous benefits of carbon-friendly structures, combined with lower maintenance costs, make the slightly higher first investment immensely worthwhile for builders. Understandably, many occupants may be reluctant to spend more on standalone solutions that will benefit the environment in the future when they can save money today by moving into conventional, frequently unsustainably constructed buildings. As a result, since developers may do so at a far greater (and cheaper) scale than any single homeowner alone, the obligation for obtaining, integrating, and affording long-term answers rests on them.

It is not difficult to integrate and combine a variety of these long-term solutions, and more significantly, it is cheap when planned correctly. For example, circular water management systems are affordable and save tenants money on their water bills while also optimising usage and recycling. Every new construction project should have these efficient decentralized water recycling systems. Paint and glass that are more energy-efficient also help to lower operational expenses by reducing the need for maintenance and repainting. On the other hand, automated lighting systems help save a lot of electricity as they turn off the lights when they are not in use. Furthermore, BMS enables more sophisticated automation capabilities that improve assets and reduce maintenance. This translates to significant yearly cost savings over the life of the structure.

Looking ahead, it is clear that the market for sustainable buildings is only going to grow. The government’s supportive policies present an excellent opportunity for developers who are willing to invest in green architecture and in the long run, these investments will pay off in terms of lower operating costs, higher tenant satisfaction, and a more robust bottom line.