Did you know that in 2020, every person generated 1.7 megabytes in one second? It may come as no surprise that a huge amount of this data, particularly for businesses, comes via email. To put things into perspective, 333.2 billion emails are sent and received every day in 2022, with this number expected to increase to 376.4 by 2025 and we’ve already developed a headache thinking about it.
So, what does this mean for businesses? Forbes found that 95% of surveyed businesses reported the need to manage unstructured data was a huge problem for their business.
How did the world’s leading companies respond?
In response to this globally, the world’s leading companies are increasingly creating platforms rather than products as a result of the data explosion.
There have been vast changes to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, especially since 2011 when the UK government passed a mandate that all government-funded building projects are to use Building Information Modelling (BIM). Which is another reason it has never been more important for companies in the AEC industry to collaborate and change information management methods.
File handling and storage of documents is often left up to employees who develop bad practices, such as no version control or storing information in different folders. This makes it difficult to retrieve information in dispute situations or lose business opportunities.
The problem this poses to BIM and Information Management leaders
A constant influx of information can be overwhelming for BIM and Information Management leaders. This information, whether it's stored in internal or external email correspondence, project management tools, or in documents, is the heart of how your project works. Though, it is only if it is well-organised, accessible, up to date and secure.
To better manage data, the AEC needs to put a clearer, more distinct focus on it. Maintaining ISO 9001 and ISO 19650 standards can be challenging without the right tools and processes. This is especially important with everyone on a team responsible for sending and receiving information now. Business operations can be adversely affected if this information is lost or unavailable.
The need for a Single Source of Truth in the AEC
There are numerous benefits to implementing BIM process in an organisation, and it is now more important than ever for organisations to look to software platforms that can enhance their information management processes.
73% of UK construction professionals implemented BIM into their projects in 2020 compared to 13% in 2011 -
Statista.
Enhancing information management processes is significant because the information that is collated and stored at all stages of the project lifecycle is visible and actionable. This data can improve accuracy, highlight design intent, improve knowledge transfer to all stakeholders, and provide insight into existing projects in the built environment in years to come.
“In the last few years, there has been a focus on improving communication and data sharing. In the design phase, uncontrolled emailing and file sharing between project members can quickly become chaotic and impossible to track… I believe that the possibility to have a Common Data Environment in place, as described in the ISO 19650, will really change the way we approach our projects, giving us the possibility to focus more on improving our design with the certainty of the information that we are using and sharing.”- Giulia Pustorino, BIM Manager at Weston Williamson + Partners, speaking on a panel discussion, 'The evolving role of digital in construction'.
As BIM continues to be used exponentially in the global construction industry, BIM and Information Managers must stop data mismanagement and its associated risks. This practice allows early detection, reducing the risk of mistakes, resulting in fewer reworks, lower costs, and better-quality projects. The most effective way of implementing these practices is by creating a Single Source of Truth in your organisation.
Manual processes just don’t cut it anymore, and poor information management should no longer be an excuse. If you’d like to see how Mail Manager can help you address your information management concerns, book a demo with our team today or download a free trial!
