This article is part of our new Onsite Insight series, where we focus on content to help the construction industry modernize their operating practices in order to improve safety, schedule predictability and ultimately profit.
Learn how seasoned construction expert Andy Alagappan uses creative methods and digital tactics to improve the industry. In this interview, Andy talks about his experience and emphasizes the value of teamwork in project management and data-driven decision-making. Continue reading to discover how these creative methods might improve your construction projects, and remember to watch the entire interview for a more in-depth look.
Andy’s Journey and Background
Andy Alagappan is a seasoned professional in the construction industry, specializing in project controls and planning. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of the industry's challenges, Andy has dedicated his career to improving construction project outcomes through innovative strategies and digital solutions. As the founder of Strategic Planning Co in New Zealand, he focuses on leveraging data-driven decision-making, breaking down silos in project management, and implementing advanced modeling techniques to enhance project efficiency. Andy has pioneered the use of 4D modeling, linking 3D models with project schedules, and is a strong advocate for digital transformation in construction.
The Data-Driven Approach
The data-driven approach in construction involves making decisions based on data analytics rather than intuition or experience. By leveraging data, companies can optimize resource allocation, forecast project timelines more accurately, and mitigate risks. This approach is crucial for project managers, construction planners, and stakeholders responsible for delivering projects on time and within budget. It also benefits clients who seek transparency and reliability in project execution.
Data-driven decisions lead to what all Project Managers and Superintendents want, more accurate and reliable project outcomes. They help identify potential issues early, allow for timely interventions, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Implementing a data-driven approach is beneficial from the early stages of project planning to execution and completion. Early implementation ensures that all decisions are backed by data, leading to better project management and delivery.
Andy’s company leverages data-driven decision-making to improve project outcomes. He explains the data triangle, which transforms raw data into wisdom, enabling better decision-making. By moving away from emotional decisions and focusing on hard facts, Andy ensures that projects are managed more efficiently and effectively.
At CamDo, we’re taking a similar approach to data. We’re pushing beyond regular construction time-lapse cameras by integrating AI and Computer Vision to produce more data, structured well and delivered at the right time to the right people.
Breaking Down Silos
In many construction projects, teams work in silos, leading to communication breakdowns, duplicated efforts, and project delays. This lack of collaboration can hinder project success and efficiency. Project managers, team leaders, and stakeholders all suffer when silos exist. It impacts the entire project team, from engineers and architects to field teams and subcontractors.
Breaking down silos fosters better communication and collaboration, leading to more cohesive and efficient project management. It ensures that all team members are aligned and working towards common goals. Andy aims to foster a culture of collaboration, where all teams work towards a common purpose. By promoting open communication and teamwork, he ensures that projects are managed more cohesively, reducing delays and improving outcomes.
Innovative 4D Modeling
4D modeling links 3D models with project schedules, allowing for visual progress tracking. This approach helps identify delays and plan mitigations effectively. Project Managers, planners, and on-site teams benefit from the clear visual representations of project milestones and progress.
4D modeling provides a comprehensive view of the project timeline, making it easier to manage schedules and resources. It enhances transparency and accountability in project management. Andy has pioneered the use of 4D modeling to link 3D models with project schedules. This approach allows for visual progress tracking, making it easier to identify delays and plan mitigations. By providing clear visual representations of project milestones, teams can better understand their progress and proactively address issues.
Structured Data and Planning
Structured data is organized and formatted in a way that makes it easily accessible and analyzable. It helps manage large-scale projects more effectively. Project Managers, planners, and data analysts benefit from structured data as it allows for better organization and management of project information.
Structured data improves the accuracy and efficiency of project management. It enables better decision-making and resource allocation. Andy emphasizes the importance of structured data in construction. He discusses his Diamond project modeling approach, which correlates work breakdown structures with cost, model, and organizational breakdown structures. This structured approach helps manage large-scale projects more effectively.
Source: Strategic Planning Co.
The Future of Construction: AI and Digitalization
AI involves using computer systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, while digitalization refers to the integration of digital technologies into business processes. Construction professionals at all levels benefit from AI and digitalization, as these technologies streamline processes and improve efficiency.
AI and digitalization can automate routine tasks, enhance decision-making, and improve project management. They create more time for field teams to work on higher value tasks and they enable office teams to focus on critical thinking and strategic planning rather than data gathering. Andy shares examples of how AI has already streamlined his projects, such as delay analysis in Primavera P6, saving significant time and effort. He believes that tools like generative AI can automate routine tasks, allowing professionals to focus on more strategic aspects of project management.
Effective Communication and Change Management
Effective communication involves delivering clear, concise information at the right time to the right people. It is crucial for successful project management. All team members, from project managers to on-site workers, need to communicate effectively to ensure project success.
Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and errors, leading to better project outcomes. It also enhances collaboration and team alignment. Andy argues that a 30-page Gantt chart is not effective communication. Instead, he promotes delivering clear, concise information at the right time, which can significantly improve decision-making and project outcomes.
Your Thoughts!
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. How are you incorporating AI and digitalization into your projects? What challenges do you face in planning and project management? Your insights could help shape the future of construction and construction technology (ConTech).
Watch the Full Interview
For a deeper dive into Andy’s strategies and experiences, watch the full interview. Learn how you can implement these cutting-edge construction strategies to unlock digital secrets and enhance your project outcomes.
