Architecture, Engineering, Construction

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector is extremely diverse in both scale and nature, ranging from home improvements to state of the art and ever-taller skyscrapers; from water treatment facilities to oil refineries and power plants; and from roads and railways to bridges and tunnels.

Although at a high level AEC projects share common characteristics in terms of project phases (initial concept, detailed design, construct, commission and own/maintain) and project structures (involving a range of organisations – architects, engineers, contractors, tradesmen and manufacturers – and skills), the information technologies used vary hugely in sophistication according to project complexity. To provide support across all of the phases of major projects, numerous IT systems are required - from specialist analysis packages, through sophisticated 3D modelling systems to comprehensive data and document management infrastructures. Today, there is enormous emphasis on integration and collaboration technologies that enable these diverse and complex systems to work together in ‘Building Information Management’ (BIM) environments to support communication and data sharing across the project.

Companies seeking to exploit IT capabilities continue to grapple with issues such as limited standardisation and the relative responsibilities and interrelationships of project participants. IT has the potential to change project processes and structures substantially, but cultural and commercial issues mean that this is not always desirable or even possible. The result is a complex tapestry of ever-improving information technologies; proven project processes and structures; established industry practices; and varying standards.

Cambashi has followed the evolution of IT in the AEC market for over 20 years and is able to offer extensive insights – supported by rigorous analysis – into the opportunities for the exploitation of IT in this challenging industry.