Architect and Builder Jul/Aug 2024 | Page 10

Reframing Digital Transformation : Beyond Digitisation and Into Transformation

This article is written from my perspective as a tech consultant for the built environment with over 6 years of digital implementation experience .
Author : Machiel Odendaal Editor : Juanett Odendaal

During my time in the industry , I ’ ve witnessed the slow adoption of technology in the built environment - the 3rd slowest industry according to a McKinsey report . Digital transformation ( DX ) is frequently discussed , however , its true value to clients , companies and the broader built environment is often misunderstood .

I ’ ve done extensive research to truly define the meaning of DX and why it is essential to our practices . I believe that we have misinterpreted what DX means for our practices and that we need to define the essence of DX and give it a clear definition for us . This will allow us to implement DX to impact our practices .
For the last few years , during various implementations , events and discussions within the built environment , I ’ ve seen the need for DX has grown . However , we do not fully understand what we are doing and are unsure about how to proceed . Here are some of the general trends I have noticed in how DX is seen and implemented :
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