In the Construction Industry , Knowledge Means Profit
The generation , collection and analysis of data has become the strategic imperative that is driving the construction industry forward .
According to Databuild CEO Morag Evans , data empowers organisations with knowledge that is used to improve planning and ultimately enhance business performance .
“ Databuild is already widely acknowledged as a one-stop source of intelligence for the construction and allied industries ,” she says . “ Our flagship offering , Databuild Online , offers significantly more than a database of active contacts , projects and tender opportunities in South Africa and other African countries .
Users have long been relying on Databuild Online to proactively and timeously market their products and services to the right industry players throughout the supply chain and across all stages of a project ’ s lifecycle .
Now Databuild is taking the provision of information one step further through a comprehensive data analytics service that provides invaluable insight to industry professionals .
“ The information collected by our research department and provided by Databuild Online is utilised in various ways , depending on the nature of the user ’ s business , but data isn ’ t useful on its own – it ’ s what you do with it that counts ,” says Evans .
“ Our data analytics service gives companies access to business analysis dashboards which provide detailed insight into construction-related activity throughout the country . Architects and other professionals play an integral role in helping us source this information and ensuring that the statistics we provide are not only accurate and up to date , but also comprehensive .
“ Companies then interrogate the data to answer pertinent questions about particular activities that have a direct bearing on their business .
“ The information garnered is used to accumulate a wealth of knowledge , including learning from past projects , identifying industry trends , and making informed and real-time decisions , not only about current and future projects , but also the strategic direction of the company .
“ Some of our clients have used the information to determine where to open new manufacturing plants and close
Morag Evans , Databuild CEO
down existing ones , while others rely on it to indicate the busiest distribution points for the transportation of their product .”
According to Evans , perhaps the most valuable feature of the service is that the information it provides paints an accurate real-time picture of the state of the local construction industry , allowing timeous decisions .
“ Often our perceptions are skewed by what we read in the media or because we choose to only consider the facts that support our opinion . This service , however , provides the informational evidence that distinguishes perception from reality .”
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