How to Get Started with

Connected Workflows
A GUIDE FOR
ARCHITECTS
Technology Delivers Building The same Trimble-Dodge study found that:2

Blocks but Also Roadblocks 72% of businesses realize efficiency gains for internal processes.

From laser scanning and building information modeling (BIM) solutions to computational
design and energy analysis, digital technology touches nearly every corner of the modern
construction project. Understanding how, when and where to use technology is crucial.
Companies that get the equation right operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. In a best- 63% improve decision-making.
case scenario, they’re able to achieve transformative results.

Architects recognize that digital technology plays an integral role in advancing their business.

Among larger companies, 53% see increased efficiency for multi-company processes, and

According to a 2022 study conducted by Trimble and Dodge Data & Analytics:1

77% 77%
31% report increased project profitability.

of architecture firms that that have a high level

currently have a low level of digital adoption plan 64% deliver projects faster.
of digital adoption plan to to continue investing
invest in digital workflows. in technology.

But that’s where things get difficult. Simply adding technology to the mix doesn’t necessarily
This includes areas as diverse as structural analysis, construction documentation,
unlock maximum value. It’s all about how a business uses various tools, technologies and
conceptual/schematic design, design development, and model take-offs and estimation.
solutions together—and how they synergistically create advantages.
Make no mistake, digital workflows that connect people, data and machines unlock
significant value for construction firms.

1,2
Dodge Data & Analytics and Trimble Construction, Connected Construction: The Architects’ Perspective, 2022. © 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 2
A common problem in the architecture, engineering,
construction and operations (AECO) industry and beyond is
that the quest for faster, cheaper and easier ways of working
leads to a chaotic array of point solutions that rely on
different data sources, formats, schemas and standards. The
number of applications can easily reach into the hundreds or
even thousands.

The result is a company that achieves only incremental

gains when much larger gains are possible. Instead of
witnessing breakthroughs in efficiently completing reviews
or tracking changes, competitive advantage, sustainability
or profitability, an organization winds up with silos of digital
processes and data—along with duplication and errors.

As a supply chain or business ecosystem expands, the

challenges escalate and technical debt accumulates. Worse,
different design, construction and business users cannot
access essential data in the right format and on the right
device at the precise moment it’s needed.

Standalone point solutions can transform a

single workflow, but transforming how your
teams collaborate, how you deliver projects
and how you run your business requires
bigger thinking.

© 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 3

Paving a Path to Progress This eBook will guide you through the steps required to start on your connected construction
journey. It focuses on practical strategies and components revolving around:

GOALS DATA WORKFLOWS PEOPLE SYSTEMS

Organizations that tap into connected construction, which in its simplest form means
integrating data across the project lifecycle, are able to make big process improvements
This structure serves as a blueprint for digitizing and connecting workflows across an architecture
in the areas that matter most:
firm. In the following pages, you will learn about best practices and proven ways to construct a
path to predictability and profitability.
Higher levels of
Increased productivity
profitability

Reduced rework Improved safety New to connected construction?

Start here for basic definitions and use cases.

Enhanced forecasting models Stronger security

Improved regulatory
Improved budgeting
compliance

These gains take place across business models, project types and business initiatives. They
encompass conventional and progressive design-build, digital project delivery, public-private
partnerships, integrated and high-performance value chains, new products and services, and
horizontal and vertical integrations.

As an organization becomes more connected, it’s equipped to fully leverage augmented or virtual
reality, generative design, automation, AI and other advanced technologies. It evolves from
reactive design to pushing the envelope when it comes to constructability, performance and
operating cost savings. All of this leads to a higher level of collaboration and transparency across
stakeholders—and the ability to act and react faster to changing conditions. This digitally agile
enterprise is equipped to address the opportunities and challenges that technology delivers.

© 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 4

Common Pain Points
Here are some warning signs that you aren’t taking advantage of digital connected workflows.

Time-consuming file and data management

Slow response time to RFIs

Scope misalignment with clients, vendors and other stakeholders

Frequent errors in datasets delivered to consultants and contractors

Difficult to determine the impact of a design change

Low cost predictability (only 31% of projects come within 10% of budget3)

Loss of historical versions of each design iteration

Harder than ever to win work

Inability to trace the root cause of errors or delays

Dark data that can’t be used to improve project or business outcomes

Benchmark Yourself Against Your Peers

Are you keeping up with digital workflow adoption?

Learn more about how connected technologies

can support best practices.

3
KPMG International, Climbing the curve: 2015 Global Construction Project Owner’s Survey, 2015. © 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 5
GOALS

Identify Your Objectives

The first step in becoming a connected digital enterprise is to understand what A key to evolving as a company is to understand how to
connected construction offers. Digitization delivers gains on three primary levels: plug in technology in the right place and in the right way to
achieve the desired objective and a competitive advantage.
Good: For example, a firm may want to eradicate data silos. Yet, how
it approaches this task matters. Lowering costs by reducing
A system automates an existing process. This trims time and dollars
manual touchpoints is beneficial, but the real value lies in
by introducing a more efficient way to tackle the task.
gaining market share through forecasting and analytics.
Example: Using architectural rendering software or an AI tool to speed
up the rendering of a 3D model Success requires a business strategy and clear technology
goals. Once your company identifies a path for matching
technology with specific needs and opportunities, it’s
possible to understand how to put digitalization to work.
Better:
Software or hardware that significantly improves an existing process

Example: Creating interactive, realistic walkthroughs of a design using

extended reality to streamline the client buy-in process

Best:
Technology that drives strategic business gains and innovation

Example: A cloud framework that allows teams to connect and

collaborate in real-time—across offices, file types, vendors and
geographic regions

© 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 6

DATA

Establish a Solid
Foundation for
Prioritize technology
Managing Data Understand/identify projects based on the
Establish and deploy
standards, rules and
your mission and goals. value they deliver to the
templates.
The second step toward becoming a highly
digitized organization is to take stock of
entire ecosystem.
where you are and where you want to be.
It’s essential to embed goals into This step requires an analysis of Next, it’s important to document current
It’s important to recognize that workflows
benchmarks and KPIs. This might individual projects and an understanding systems, data formats, data format
are the way your organizational objectives
include: Are profits in line with what we of what represents best-of-breed needs and standards. It’s also crucial to
play out. Data is the fuel that powers them.
expect? Do processes require the number solutions. It’s important to focus on identify so-called “dark data” that winds
Consequently, it’s vital to create a clear
of labor hours we projected? technology at both the data flow and up inaccessible or overlooked despite
roadmap. A best practice approach
workflow levels. For example, Design the fact that it could improve decision-
revolves around seven critical factors:
Develop LLC invests in technologies that making and outcomes. Standardization
are flexible enough to connect to others and governance are critical. Many of
and that stimulate new service offerings. Trimble’s most innovative customers
establish a governance office and team,
along with a centralized data standards
database capable of synchronizing data
across systems and user personas.

© 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 7

 DATA

Address custom
Integrate IT systems Train teams to use the Tap outside consulting
development
and software. system. expertise as needed.
requirements.

With data standards, industry standards Improving data standards and workflows As part of a broad industry trend, As IT systems and cloud frameworks
and workflow documentation in place, establishes a framework for gains. architects are shifting away from custom extend across companies,
integrating systems becomes easier. At Yet, it’s vital to train teams to use new development and adopting commercial partnerships and alliances become
this point, an architect can work with systems and workflows. The good news off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions that essential. Deloitte found that 73% of
technology partners to fully understand is that integration and automation deliver flexible data formats and engineering and construction firms
their long-term strategy and roadmap— simplify both processes and training. adaptable workflow configurations. This with highly connected digital systems
and ensure that the solution and the Award-winning JLG Architects trained allows Trimble and other technology realize value. By contrast, only 27%
desired result are closely aligned. For the entire staff on building performance partners to develop API-based scalable that handle all development in-house
example: Can you deliver cumulative analysis software and created more solutions that unlock value through report gains.4 Trimble Consulting
design data in an integrated way for use than 200 energy models to meet their custom integrations. For example, works closely with other top consulting
across construction processes? Does Architecture 2030 commitment. Trimble and Microsoft accelerate digital firms to build custom workflows.
the data deliver insights into budget and physical world connectivity through Trimble also taps several large channel
goals? Can your firm capture data that a dedicated construction cloud. networks that deliver field services,
streamlines and optimizes future bids? training and support.

4
Deloitte, Ecosystem pathways for connected construction, 2021. © 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 8
CASE STUDY

Reducing the Chengdu Hotel’s

Design and Construction
Workflow by 50%
The Chengdu Dong’an Lake Kapok Hotel needed to
be built in 17 months, with strict cost controls and
high-quality requirements. By pivoting to a lifecycle
BIM approach, China Resources Land (CRL) was
able to connect all disciplines and stakeholders
from the beginning. The final 656,600 square foot
building was completed within the time constraints
by shrinking the overall cycle time by 50% and
closeout by 42%.

Read the CRL case study

© 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 9

WORKFLOWS

Where Connected
Workflows Matter
In the Dodge + Trimble study referenced
previously, architects using connected workflows
were asked which processes are most often at
the root cause of errors and delays.

When plotted out, their responses reveal that

most problems stem from the processes
that happen frequently and have a large
impact on projects and the business, including
construction documentation and structural
analysis and calculations.

These insights can serve as a roadmap for

architects who want to digitize and connect
processes that will deliver deeper business value.

© 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 10

WORKFLOWS

The Benefits of Connected Digital Workflows

© 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 11

PEOPLE Focus on use cases and value, not the specific technology. Tie performance gains, reduced
costs, improved carbon lifecycle impacts and other tangible outcomes to the technology—not the

How to Cultivate other way around.

a Culture That Stay focused on your goals. It’s incredibly easy to become overwhelmed by daily events and begin to

Supports Change
stray from a strategic focus. For example, many architects simply create new divisions or groups for new
technologies. But oftentimes, upskilling is far more efficient and less costly.

Building a robust and modern digital

framework and developing the right processes Be patient. Give teams and individuals time to internalize new concepts, ideas and technologies. This
and workflows are only part of connected often means making groups aware of changes in stages so that they aren’t surprised by them. Study up
construction. A cultural shift must take place so on the psychology of change.
that people understand the value of a project,
how workflows and processes change, and how
to use the technology to maximum advantage. Communicate. Help them prepare mentally and gain an understanding of how the new framework will
change their jobs, costs and daily routines. Focus on improvements but also possible pain points.
Here are seven ways to ratchet up results:

Motivate groups to change the way they work. Provide resources and support employees’ need to
navigate change. Introduce incentives for adoption, when and where they’re appropriate.

Play the long game. Create a multi-year strategy that management can clearly articulate. Establish key
milestones and reinforce wins through frequent communication or gamification.

Invest in training and development. The rapid pace of technological advancement makes ongoing
training essential, whether it covers advancing skill sets or coping with cultural changes. Remember that
34% of architects do not fully adopt digital workflows because there is insufficient training.5

5
Dodge Data & Analytics and Trimble Construction, Connected Construction: The Architects’ Perspective, 2022. © 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 12
CASE STUDY

M Moser Associates: Using

Model-Based Workflows to
Eliminate Waste and Stand
Out in the Market
Over the past 15 years, M Moser Associates,
a global AEC firm, has transitioned away from
paper to an entirely constructible 3D modeling
workflow that empowers any stakeholder to
understand and participate in a project. This
approach has paid off, allowing the firm to
remain fluid in design and reduce costs, waste
and lead time for their customers.

Read the case study

© 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 13

 SYSTEMS CONSIDERATION #2

Connected Construction Features A Digital-Ready Project Management System

and Requirements Checklist Key features:

Whether you’re starting from scratch or expanding your digital arsenal, the selection process is Scalable to handle multiple enterprise projects as well as one-off projects and programs
at the center of success. Here are five key considerations for building a best practice framework:
Customizable data entry forms

Business process automation that’s easily configured and maintained

by your organization
CONSIDERATION #1
A collaborative framework with granular permission controls and data views to support
A Common Data Environment (CDE) real-time workflows with partners and other stakeholders

Robust reporting capabilities, including a data warehouse that connects to third-party

Key features:
business intelligence tools like Power BI and Tableau

Adherence to open industry standards AI and machine learning capabilities that mine data for correlations, patterns and trends

Interoperability with other systems (via APIs, Connectors, etc.) Mobile access for field users

Manages proprietary file formats while maintaining data fidelity Streamlined workflows for quick in-field reviews and data capture

Manages document-based, object-based and asset-based workflows Interoperable with other systems (via APIs, Connectors, etc.) via an integration
platform that links to commonly used financial systems such as Oracle,
Scalable to meet project data needs and data types (BIM data, GIS PeopleSoft, SAP and Workday
data, Lidar data, Survey data, high volume raw data, etc.)
Integrates flawlessly with BIM, GIS and other field data tied to cost
Tracks all activities with the data calculation and update workflows

Includes a “data management layer” such as an approval workflow Incorporates laser scanning, surveying solutions and robotic
layout tools for keeping a model and reality aligned

© 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 14

 SYSTEMS

CONSIDERATION #3 CONSIDERATION #5

Highly Precise Design Authoring Software Business Intelligence and Data Analytics

Key features: Key features:

Adherence to open industry standards (i.e., capable of IFC export and import) The solution supports data standardization for historical
and active data sets
Interoperability with other detailing, analysis, barcoding, scanning, MIS and
CNC machine systems (via APIs, Connectors, etc.) Built for local (specific users) and global (program-wide)
reporting and analytics

Designed to support various levels of analytics including

descriptive, diagnostic and predictive

CONSIDERATION #4

A Connected Accounting System

Key features:

An application built for construction firms by industry experts

Configurable for your current IT environment systems, workflows

and data flows

Interoperable with other systems (via APIs, Connectors, etc.)

Integrates flawlessly with BIM, GIS and other field data tied to
cost calculation and update workflows

© 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 15

Connections Equal Opportunity
Getting the right information to the right people at the right time isn’t
always easy. But the payoffs of better decision-making, efficiency and risk
reduction are worth it. And a business-as-usual approach to your goals,
data, workflows, people and systems just isn’t going to get you there.

Technology that connects workflows doesn’t have to be complicated.

Trimble Construction One is a custom suite of interconnected tools built
specifically around your needs and workflows. Give your firm a way to
successfully leverage digitization while simplifying your tech stack.

Learn how

© 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved. 16

Trimble solutions help AECO firms
in over 150 countries achieve:6

20%-50% Up to 30%
productivity increases cost savings

Up to 50% Up to a 30%
less rework boost in machine productivity

6
Trimble, 2020 Sustainability Report, 2020. © 2023 Trimble Construction. All Rights Reserved.