CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE · Vol. 2021

Benefits of the adoption of digital technologies on South African construction projects

Micayla Prozesky, Shweeta Arquissandas Bagoandas, Amanda Mtya and Abimbola Windapo

Keywords: Cost, digital technology, level of adoption, productivity, quality, time

Abstract

The construction industry has been noted to be the only industry with the least technological advancements, while other sectors are reaping the benefits. The construction industry is facing a lag in productivity on construction projects which could be solved through the implementation of digital technologies. The research focusses on the current adoption of digital technologies on South African construction projects and their effect on productivity. A case study research design was employed, where construction projects that met the criterion were reviewed through interviews with the responsible construction professionals. The digital technologies that were adopted on the projects were identified. The effect on cost, time and quality due to the adoption of the digital technologies was noted and the data obtained was analysed using a thematic data analysis technique. A cross-case analysis, as well as existing literature, were used in validating the information collected from each case study. The results revealed that digital technologies are used on construction projects in South Africa. Although the adoption varies from project to project, it emerged that more benefits are realised on construction projects with a higher level of adoption of digital technologies. The study found that the adoption of digital technologies on South African construction projects leads to an increase in project productivity, time and costsavings. Based on these findings, the study concludes that construction projects which use digital technology will have higher productivity and lower cost and time overruns.