Paul French, Head of Digital Construction at British Gypsum, discusses that in today’s fast-evolving construction landscape, as projects become increasingly complex and regulated, the role of digital construction has never been more crucial, and it is transforming the industry.
Paul explained that this revolution, driven by technological advancements and data integration, offers efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability — all essential for meeting modern challenges.
“Digital solutions have become a cornerstone in addressing the challenges of safety, competence, and accountability. The “Golden Thread,” also known as the “Chain of Custody”, represents this vision, marking a seamless and transparent flow of critical data throughout the entire lifecycle of a building.
“At the heart of this transformation lies the importance of manufacturer data and cutting-edge technology, which form the backbone of this digital shift. The industry’s alignment towards this concept represents a profound cultural change, emphasising collaboration, precision, and risk reduction.
“For manufacturers, leveraging technology and providing comprehensive data is crucial in ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and driving excellence in construction projects,” said Paul.
Paul went onto explain the important points around digital construction which uses technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve safety, efficiency, and collaboration. Accurate manufacturer data is crucial for compliance, especially at Gateway 2 under the Building Safety Act and collaboration across the supply chain helps reduce risk, delays, and errors in project delivery. This marks a cultural shift toward transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making in construction.
The digital revolution
Digital construction encompasses the use of digital tools, processes, and models to enhance the entire lifecycle of a construction project — from design to demolition. It leverages technology to improve project outcomes, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. It relies on advanced technologies like BIM, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and improve project outcomes. By leveraging data at its core, digital construction enables stakeholders to collaborate more effectively, leading to smarter decisions and enhanced project delivery.
However, digital construction cannot thrive without high-quality, accurate manufacturer data. Manufacturer data, in simple terms, refers to the detailed information provided by product manufacturers about their building components and systems. This includes technical specifications, performance characteristics, and sustainability metrics—all of which are crucial for informed decision-making in a digital construction environment.
And at the heart of this transformation lies the Building Safety Act (BSA), which introduced a gateway regime designed to enhance safety for higher-risk buildings, reshaping the construction process.
These gateways serve as critical checkpoints:
- Gateway 1: At the planning application stage, this ensures that safety considerations are embedded in the design process.
- Gateway 2: Detailed safety assessments and approvals are required before construction. This stage involves submitting comprehensive performance specifications and technical design strategy to eliminate any ambiguity regarding the solutions used. Failure at this stage, overseen by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), can lead to costly project delays and reputational damage.
- Gateway 3: After construction is completed, this verifies that the building meets all safety standards before it is occupied.
The role of the manufacturer data in reducing risk
Among these gateways, Gateway 2, in particular, stands out as a pivotal moment. It serves as a crucial decision-making point after completion of the Technical Design at Stage 4, and is here that detailed specifications are scrutinised, and compliance is assessed before construction commences.
This stage presents significant risks if specifications are incomplete, ambiguous, or reliant on outdated product data. Manufacturers and the supply chain have a key role to play in supporting all project design stakeholders during this phase. Precision-engineered solutions backed by up-to-date, digital product data will help to ensure the provision of the right information at the right time. Manufacturers through the provision of robust data, and digital tools can support Gateway 2 compliance and prevent costly delays, errors, or even the risk of non-compliance.
Working cohesively with design teams and the supply chain, manufacturers can reduce the risks and delays associated with Gateway 2 rejections. This chain of custody linking accurate data, test evidence, and substantiated claims will ensure that the right materials and systems are chosen upfront, mitigating delays and reputational risks.
Data as the backbone of the Golden Thread
Central to this cultural shift is the importance of data. Digital systems, including BIM, are revolutionising how information is captured, analysed, and shared. Solution test data is given project context as specifications and technical design details are represented within a building model, creating a comprehensive digital record of the building — essential for meeting BSA requirements.
Specifiers and designers must ensure that the supply chain can substantiate their claims with robust data. This level of transparency and accountability is critical for maintaining performance continuity and avoiding costly mistakes. Digital construction tools including those that flag design errors or validate data accuracy, not only simplify compliance, but also enable seamless collaboration across the supply chain.
Collaboration and accountability
As the construction industry embraces this digital transformation, the question remains: how can we collectively reduce risks and ensure success? The answer lies in collaboration. Contractors and manufacturers must work cohesively to align on specifications, ensure data accuracy, and provide the necessary support to navigate the Building Safety Act Gateways effectively.
This approach also ties into accountability — clearly defined, named individuals are held responsible for project outcomes. Beyond legal obligations, this shift underscores the importance of reputation. Delays, non-compliance, and safety failures can tarnish even the most established brands. Therefore, manufacturers have a vested interest in supporting their clients with the right tools and data.
A cultural shift for a safer future
The move towards digital construction and the Golden Thread is more than a regulatory requirement; it is a cultural shift that prioritises safety, efficiency, and collaboration.
As the construction landscape continues to evolve, embracing digital solutions and leveraging manufacturer data will be critical for reducing risks, enhancing safety, and delivering better outcomes for all stakeholders.
Digital construction continues to transform how we design, build, and manage environments. Manufacturer data and technology are thriving forces behind this change, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the industry. In the digital age, data-driven decisions and digital transformation are crucial for progress.
