Automation in architecture represents the integration of technology to streamline tasks and optimize processes throughout the building design, planning, and construction phases.
Whilst it is a commonly accepted fact that technological advancements have significantly benefitted the sector through CAD (Computer Aided Design) and relating software, the level of monotonous administrative tasks associated through a project’s lifecycle remain largely underdeveloped.
According to research carried out by McKinsey, automation can reduce the time required to complete tasks by 25-50%. If we apply the lower percentage to an example of a medium sized architectural firm with 10 employees all working full-time, automation can save 100 hours of human resources each week. 5200 hours on an annual basis relates to an additional 13 working weeks to your organisations annual resourcing calendar.
How many additional projects could you tender for, and deliver if you had an additional 13 weeks in comparison to your competitors? This is supported by research carried out by The World Economic Forum that estimatesautomation could save up to 6.2 billion hours of employee productivity by 2025.
The adoption of automation doesn’t just enhance efficiency, it helps to minimize errors, fosters enhanced collaboration and communication, improves data collection, financial management, reporting, and moreover paves the way for increased scalability.
The Evolution of Automation in Architecture
The concept of architecture automation emerged during the 1980s in the United States, initially aimed at enhancing real estate marketability.
Early efforts introduced automated management systems within buildings to enhance performance and operational efficiency.
As technology progressed, particularly by the late 1980s, the notion of smart buildings evolved into a comprehensive spectrum encompassing various facets such as design processes, construction methodologies, structural components, and environmental compliance.
With the surge in computer popularity during the 1990s, architects began harnessing digital tools to craft innovative design solutions for their projects. The addition of cloud-based computing further facilitated collaboration, enabling the evolution of computer aided design.
Current Trends in Architecture Automation
Today, automation in architecture is realised through a myriad of digital tools and applications falling under the domain of computational design.
Research shows that the design element of a project can vary between 30% and 70% which is based on the complexity of the project, the size of the architectural firm, and indeed the individuals’ role within the organisation.
To play devils’ advocate, this suggests that architects spend between 30-70% of their time on other project related activities outside of the design phase.
The issue with this statistic is that although computer aided design continues to advance, the industry is vastly underserviced in terms of technological advancements relating to the additional activities required outside of design that are equally important to deliver a project on-time and within budget to ensure profitability.
Exploring Architecture Automation with Cozmotec
The surge of automation heralds a revolutionary shift in architecture, rendering the industry increasingly tech-relevant, agile, and adaptive.
With computational design serving as a cornerstone, the future of architecture undeniably lies in automation which is why Cozmotec has developed a solution to address the common challenges that face the industry which are summarised below;
Efficiency
According to a study by PwC, 45% of work activities can potentially be automated, which can lead to significant time savings for employees, fostering a culture of improved morale, work-life balance, and a significant decrease in staff turnover.
Further reports from IBM state that companies implementing automation experience a 25-30% increase in efficiency within 18 months.
Reduction in Human Errors
CAD can help to identify, highlight, and even prevent design flaws but what about the other activities associated with delivering a project?
Research by Deloitte suggests that automation can reduce errors in processes by up to 85%, leading to improved accuracy and reliability. Gartner’s research concurs this with 86% of respondents believing automation will reduce human errors.
Organisation
Although there are undoubtedly products readily available that can assist in automation, these off-the-shelf software’s are not specifically designed to address the challenges that an architectural firm encounters.
While off-the-shelf software may provide generic solutions for common business needs, they often lack the customization and optimization necessary to address unique challenges and deliver optimal results for a particular organization.This typically results in organisations requiring more than one software which does not only defeat the purpose of the software but also increases costs, double data entry, and the level of inefficiencies that persist through a project’s life cycle.
Communication
The number of stakeholders involved in a project delivery can vary based on thecomplexity associated with the specific project but as a general rule of thumb, a project involves the client, consultants (e.g., engineers, interior designers), contractors, regulatory authorities, financiers or investors, facility managers, as well as suppliers and vendors. Imagine the level of improved communication that can achieved through software automating the communication delivered to all stakeholders at specific and relevant stages to each stakeholder accompany your existing workflows.
Financial Management
Effective financial management in architecture is not easy to achieve with increasing demand for budget control, effective resource allocation, sufficient risk management and timely delivery.
Cozmotec’s solution has been designed to incorporate these organisational requirements to empower senior leadership to improve strategic decision making which fuels long-term sustainability and growth opportunities for the organisation.
Reporting and Analytics
Although the existing software’s often utilised by professional service organisationsranging from CRMs to project management tools can provide reporting and analytics, there are numerous challenges associated with the efficiency of the reports and analytics provided when using multiple different solutions. These challenges include but are not limited to data fragmentation, compatibility issues, integration complexity, data security risks, additional training and supports, not to mention the increased costs associated with multiple service offerings.
To provide context as a summary,comparing your existing technology stack and the capabilities it delivers in comparison to Cozmotec’s offering is like comparing an excel database to Salesforce or other leading CRM tools.
It may appear to be working and fit for purpose, but that fit-for-purpose perspectivewill soon change when you seeCozmoTec’ s solution and the possibilities it can deliver to you as a senior leader and your organisation as a whole.
If you are interested in finding out more about how Cozmotec can increase your opportunities to scale, please express your interest in a demonstration of the Cozmotec product offering byreaching out to sean@cozmotec.ie, or schedule directly around your availability here.
