Why digital-first construction is essential to deliver on data centre demands
From greater data generation and storage to increased adoption of cloud-based services to advancements in technology, the exponential growth of the digital economy is driving unprecedented demand for data centres.
With research showing the Australian data centre sector forecast is set to nearly double to AU$40 billion in the next four years(1), new facilities must be built quickly and efficiently to meet the ever-increasing demand.
However, the current economic climate, marked by rising costs, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions, makes delivering fast construction projects increasingly challenging.
That’s why now is the time to prioritise digital-first construction to streamline design and deliver more productive, cost efficient, and safer ways to build.
The power of digital construction
Built’s own continued investment – upwards of $40 million over the last decade – and advancement of digital technologies ensures greater supply chain visibility that ultimately drives project certainty, optimised delivery programmes, and mitigates supply chain risks proactively.
National Director, Ross Walker, says digital-first construction allows for an entire project to be digitally modelled with a fully resolved design before starting on site.
“When you create a digital environment that everyone can access, you bring in varying skill sets across the supply chain. From design consultants to installers – everyone can view the model,” he said.
Walker says that while the technology started over ten years ago with Building Information Modelling, it’s only recently that digitally enabled contractors have started to harness its full potential.
By working collaboratively in the digital environment, teams can identify and eliminate clashes and engage the supply chain much earlier than otherwise would be possible.
“Across our projects, we use the digital model to engage stakeholders such as end users, suppliers, and subcontractors, allowing them to view and suggest changes in real time, ensuring buy-in as a project progresses,” he added.
Delivering on data centre demand
With the growing pressure to deliver data centres quickly, it is critical that construction programmes and sequences are executed with precision to ensure timely and successful completion.
But with data centres often requiring a large amount of customer-supplied equipment, controlling the supply chain and onsite installation requires even more detailed coordination.
Enter the digital model.
Victorian General Manager, Jack Robson, says that by having a genuine Integrated Construction Model, our teams can effectively plan critical sequences in collaboration with our trade partners and external suppliers.
“With projects that need to integrate a high volume of customer-supplied equipment, the digital model allows us to clearly articulate to our trade partners the required sequencing for critical tasks,” Robson said.
“The level of detail to which we can now model, coupled with the accessibility we provide our trade partners and stakeholders leading to the success on our projects, demonstrates that the model isn’t a gimmick but an opportunity to plan and prepare works before we step on site,” he added.
But without the insight and expertise of our people, Robson says we wouldn’t be able to fully harness the potential of digital construction to rapidly deliver data centres.
“With a dedicated and consistent data centre leadership team, we continue to provide continuity of knowledge, refinement of processes and off-site fabrication to drive programme and product improvements,” he said.
“As the demand for data centres continues to rise, our commitment to leveraging digital construction and our own experience, ensures Built remains at the forefront of delivering efficient and tailored solutions for projects at any scale,” he concluded.
(1) Australia’s data centre investable universe set to double in four years | CBRE Australia
