1. What is digital transformation?

Well, speaking from a business perspective, digital transformation involves applying technology and digital solutions to any area of business. However, I believe it goes much further. Digital transformation is about people.

I like to say that technology enables, but people transform, and in this sense, digital transformation goes around four pillars. First, there's the aspect of data, which involves turning our organization into one driven by data-driven decisions. That means making decisions based on data.

Secondly, there's the review, analysis, and continuous improvement, as well as the automation of all processes to make them more efficient and effective. The process is creating a roadmap for any project or work. Imagine starting to build a house without having the house plans. Processes serve as those plans.

Technology, of course, enables and facilitates all digitization efforts, but for me, the most important aspect is culture. The cultural shift within the company, the way of working, thinking, relating, and applying new work methodologies, this is crucial in any digital transformation process.

2. What are the first steps a SME should take to begin its digitization process?

Well, first, it's important to determine the why, why are we doing this? Identifying opportunities and believing in the process is key. It's been proven that companies that digitize often improve their productivity by around 20%.

Next, we need to design a strategy, what exactly are we going to do? This involves making a list of all the technologies and digital projects to develop.

The third and fourth stages involve figuring out how we're going to train people and implement that strategy. It's crucial that individuals embrace these new technologies or digital products and see their value. This is usually tested within a circle of trust, like family and friends, which allows us to test the product and improve it.

Finally, the last phase always involves evaluating and measuring the results so we can continue to implement improvements.

3. What methodologies are being used for project management in the construction sector?

Let me introduce you to Lean Construction, which involves applying the general principles of Lean to the construction industry. In essence, Lean aims to streamline and simplify processes to deliver value to the customer.

This methodology, currently geared towards civil construction, is increasingly gaining traction but still has relatively limited use within the construction sector. Consider this: according to information published in The Economist, around 90% of infrastructure projects worldwide end up costing more than initially estimated. These findings, coupled with other studies highlighting communication gaps and a lack of definition, particularly in activities impacting work, reveal a significant challenge for the sector. On one hand, there's a need to increase productivity, while on the other hand, there's a push to reduce waste, which can sometimes reach 57%, including materials.

Lean Construction serves precisely to address these issues. It's a relatively new methodology in the construction sector, originating in the 1990s, with the goal of improving project management, notably by reducing construction timelines, efficiently utilizing resources, and enhancing the value of the final product.

The value that Lean Construction brings is not only practical but also conceptual. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on solving problems as they arise during construction (the so-called "firefighting" approach), Lean Construction emphasizes planning and even predicting potential issues, allowing for proactive problem-solving.

To conclude, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a collaborative working methodology specifically for the construction sector, aimed at construction projects. Its goal is to centralize all project information into a digital information model. Currently, BIM is the most widely used methodology, with public tenders increasingly requiring projects to be BIM-compliant.

4. What type of digital tools should any construction sector SME use?

For modeling purposes, to generate Building Information Modeling (BIM) models, enrich data, prepare models, and extract information into plans and tables, there are tools like Revit and Allplan.

For time management, including project planning and execution, estimating timelines, deadline control, site logistics, and dynamic coordination, Navisworks is a valuable tool.

For cost management, which is equally important, generating measurements, budgets, cost control, economic planning, managing bids, and contracts, Presto is a suitable option.

For structural analysis, designing structures, calculating structural elements, and analyzing design installations, including energy efficiency, the CYPE suite of applications is recommended.

For visualization and review functions, including visualizing graphic and data information, reviewing models, and communicating orders and incidents, tools like BIMCollab and BIM Vision are useful.