The construction sector in Spain is one of the least digitalized. The sector is aware of this because the large amount of parties necessarily makes digitalization difficult. There is a willingness to implement it, but the reality is complex.

This sector is actually one of the most delayed on matters of digitalization. In fact, the last Barometer on Digital Maturity in Spain published by Divisadero which studies data from 2018 and has, for the first time, incorporated the construction sector, defines its analysis “like a digital enthusiast but still with certain reservations”.

Although construction has all the requirements necessary to be a leading sector in digitalization, its “digital maturity index” is still 32% below the Spanish average.

Conferring to the same study, construction is the second sector in all of Spain that most values the digital transformation as an instrument for change; however, despite this positive evaluation, the reality is quite different.

All sectors are digitalizing themselves at different speeds and construction has been the slowest. Nevertheless, it is encouraging that this sector, historically reticent to change, has started moving towards digitalization. Many of the building companies and other participants in this sector have made steps in this direction.

According to the Global Construction & Engineering Survey report, written by EY (Building a better working world), the managers in the construction field are aware of the necessary renovation and transformation of the sector, but the measures taken so far are not sufficient and there needs to be a final push to carry them out.

The incorporation of industrialized construction systems, the integration of the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology or the introduction of systems that allow processes to be automated, are some of the accomplishments that have allowed construction to be included in the digital circle.
The construction sector requires a change of mentality to incorporate digitalization in its modus operandi. This action will be necessary for all parties that intervene in the process, from construction companies to public administrations.
In the construction sector, which has never really had an innovative spirit, the increasingly relevant role of technology is provoking its players to commit to innovation applied to business.