Alex Micallef, UK general manager at Graitec, explores the need to draw further on digital technology in order to make MMC and offsite construction methods mainstream
The importance of technology in driving innovation in construction cannot be overstated – yet the industry has been slow to adopt new software, stilting progress in doing so. One of the areas where this is most apparent is in the uptake of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Despite the myriad possibilities offered by MMC offsite and construction methods to transform the industry, creating a cleaner and greener industry and delivering buildings that are fit for a net zero carbon future, MMC has been slow to gain ground.
MMC/offsite construction methods and technology go hand in hand and while at Graitec we are seeing sales for built environment software rising year-on-year; if the industry is to tackle the challenges ahead – and see MMC becoming a mainstream choice for the construction of new developments – we need to see a real step-change in the adoption of technology; both in completing day-to-day tasks and communication between project teams through to BIM and the use of tech to design and deliver new developments.
Digital technology underpins MMC and offsite construction methods
Digital technology is central to the creation of next-generation MMC schemes, playing an integral role from the way they are designed and costed right through to the build process. Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, like Revit, for example, is utilised throughout the entire lifecycle of a project.
It is positive to see the inclusion of digital technology within the government's newly updated Construction Playbook, which references it as essential to the advancement of MMC and highlights the importance of 'data interoperability' to ensure that project partners can work more collaboratively.
Source: PBC Today
