The construction industry is witnessing a significant shift, with digital tools emerging as a key skill for the future, as highlighted in a recent skills report. A notable 59% of professionals in quantity surveying and construction have identified these technologies as a key priority.

Digitally documenting site activities

Effective digital record-keeping involves more than just capturing a photo or jotting down a quick note. It is essential to create a clear and full digital project record that outlines what transpired, where it happened, who is accountable, and what actions are required. This facilitates a more efficient response from contractors and enables reviewers to verify that work has been completed correctly.

A case study conducted in 2023 revealed that the implementation of structured digital quality-control documentation led to a substantial reduction of 80-90% in supervisors’ documentation workload. Furthermore, standardised data entry improved the accuracy and usability of inspection records, laying a stronger foundation for future automation and AI integration.

Streamlining project information flows

Construction professionals are increasingly required to understand the flow of information throughout a project, rather than just focusing on individual tools. The process of initiating an inspection, Request for Information (RFI), or approval should be transparent, outlining who is responsible, what information is needed, who will review it, and when it needs to be escalated.

Delays in these workflows can significantly impact project timelines. A study by PlanRadar, which surveyed 1,728 construction professionals, found that one in four respondents reported that delayed approvals typically add more than a month to project timelines. Clear digital workflows enable teams to maintain visibility of responsibilities, reduce missed actions, and expedite decision-making.

Leveraging BIM and digital drawings

While construction professionals do not need to be BIM specialists, they should be proficient in handling digital drawings, understanding revisions, and connecting site issues to the correct location. This skill is becoming increasingly important in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, where the government is actively digitising building processes.

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Dubai Municipality’s BIM platform allows consultants to upload IFC models, which are then automatically checked against Dubai BIM Standards and selected building regulations. As these processes become more sophisticated, the ability to work with digital models will become a vital skill on site, enabling professionals to connect design information with actual site conditions.

Capturing visual evidence

Visual documentation is playing an increasingly important role in tracking project progress and communicating site conditions. Professionals need to understand what visual evidence to capture, when to record it, and how it can support future decisions.

A case study in the UAE, conducted at Expo City Dubai, demonstrated the effectiveness of 360-degree reality capture in documenting a project. The contractor used this technology to capture images of 28 buildings, resulting in around 180 project captures. The visual record enabled teams to monitor progress, identify issues, and improve reporting, ultimately providing a clearer understanding of site conditions without relying solely on physical inspections.

Interpreting construction data

Construction teams generate vast amounts of data daily, and the key skill is being able to interpret this information and identify what requires attention. Professionals should be able to spot recurring quality issues, overdue actions, approval delays, and performance differences across teams or locations.

Moreover, they need to understand when a particular number or metric is useful and when it requires more context. This does not necessitate every project manager becoming a data specialist, but rather being able to ask informed questions, verify the information behind a result, and utilise project data to support better decision-making.

Applying professional judgement with AI

A 2025 survey by RICS, which polled over 2,200 construction professionals, found that 46% identified a lack of skilled personnel as a significant barrier to AI adoption. As AI becomes more prevalent in construction, professionals will need to develop a deeper understanding of the technology, beyond basic awareness.