David Parry, Senior Business Data Manager for VINCI Building and Daniel Parkin, Sales Director at construction CRM software provider KMS, explain how AI-enabled technology is improving project workflows in construction.
The construction industry is no stranger to complexity.
From managing vast supply chains and budgets to coordinating contractors, engineers, subcontractors and a wider stakeholder network across large-scale infrastructure projects, the sector benefits hugely from process and precision.
It’s no longer a question of if companies need to modernise – it’s when.
Despite the importance of collaboration, which can be defined today as integrating data across a variety of stakeholders and improved internal communication, too many businesses still rely on outdated systems, fragmented data and manual workarounds.
It’s no longer a question of if companies need to modernise – it’s when.
And for those still reliant on spreadsheets and siloed systems, the risk is they fall behind as technology adoption continues to grow.
Adopting technology to suit business needs
VINCI Building operates from a network of offices throughout England and Wales delivering new build, refurbishment and associated fit-out works. Working across several sectors and six regions requires a technology platform that will support clients and promote relationships between dedicated teams. Having a robust digital system in place to streamline all information in one hub is crucial to building on these relationships and supporting winning work opportunities.
Systems like Dynamics 365 allow interfaces to be customised for different teams whilst keeping the core data consistent from the very beginning.
This makes it much easier for users – especially in construction, where terminology can vary widely.
Further, when tailored to an organisation’s needs, software suites like Dynamics 365 additionally ensure all teams have transparency across the board - meaning people don’t chase the same leads but instead identify cross-divisional opportunities.
In addition to saving time and being efficient, they help construction firms act more like one business – not just separate silos under the same banner.
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From data chaos to data clarity
While technology plays a big role in streamlining operations, organisations cannot simply rely on it and need to have a systematic record maintained which technology can also support.
If you try to apply AI to disorganised spreadsheets, you're not going to get anything valuable out of it and that’s the harsh reality facing organisations who are still hesitant to digitise their core operations.
Businesses that have invested early in building structured systems and digital workflows are already seeing dividends.
AI is rightly dominating the industry conversation, but the effectiveness of AI – and indeed any analytics or automation tools – depends entirely on the quality and structure of the underlying data.
VINCI Building’s own journey reflects this: We’ve always set our systems up to start with the process first, and making sure everybody uses it in a consistent way is so powerful when you start to put tools like Microsoft Power BI or anything else on top of it.
The focus on process over tools is key.
Ultimately, if you don’t have data, you are guessing.
But if you've got core systems with good, structured data, you can reap the multiple benefits technology has to offer.
Yet the foundational step – structuring processes, capturing data consistently, and embedding this into daily operations – is often overlooked in favour of more exciting, surface level solutions.
Building a digital framework isn’t glamorous.
It involves painstaking days of going through all data and sorting them into the framework. But the long-term benefits are transformative – not just for visibility and compliance, but for driving innovation and agility across the business.
Regulatory compliance
Maintaining unstructured data is not going to cut through in the current landscape.
The Building Safety Act requires companies to maintain a clear golden thread of information – keeping a digital record of critical building information throughout the construction process.
Technology plays a crucial role in maintaining this.
Implementing technology into all our operations has made us more unified in collecting records and maintaining them in a much more holistic manner.
In the UK, many in the industry are still getting to grips with the full implications of the Building Safety Act.
By investing in technology like CRM early on, organisations can both support their teams in understanding the legislation and ensure a clear golden thread of information is maintained in line with regulatory requirements.
Ultimately, if you don’t have data, you are guessing.
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The risk of falling behind
While some contractors may still be ‘getting by’ with legacy tools like excel sheets, the gap between early adopters and those slow to the opportunity is widening fast.
If technology isn't adopted soon, there is a risk of companies falling behind.
It might not have a significant effect immediately, but will impact a company in the longer term.
Digitalisation isn't just about futureproofing – it's about competitiveness.
As clients, regulators, and supply chains become increasingly digital, the expectation is clear: structured, accessible data is the minimum standard.
Companies that fail to meet it will find themselves locked out of opportunities, unable to demonstrate performance, compliance, or insight in real time.
Technology that fits the business
That’s where tailored solutions – and partnerships – matter.
VINCI Building’s relationship with KMS spans decades.
It’s a model of collaboration that has evolved with the business, proving that tech implementation isn’t a one-off project but an ongoing alignment of people, process, and platforms.
But what makes it work? You should structure technology around your business process.
As the industry moves deeper into the AI age, businesses with structured, scalable data systems will be the ones to unlock real value.
From predictive analytics to smart automation, the possibilities are vast but only if the foundations are solid.
In the end, it’s not just about technology – it’s about building better ways of working.
Digitalisation isn't just about futureproofing – it's about competitiveness. As clients, regulators, and supply chains become increasingly digital, the expectation is clear: structured, accessible data is the minimum standard.
Those who get their digital house in order now won’t just survive, they’ll lead.
