This May, Cloud Perspective, in partnership with Informatica, sponsored and participated in UK Construction Week in London. As first-time attendees, we were excited to contribute to a sector that’s on the cusp of major digital transformation. In fact, construction may be entering digitalisation at the perfect time, able to learn from the mistakes of other industries and adopt modern, proven data strategies without the baggage. While other sectors are still wrestling with siloed systems and GenAI hype, construction has the chance to leapfrog ahead, leveraging integrated data platforms and even exploring agentic AI to automate complex workflows, from compliance and logistics to sustainability tracking. Our session, “From Materials to Margins: Building Smarter with Better Data,” sparked exactly these kinds of forward-thinking conversations.
Key Takeaways
Industrialised Construction – Inspiration from Automotive
One of the standout trends was the growing influence of the automotive industry on construction practices, particularly the shift towards industrialised construction. This involves assembling pre-built components on site, enabling faster and more efficient project delivery.
A compelling example discussed was the modular construction of prison cells, which can be prefabricated and assembled much more quickly than traditional methods. However, this concept hasn’t yet gained significant traction in the residential housing sector, where traditional building methods still dominate. However, JIT practices are starting to be adopted.
The “Golden Thread” – A Data Challenge
The introduction of new building regulations has highlighted the critical importance of the Golden Thread, the seamless flow of information across the building lifecycle. For many organisations, siloed data and manual “swivel chair” processes present a major challenge in achieving compliance.
There’s a clear opportunity to unify these disconnected datasets through a single, governed data platform. This improves regulatory traceability, supports smarter decision-making, and reduces risk.
1.5 Million Homes to Build – With Fewer Hands
With 1.5 million new homes needed in the UK, there’s a growing urgency to address both the demand and the workforce challenges facing the industry. Conversations highlighted the shift in housing needs, from family units to more couple and single-occupancy homes, as well as the reality that many first-time buyers are now in their 40s.
Labour shortages and skill gaps only complicate the issue, but they also underscore the need for digital tools and innovation to help meet this demand.
A Smarter, More Sustainable Future
A clear theme throughout UK Construction Week was the growing pressure on the industry to meet ESG regulations and net zero commitments. Integrated, high-quality, and governed data, managed through a single platform, can play a crucial role here.
By improving visibility across supply chains, enabling accurate emissions tracking, and streamlining regulatory reporting, better data empowers construction businesses to make smarter, more sustainable decisions, without added complexity.
As a traditionally less digitised industry, construction has a significant opportunity to learn from others and avoid common data pitfalls. At Cloud Perspective and Informatica, we’re excited to support this transformation,helping organisations unlock smarter, faster, and more sustainable ways to build.
If you’d like to continue the conversation or explore how your business can get more value from its data, we’d love to hear from you.
Email: dan@cloudperspective.co.uk
