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Implementation complete paperless digital construction process for Real Estate Industry

Customer
AmbujaNeotia
Project manager on the customer side
Kripadyuti Sarkar
Group CIO
Year of project completion
2025
Project timeline
May, 2024 - February, 2025
Project scope
3600 man-hours
Goals
Real estate and construction rely heavily on 2D and 3D drawings traditionally printed on paper, leading to high paper use, versioning issues, and communication gaps between site and office. Paperless construction replaces these workflows with digital platforms, enabling real-time collaboration, better data management, higher efficiency, and lower carbon footprint.

Here are the major goals of the project:

  • Improve collaboration, accuracy, and compliance between all stake holders irrespective of their physical location
  • Speed up on field decisions at site with real-time data updates digitally.
  • Eliminate redundant paper, reduce waste, and improve information access.
  • Maintain an auditable digital trail for safety, quality, and cost control.
  • Document digitisation and on the go real time retrieval by Cloud-based Document Management System (DMS). It is storing drawings, specs, submittals, RFIs, permits etc.
Project Results
This strategic digital transformational project has met or even exceeded its primary goal and key objectives. Entire organisation shaken up with the disruption and technology demand has reached its highest point. Here are summary of achievements:

  • Efficiency Improvement: Achieved a 35% reduction in time spent on document handling, searching, and distribution, surpassing the 30% target.
  • Cost Reduction: Realized 28% savings in costs related to printing, copying, physical storage, and document shipping, exceeding the 25% target.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Stakeholder feedback indicates a marked improvement in real-time information sharing and quicker decision-making processes.
  • Improved Accuracy: A reduction in reported errors and rework attributed to document mismanagement has been observed.
  • Increased Accessibility: Authorized personnel now have secure, on-demand access to project information from various locations, improving field-to-office communication.
  • Sustainability: Paper consumption has been reduced by over 70% across all implemented projects.
  • Better Record Keeping: A robust, searchable digital archive of all project documentation is now in place, simplifying audits and future reference.

The uniqueness of the project

Here are the key unique features of this project:

  • Cloud-Based Project Management

  • Digital Document Management System (DDMS)

  • Building Information Modelling (BIM)

  • Mobile Devices and Field Applications

  • Digital Forms and Checklists

  • Electronic Signatures

Additionally, Drones and Site Surveying Technology are used to capture aerial imagery, perform site surveys, monitor progress, and conduct inspections—providing accurate data, reducing manual surveying, and improving safety by minimizing human exposure to hazardous areas.

Used software
Hardware
1. CCTV Camera
2. Drones and its associated flying accessories
3. Tablets, iPads
4. Interactive Display Boards at Project Sites
5. Document Scanner

Software
1. Autodesk Construction Cloud for drawing collaboration
2. Canon 'Therefore' Digital Document Management System
3. Revit
4. OCR for reading pdf and process transaction in SAP
5. SAP
6. Salesforce

Difficulty of implementation

Challenges in Implementing

Implementing a paperless construction process, while offering significant benefits, presents several challenges that organizations must anticipate and address. These challenges often stem from the inherent nature of the construction industry, which has traditionally relied on established paper-based practices.

1. Resistance to Change and Cultural Inertia

  • Issue: Many individuals, especially long-tenured employees, are accustomed to traditional methods and may be hesitant or resistant to adopting new technologies and workflows.
  • Impact: This can lead to slow adoption rates, workarounds that negate the benefits of the new system, and an overall underutilisation of the implemented technologies.

2. Technology Adoption and Digital Literacy

  • Issue: Varying levels of digital literacy among the workforce can create a barrier. Some individuals may struggle with learning new software, while others may not have consistent access to reliable internet or devices in the field.
  • Impact: Inconsistent usage, increased training demands, and potential for errors if users are not fully proficient with the new tools.

3. Initial Investment Costs

  • Issue: Acquiring new software licenses, hardware (tablets, rugged devices), implementing cloud infrastructure, and investing in comprehensive training can represent a significant upfront financial investment.
  • Impact: Smaller firms or those with tight margins might find the initial capital expenditure prohibitive, slowing down or preventing implementation.

4. Integration with Existing Systems and Workflows

  • Issue: Construction projects often involve multiple stakeholders (clients, subcontractors, architects, engineers) who may not all be using the same digital systems. Integrating new software with existing legacy systems can also be complex.
  • Impact: Data silos, duplicate data entry, inefficiencies if systems cannot communicate, and complications in collaborating with external partners not on the same platform.

5. Data Security and Privacy Concerns

  • Issue: Moving sensitive project data to the cloud raises concerns about data breaches, unauthorized access, and compliance with data privacy regulations.
  • Impact: Risk of data loss, legal liabilities, and damage to reputation if security measures are inadequate.

6. Connectivity and Reliability in Field Operations

  • Issue: Construction sites, particularly remote ones, may have unreliable or non-existent internet connectivity, making real-time data syncing and access difficult.
  • Impact: Delays in data submission, inability to access critical information when needed, and reliance on offline modes which can lead to data synchronisation issues later.

7. Scope Creep and Over-Customisation

  • Issue: During implementation, the desire to customize systems extensively or add too many features can lead to the project becoming overly complex, delayed, and exceeding its budget.
  • Impact: Project delays, increased costs, and a system that becomes difficult to manage and update.

8. Vendor Lock-in and Software Obsolescence

  • Issue: Relying heavily on a single vendor for a comprehensive suite of tools can create vendor lock-in, making it difficult to switch providers if needs change or if a vendor's service deteriorates. Technology also evolves rapidly, requiring ongoing investment to stay current.
  • Impact: Potential for increased costs over time, difficulty adapting to new technological advancements, or being stuck with outdated software.

9. Ensuring Data Accuracy and Integrity

  • Issue: While digital systems can reduce manual entry errors, the accuracy of the data still depends on the users inputting it correctly. Poorly designed forms or lack of validation can still lead to inaccurate data.
  • Impact: Decisions based on incorrect data can lead to costly mistakes in project planning and execution.

Project Description
Real Estate or Construction are completely dependent on 2D and 3D executable drawings from Architects--->Design Team--->Site Engineers----> Contractors. All these drawing historically are on printed papers of various sizes depending on the purpose. Therefore entire process has huge requirement of the papers, printers of various sizes, ink, associated hardware support etc. in all the development or built stages. Moreover vendor engagement is also operated through printed PO, GRN, Challans, Invoices etc. Maintenance of versioning of the printed drawings are very difficult and therefore communication gaps in execution of latest drawing between site engineers and head office are permanent mishaps. Printed Drawings are static in nature as it never carries any dynamic instruction and process update once produced. Therefore runtime synch and collaboration between Site and HO is impossible with traditional way of printed drawings based execution. Carbon footprint due to huge paper consumption is added negative score to ESG compliance. Paperless construction is the use of digital technology and software to replace traditional paper-based workflows in construction projects, enabling real-time collaboration, improved data management, and enhanced project efficiency. This transition includes managing contracts, drawings, submittals, RFIs (Requests for Information), inspection reports, and more through cloud-based platforms and mobile apps instead of paper.

Objective:
This project aims to transition our construction operations from a traditional paper-based workflow to a fully digital, paperless environment. By leveraging modern technological solutions, we intend to enhance project efficiency, improve communication and collaboration among all stakeholders, reduce operational costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability by minimising paper waste.The objective also includes transition of all construction related documentation, communication, and workflow processes from paper-based to fully digital systems, improving efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration across all project phases.

Primary KPIs:

  • Efficiency Improvement: Reduce time spent on document handling, searching, and distribution by at least 50%.
  • Cost Reduction: Decrease costs associated with printing, copying, storage, and physical document shipping by at least 20%.

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitate real-time information sharing and decision-making among site teams, office staff, clients, and subcontractors
  • Improved Accuracy: Minimise errors resulting from outdated documents, manual data entry, and miscommunication
  • Increased Accessibility: Provide secure, on-demand access to project information for authorised personnel from any location
  • Sustainability: Significantly reduce paper consumption and associated environmental impact.
  • Better Record Keeping: Ensure robust digital archiving and easy retrieval of all project documentation for audit and future reference. Eliminate 95% of paper usage in organisation within 12 months
  • Reduce document retrieval time from hours to minutes
  • Cut approval cycle times by 50% in Design, Execution, Budget, Finance and procurement
  • Improve version control accuracy to 100%
Activities:
1.Technology Implementation

  • Selection and Procurement: Research, evaluate, and select appropriate cloud-based project management software, digital document management systems, and mobile field applications.
  • System Setup and Configuration: Install, configure, and customize selected software solutions to meet project-specific requirements.
  • Hardware Provisioning: Procure and deploy necessary hardware, such as tablets, rugged laptops, and potentially smart cameras, for field use.

2. Process Re-engineering

  • Document Digitisation: Develop strategies for digitising existing paper documents and converting current paper-based workflows (e.g., RFIs, submittals, daily reports, punch lists, safety forms) into digital formats.
  • Workflow Automation: Implement automated workflows within the selected software for processes like approvals, notifications, and task management.
  • Standardisation: Define and document standardized digital procedures for all common construction management tasks.


3. Training and Change Management

  • User Training: Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for all project personnel, including site teams, project managers, administrative staff, and external stakeholders, on how to use the new digital tools and processes.
  • Change Management Strategy: Implement a plan to manage the organizational transition, address resistance to change, and foster adoption of the new paperless culture

4. Data Management and Security

  • Data Migration: Plan and execute the migration of existing project data into the new digital systems.
  • Security Protocols: Establish and enforce robust data security measures, including access controls, backup procedures, and disaster recovery plans.

Stakeholders

  • Project Management Team – Oversees implementation
  • Construction Crews – Day-to-day end users
  • Engineers & Architects – Design and coordination
  • Subcontractors – Field operations
  • IT Department – Technical infrastructure
  • Project Owner – Project sponsor

Project Deliverables

  • A fully functional, integrated suite of digital construction management tools.
  • Standardised digital workflows for all key construction processes.
  • Comprehensive training materials and records of trained personnel.
  • Migrated historical project data.
  • Documented security protocols and data management policies.
  • A project report detailing the implementation, benefits achieved, and lessons learned.

Project Timeline and Milestones

10 Month. Start: May,2024 and Go-Live March,2025

Project Uniqness

There are multiple uniqueness of this project compare to other digital transformation projects. Here are main unique features:

  • Cloud-Based Project Management: This feature centralises all project information, including documents, drawings, schedules, budgets, and communication logs. This is to ensure a) real-time access to the latest project data for all stakeholders; b) Version control for documents and drawings; c) Enhanced collaboration and communication; d) Audit trails for accountability.
  • Digital Document Management Systems (DDMS): This feature specifically designed for storing, organizing, searching, and retrieving project documents.
  • Often integrated with project management software. This is to ensure a) eliminates physical storage needs; b) Facilitates quick document retrieval; c) Improves security and backup of critical information; d) Streamlines RFI (Request for Information) and submittal processes
  • Building Information Modelling (BIM): This creates intelligent 3D models that contain detailed information about a building's design, construction and operations. This is to ensure a) reduces design errors and clashes through 3D visualization; b) improves quantity take-offs and cost estimation; c) facilitates clash detection and issue resolution before construction; d) Provides a data-rich model for the entire project lifecycle.
  • Mobile Devices and Field Applications: Complete Use of tablets and smartphones equipped with specialized apps allows site personnel to access project plans, submit daily reports, log issues, and communicate directly from the field. This is to ensure a) immediate data capture from the site; b) Reduces delays in reporting and decision-making; c) improves accuracy of field data; d) enables photo and video documentation of progress and issues. 
  • Digital Forms and Checklists: This features replaces paper-based forms for site inspections, safety checks, daily reports, punch lists, and more. This is to ensure a) standardizes data collection; b) reduces errors and omissions; c) automates data entry into project management systems; d) faster turnaround for approvals and follow-ups.
  • Electronic Signatures: This features allows for legally binding digital signatures on documents, contracts, change orders, and approvals. This is to ensure a) expedites the approval process; b) eliminates the need to print, sign, scan, and re-upload documents; c) enhances document security and auditability.
  • Drones and Site Surveying Technology: The Drones used in this project are equipped with cameras and sensors can capture aerial imagery, perform site surveys, monitor progress, and conduct inspections. This is to ensure a) provides accurate site data and progress tracking; b) Reduces the need for manual surveying; c) Enhances site safety by minimizing human exposure to hazardous areas).


Project geography
This digital transformation project has been implemented for 6 current ongoing construction site and 8 upcoming sites. Currently deployed over 8 Million soft build area and immediate future scope would be additional 12 Million soft. All these construction are located eastern part of the India distributed in 4 states namely West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chattisghar and Sikkim
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