Transformation beyond digital

The transformations I saw happen in Construction Industry and Real Estate Market since the 1970s, when he was studying Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, until today are impressive. 

In recent years, the sector has undergone significant innovations in management and technology, driven by the need to increase efficiency, the quality so demanded by customers, sustainability and competitiveness. 

From the drawing board to the future: technological transformations and digitalization in the construction industry 

Since I graduated in 1982 as a Civil Engineer, the changes in the industry have been incredible. Project planning, design and execution relied heavily on analogue processes. I remember long nights spent hunched over a drawing board, with a programmable calculator, a mechanical pencil, tracing paper and Indian ink as my main tools, while working on the design and preparation of structural projects for civil works. 

After this phase, the biggest challenge was to reconcile the projects, analyze the interferences, prepare the budgets and, later, plan and monitor the execution of the work. At the beginning of my career as a civil engineer, these tasks were extremely manual and required a huge effort to ensure precision and coordination between the various stages of the project.

Paper documentation also made communication between teams very difficult, often leading to rework and inefficiencies. 

Today, digitalization has radically transformed these processes. Technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) have made integrated project management possible, from design to building maintenance.

Additionally, we bring cloud solutions and mobile computing have revolutionized the way companies manage their operations on construction sites, providing a complete view of the value chain and significantly improving collaboration between the actors involved. 

Our contribution: the development of Sienge

In 1990, together with my partners Ilson Stabile and Carlos Augusto de Matos, we developed the first version of Sienge, a management software specifically aimed at the construction industry. At that time, the market was beginning to take its first steps towards a technological revolution that would profoundly transform this industry. 

Our initial goal with the Sienge, back in the 90s, was to modernize and professionalize the management of construction and development companies. Over more than three decades, the Sienge has evolved and become the most widely used management software platform in Brazil for the construction industry, reflecting our significant contribution to the advancement of technology and digitalization in the sector. 

Throughout its trajectory, the Group Softplan expanded its portfolio of solutions for this important vertical of the economy. With the integration of several solutions, today the Sienge The platform covers the most significant processes, from the design of a project to post-construction maintenance, as well as all processes involving a development or construction company. 

The integration of these technologies facilitates collaboration between all stakeholders in the construction industry, promotes transparency and significantly improves the results of projects and allows society to deliver better quality works at a lower cost. 

The adoption of digital technologies such as BIM, artificial intelligence and process automation has radically revolutionized the way engineering projects are designed, planned and executed. Automation and robotics, for example, not only increase productivity by up to 25% but also significantly improve safety on construction sites, according to a report by McKinsey & Company. Studies by Dodge Data & Analytics suggest that the use of BIM can reduce construction costs by up to 20% and shorten project completion times by around 30%.

Impacts of technological innovations and their benefits for society

In addition to operational advances, these innovations offer substantial benefits to society. The construction of more sustainable and efficient buildings contributes significantly to the reduction of consumption of natural resources and carbon emissions.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that the use of green technologies can reduce energy consumption in new buildings by up to 40%, generating substantial economic and environmental benefits. 

Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable practices and technological innovations can reduce energy consumption in buildings by up to 50%, resulting in significant savings for residents and significant reductions in carbon emissions, which directly contributes to mitigating climate change.

These transformations not only reinforce the efficiency and profitability of the sector, but also drive significant improvements in quality of life, providing safer, more efficient and affordable housing.

Increased efficiency in the execution of civil engineering projects can generate savings of up to 15% in the total cost of construction, making real estate more affordable for the population. The construction sector, vital to the global economy, is responsible for approximately 13% of global GDP according to McKinsey & Company, generates millions of direct and indirect jobs, being fundamental for sustainable and orderly urban development.

Future trends and collaboration

Looking ahead, innovations such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing prototyping, advanced automation and modular construction are expected to continue to evolve, further driving efficiency and sustainability in the sector. 

Building a community based on the exchange of knowledge and innovation will be the foundation for the future of the Construction Industry and Real Estate Market, transforming entire cities and benefiting society as a whole. These innovations, when widely adopted, have the power to profoundly transform the urban landscape, promoting more orderly and sustainable development.

The importance of events like Construsummit 

The Construsummit 2024, the largest management and technology event aimed at the construction industryThe event will be held on September 4th and 5th at CentroSul, in Florianópolis. This event is an essential platform for the exchange of knowledge and the dissemination of innovations in the sector, bringing together professionals from different areas to discuss the main trends and challenges in the construction and real estate markets. 

With the participation of renowned speakers and industry leaders, Construsummit offers an environment conducive to networking, learning and creating strategic partnerships, making it indispensable for those who want to be at the forefront of the transformations that shape the future of civil construction in Brazil. 

In addition to its central role in disseminating innovations and best practices, Construsummit is vital in building a vibrant and collaborative community. As Ionan Fernandes, Executive Director of Construsummit, points out, Softplan for the Construction Industry, “creating a space where professionals can exchange ideas and share experiences is crucial for the development of the sector.” This collaborative environment is essential to ensure that innovations continue to be developed and implemented effectively, benefiting both businesses and society as a whole. 

I am deeply proud of the impact our solutions have had on the construction industry. And Construsummit, as a platform, symbolizes decades of hard work, innovation and partnership. 

I invite all professionals and companies in the construction sector to participate in this transformative event. Come and explore the possibilities that technology can offer and join us on this journey to build a more efficient future, sustainable and connected for the construction industry.

To guarantee your place and check the full schedule, visit the official Construsummit website. See you there!

Moacir Marafon

Moacir Marafon

Moacir Antonio Marafon is a civil engineer and has a postgraduate degree in Economic Planning and Computer Science from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). He has a Board of Directors certificate from FDC – Fundação Dom Cabral and training in Corporate Governance: Serving on Boards from Nova School of Business & Economics – Lisbon-Portugal. He has been working in the information technology sector for over 35 years and is one of the founding partners of the company Softplan. He is currently a Board Member of the Softplan and holds the position of Vice-President of Talents at ACATE - Santa Catarina Technology Association. He is a member of the Municipal Education Council of Florianópolis/SC, of ​​the Superior Council of ACIF - Commercial and Industrial Association of Florianópolis, of the Superior Council of the Technological Center of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (CTC/UFSC), of the Strategic Council of InoversaSul (UNISUL Foundation), Collegiate Council of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Santa Catarina (IFSC), Council of FAPESC - Foundation for Research and Innovation Support of the State of SC and Council of Floripa Sustentável. He is also a member of the People & Culture Committee of the Grupo Softplan.

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