The Construction Forum 2024, an event organised by eDevize at the end of April, brought together experts from the Romanian construction industry to discuss the future of this vital sector for our country’s economy.
In a context marked by rapid change and emerging technologies, the event provided a good framework for exploring the process of digitisation in constructions and also brought to the forefront important topics such as artificial intelligence, leadership in construction and solutions for adapting to new market demands.
Cătălin Podaru, CEO Leviatan Group, and Romina Posea, Head of Planning & Continuous Improvement Office – Leviatan Design & Ubitech Constructions, two top specialists of our group of companies, were speakers at the event, where they shared valuable know-how about digitalization and leadership.
Digitalisation in concrete terms
The first panel of the event, titled “Digitalisation in concrete terms”, highlighted the importance of integrating digital technologies into work processes. In this panel, Romina Posea, Head of Planning & Continuous Improvement Office – Leviatan Design & Ubitech Constructions, gave the presentation “Rebuilt Project Management”, where she talked about digital tools for monitoring time, cost and quality in the execution stage of works.
In this context, Romina Posea pointed out that digital transformation involves people, work procedures and tools, but the most important in the digitization process are people, because they can make the most of the technologies at their disposal.
The speech covered the practical application of these concepts, from the use of project management software to the integration of IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of progress on site. It also highlighted the need to dedicate time and resources to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to digitalisation.
Artificial intelligence in construction: a revolution in full swing
“How do we apply AI in construction?”, the second panel of the event, highlighted the potential of digital transformation through artificial intelligence (AI). Experts discussed how AI can increase efficiency in construction and explained how this emerging technology can reduce costs by redefining traditional construction models.
The benefits of using artificial intelligence in construction include simulations in virtual environments, flow optimisation and project management. AI enables employee training through detailed simulations, reducing the need for real-world training and minimising risk.
The use of AI algorithms to optimise planning and execution can also lead to significant savings in time and resources. In addition, AI can improve project management through accurate predictions and efficient resource management.
Integrating AI into construction brings multiple benefits, but also comes with challenges, such as the need for continuous training of staff and adaptation of existing processes. However, the speakers on this panel were adamant about embracing innovation and encouraged everyone in the industry to follow their lead to turn current challenges into opportunities.
Diverse and Unforeseen
The third panel of the event, “Diverse and Unforeseen. What do the experts say?” presented the challenges and opportunities offered by technology in the development of marketing strategies, and highlighted the need for careful management of financial records in the light of changes in tax and accounting legislation.
When it comes to targeting, effective marketing strategies and online reputation management, the use of AI is essential in the current context. Speakers also emphasised the importance of continuous adoption to new regulations and financial document management, which are essential to avoid penalties.
Construction Leadership. Problems, solutions & change management
The final panel of the event, “Leadership in Construction. Problems, solutions & change management”, brought up the essential role of leadership in the context of digitisation and current challenges in the industry.
Cătălin Podaru, CEO of Leviatan Group, gave a special presentation called “The Prizewinner without a Bike”, based on a personal experience that opened the way to leadership. He explained that leadership is not about who leads a company, but a quality we can all cultivate if we have a mindset focused on continuous development.
In the spirit of promoting leadership, Leviatan Group gave a special prize to a participant in the room who asked the most interesting question to the speakers in the last panel. Thus, Simona Ana Munteanu won a Pegas electric bike, after asking the speakers the following question: “How do you think a strong and inspiring leader can influence the working atmosphere and overall performance in a construction project?”.
The future of construction in Romania
The Construction Forum 2024 provided a comprehensive insight into the future of the construction industry in Romania, highlighting the crucial role of digitalisation and leadership.
Digital transformation, underpinned by technologies such as AI, has the potential to revolutionise the way projects are planned and executed, bringing significant benefits in terms of efficiency and cost.
Integrating digital technologies into construction is no longer an option, but a necessity to remain competitive in the face of today’s challenges, and leadership in construction requires a mindset of continuous change and adaptation.
Leaders need to be the initiators of change, educating and motivating teams to adopt new technologies and ways of working. The future belongs to those who are willing to embrace change and use technology to create a more efficient and adaptable work environment.
