IQSK SYMPOSIUM & AGM LAUNCHES “DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

By MAXIMILLA ADHIAMBO WAFULA / THE COUNTY DIARY REPORTER

The principal secretary for the state department for public works Hon. Joel Arumonyang together with the President IQSK , Qs. Jennifer Musyimi today led council members, quantity surveyors, architects in the  official opening of the symposium and AGM to all professionals in the built environment to impart knowledge to each other on more so the young upcoming professionals on the theme “Digital Transformation in the Built Environment”. 

This theme is not only timely, but also appropriate in view of the current situation in the construction industry where the uptake and use of technology has become inevitable in the country and globally .

Mr. Joel Arumonyang  congratulated IQSK for choosing Digital transformation in the built environment as a theme to adopts the use of technology to improve the way buildings and infrastructure are designed, constructed, and managed through a range of digital tools and technologies, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, drones, and data analytics.

One key aspect of digital transformation in the built environment is the use of BIM, which involves creating a digital representation of a building or infrastructure project that can be used to manage its design, construction, and operations. BIM enhances collaboration amongst stakeholders and supports the identification of potential issues before construction begins, leading to greater efficiency and fewer errors.

The State Department for Public Works  have embraced digital technology in most of our projects. "We are working closely with our stakeholders to ensure the use of BIM by the technical officers in the state department on the projects and services offered to our clients: Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies''said Joel.

Overview,  digital transformation in this industry has the potential to revolutionize the way we design, construct, and manage buildings as well as infrastructure. This leads to greater efficiency, sustainability and cost savings. 

In addition to what I have mentioned above, allow me to highlight more benefits to be accrued from the digital transformation such as reducing overall cost, cutting down on human error, time efficiency on jobs, eliminating instances of repeat jobs, easy calculation verification, and improved collaboration between stakeholders.

The use of digital technology will improve the project’s clarity as it tracks how information is shared among the various stakeholders involved in the project.

In order for us to stay relevant, we are required to embrace and adapt to changes that arise as a result of Digital Transformation in the industry to increase our efficiency, uphold a competitive advantage and increase profitability.

Finally, as I conclude, I want to leave a challenge for the symposium, what innovative ways can you initiate and champion to address the barriers to digital transformation in quantity surveying in the area of personnel competency, cost and affordability, data and cyber security issues as well as stakeholders’ concerns.