Engineering firms are moving away from traditional working relationships, in which architects are responsible for drawings and engineers for making calculations. International competition and a growing focus on sustainability and circularity call for their own innovative approach. This demands closer collaboration and the ability to think outside the box.
Focus areas for engineering firms:
- Sustainability and circularity;
- Virtual construction;
- Planning and construction management;
- Ensuring an increase in qualified employees;
- Long-term partnerships.
Sustainability and circularity
Responding to climate change requires a focus on sustainable construction and circularity. This translates into the use of other types of materials. It is not just construction that’s important; assets must also be reused at the end of their lifecycle. Choosing natural materials provides guidelines for integrating with the environment and ensuring circularity. Engineers must provide in-depth advice on the use of these materials.
Virtual design & construct
One of the strengths of any engineering firm is the option to create designs based on 3D virtual technology. 3D models can be plotted over time. Each step to be taken is visible. Carrying out the project virtually makes project management in reality less complicated. Feasibility and risks are more transparent from the outset, and targeted measures can be implemented to ensure the project scheduled goes through as planned.
Planning and construction management
Virtuality helps smooth the project management process, which will also benefit the supply chain. Projects are implemented more efficiently, creating more room for growth. The engineering role can shift toward planning and construction management. This calls for the recruitment of technical experts, cooperation, or mergers. Synergy is a point of attention in this.
Ensuring an increase in qualified employees
The market provides room for growth. This requires an increase in the number of employees. This is complicated by the current scarcity in the labour market. One option of ensuring the recruitment of highly qualified employees is building and maintaining long-term partnerships with educational institutions.
Long-term partnerships
An increase in duties and responsibilities and greater interdependence within the supply chain gives communication a key role. Specialists are working increasingly closer together – this calls for supporting resources which streamline communication and help make data available. If you empower specialists while improving partnerships at the same time, you create the best possible conditions for optimising your company’s own results.