What Is the Key to Successful Construction DX? Points to Streamline On-site Operations

In recent years, the term "construction DX" has become increasingly heard in the construction industry. Construction DX refers to initiatives that leverage digital technologies on construction sites to improve productivity, streamline operations, and address labor shortages. But where should you start, and how should you proceed to achieve success? This article explains the indispensable perspectives, steps for implementation, and effective technologies you can use to make construction DX successful, while covering on-site operational efficiency points such as surveying, information sharing, schedule management, safety management, and drawing management. Finally, as a concrete means to start DX from the field, we introduce a solution called LRTK.

What Is Construction DX and Why Is It Needed?

Construction DX (digital transformation) means applying advanced digital technologies—such as AI, IoT, cloud, and drones—to the construction sector to transform business processes. It focuses especially on solving on-site issues like improving safety, boosting productivity, streamlining operations, and mitigating workforce shortages. Why is construction DX being demanded? The construction industry faces severe labor shortages and an aging workforce of skilled technicians, raising concerns that site operations may become untenable if traditional methods continue. Compared to other industries, construction is said to have low productivity, and many processes still rely on inefficient paper-based work or tacit, person-dependent know-how, so there is considerable room for improvement. To address these issues, the government is promoting i-Construction and DX in infrastructure, and has set targets such as increasing construction site productivity by 1.5 times (reducing labor by 30%) by 2040 ([Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism press release](https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/kanbo08_hh_001199.html)). Furthermore, from the perspectives of ensuring site safety and promoting work-style reform, there is strong demand for operational improvements through digital technology. In short, construction DX is an essential effort for the sustainable development of the industry and for strengthening on-site capabilities.

Key Points for Successful Construction DX (Important Perspectives)

To make construction DX successful, it is important not simply to introduce technology but to keep the following points in mind:

• Be problem-driven: Clarify the purpose of DX and select technologies as means to solve concrete on-site problems. Rather than technology-first, start from the problems you want to solve (for example: surveying takes too long, there are many communication errors, etc.).

• Prioritize the field perspective: Advance DX in a way that fits the actual conditions and working environment on site. Systems that are hard to use or tools that are detached from on-site needs will not take root. Incorporate on-site staff opinions and choose simple, easy-to-use solutions for the field.

• Management commitment: DX promotion requires time, cost, and organizational reform. When management takes the lead to present a clear vision and builds a system that does not balk at supporting and investing in the field, DX initiatives can be promoted continuously.

• Training and mindset change: To make the most of new technologies, on-site staff need digital skill development and mindset shifts. Through training and on-the-job training, teach operational procedures and share the benefits of digitalization to reduce resistance. Creating an on-site atmosphere of “let’s give it a try” is also important.

• Start small and scale: Rather than changing all processes at once, it is effective to first pilot small projects or specific tasks and accumulate success stories. Use results from pilot implementations as the basis for horizontal deployment and phased expansion.

• Data utilization and standardization: It is important to effectively use data collected through DX for visualization and analysis of operations. Also, standardize data formats and procedures so information sharing and utilization across departments and partner companies flows smoothly.

• Continuous improvement via PDCA: After DX implementation, continue to evaluate results and be ready to adjust if issues arise. Regularly collect feedback from the field and continually improve systems and operational rules to maximize DX effects.

Steps to Implement Construction DX

Next, let’s look at general steps for actually implementing construction DX. Clarifying the path for DX promotion allows for planned and steady progress.

• Understand current challenges: Clarify what is creating bottlenecks in your company’s business processes. Gather voices from the field and list points you want to improve with DX, such as “surveying takes days” or “progress reporting is person-dependent and delayed.”

• Set DX goals and plan: Define what you want to achieve with DX. Set concrete numerical goals, e.g., “halve surveying time” or “eliminate information sharing lag.” Based on these, create an overall plan including schedule, budget, and organizational structure.

• Select technical solutions: Choose the digital technologies and tools needed to achieve the goals. If surveying efficiency is the issue, consider drone photogrammetry or high-precision GPS equipment; if improving information sharing is the goal, consider cloud services. Also consider ease of use on site and compatibility with existing systems.

• Pilot implementation (trial): First trial the selected solutions at some sites or projects. Test on a small scale to verify operability and effectiveness. Collect opinions from on-site staff during the pilot period, identify malfunctions and improvement points, and course-correct if necessary.

• Rollout and embed on site: Once the effectiveness is confirmed in the pilot, expand to full-scale site deployment. Provide training on how to use the tools and prepare manuals so everyone on site can use them. Ensure site managers and leaders actively use the new tools so they become part of daily operations.

• Measure effects and continuously improve: After implementation, evaluate DX effects quantitatively and qualitatively. Check achievements against initial goals, such as reductions in work time, fewer errors, and cost savings. Then take further improvement measures based on collected data and feedback. Deepen DX by updating technologies and applying them to other tasks while running the PDCA cycle.

Efficiency Gains in Surveying Operations through DX

Surveying is a foundational construction task, but historically it has involved labor-intensive, manual work. DX introduction can dramatically improve surveying efficiency. For example, drone-based photogrammetry allows rapid aerial terrain measurement and calculation of 3D terrain models and earthwork volumes. This enables large-area surveys to be performed in shorter time frames with fewer personnel. Using high-precision satellite positioning technology called RTK-GNSS, you can perform on-site surveying with centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) instantly. This improves efficiency in tasks such as setting out batter boards and checking as-built positions. Recently, solutions that combine smartphones or tablets with compact GNSS receivers have also emerged, enabling easy high-precision surveying. This allows site supervisors to perform measurements themselves without specialized surveying equipment and obtain necessary data immediately. Acquired point cloud data and survey results can be digitally stored and shared, ensuring smooth handover to subsequent processes. Surveying DX thus contributes not only to time savings but also to improved safety (reduced work in hazardous heights or slopes) and increased accuracy.

On-site Information Sharing DX (Cloud Utilization)

Construction projects involve many stakeholders, and constant up-to-date information sharing is essential. Traditionally, many processes still rely on paper drawings, fax, or phone, causing time lags and communication errors. DX enables real-time information sharing between the site, the office, and owners. Specifically, by adopting cloud-based on-site information-sharing systems, you can centrally manage drawings, schedules, daily reports, photos, and more online. If site staff take photos of construction status with a tablet or smartphone and upload them to the cloud on the spot, headquarters and partner companies can immediately access them, dramatically increasing the speed of information coordination. Notifications of the latest drawing revisions on the cloud ensure all workers can always confirm the latest version, preventing misinterpretation or construction based on outdated drawings. Combining chat or web conferencing with site management software allows remote understanding of site conditions and issuing of instructions. This reduces the need for site supervisors or designers to visit the site frequently, saving travel time and enabling faster decision-making. Information-sharing DX reduces communication losses among stakeholders and smooths team-wide communication, contributing to shortened schedules and improved quality.

Progress and Schedule Management DX (Visualization and Improved Predictive Accuracy)

As projects grow larger, managing progress and schedules becomes more complex. Traditionally, schedules were managed with Excel or paper charts and updated based on site progress reports, but because the information was not always real time, responses could be delayed. By adopting DX, schedule management can become real-time and highly accurate. For example, attaching IoT sensors or GPS to heavy machinery and vehicles to collect operating status and work volume data allows automatic recording and visualization of site progress. If the volume of earth moved or concrete placed in earthwork is monitored in real time, deviations from the plan can be detected immediately and measures taken early if delays are likely. Using BIM/CIM 4D simulation (a schedule plan that adds the time element to a 3D model) lets you visually confirm whether construction is proceeding according to plan. Weekly and monthly work schedules can be animated on 3D models, and comparing these with actual performance makes it easy to spot areas that are not on track. In addition, efforts are underway to analyze accumulated progress data with AI to predict future schedule risks. For example, data from past similar projects can be used to extract points likely to become bottlenecks in specific processes in advance, allowing countermeasures to be built into the planning phase. By advancing schedule management DX in this way, the site’s situation is always "visualized," and all stakeholders can make decisions based on the same up-to-date information. As a result, wasteful waiting time is reduced, setup changes are optimized, delays are resolved earlier, and project-wide productivity improves.

Safety Management DX (Strengthening Prevention and Monitoring)

Safety management on construction sites is the top priority, and DX can elevate these efforts. Previously, measures depended largely on human activities such as sharing near-miss incidents, safety patrols, or morning briefings. With DX, more real-time and preventative safety management becomes possible. For example, equipping workers with wearable sensors to monitor heart rate, body temperature, and location can detect heatstroke or fatigue-related health issues in advance. When abnormal values are detected, alarms can prompt breaks, helping prevent serious accidents. IoT sensors on heavy equipment or cranes can monitor operating ranges and movement paths, and systems can automatically warn if a person is about to enter a restricted area. AI-equipped cameras can monitor the site and issue alerts for workers not wearing safety harnesses or helmets. Additionally, using drones or robots for inspections in hazardous heights or confined spaces reduces the number of situations where people are exposed to risk. In training, VR safety simulation is effective. By simulating falls during high-altitude work in a virtual space, VR can raise safety awareness. AR technology can be used to display the locations of buried pipes or power lines on site, helping prevent accidental damage during excavation. By promoting safety management DX in these ways, systems that detect dangers in real time and prevent accidents can be established. The result is not only a reduction in occupational accidents but also the cultivation of a safety-first culture and the creation of workplaces where people can work with confidence.

Drawing and As-built Management DX (Advanced Quality Control and Recordkeeping)

Management of drawings and as-built records is another area where DX can greatly improve efficiency and sophistication. Traditionally, construction drawings and final documentation were managed on paper, and as-built management involved hand-recording measurements on paper forms, which was time-consuming and prone to human error. By digitizing drawing and as-built management through DX, quality assurance and recording accuracy can be dramatically improved. For example, managing drawings as 3D data such as BIM/CIM rather than 2D paper allows design changes to be reflected centrally on the model so all parties always share the latest design information. Even if design changes occur during construction, updating the 3D model in the cloud lets the site immediately confirm the new information. For as-built management, using laser scanners or photogrammetry for 3D point-cloud measurement enables high-precision acquisition of post-construction shapes and dimensions as digital data. Creating as-built documentation is streamlined by automatically generating cross-sections from point-cloud data and using software to color-code deviations from specified standards, reducing labor and preventing mistakes. Using AR to overlay the design model on the completed structure allows intuitive visual confirmation of as-built deviations with the naked eye. Inspection records and photo ledgers are also increasingly being managed as electronic submissions via tablets. This greatly streamlines compiling completion documents and makes past records easy to search and use by centralizing them in a database. These effects of drawing and as-built management DX improve construction quality and traceability. They reduce rework, speed up preparation of handover documents, and facilitate smooth transfer for future maintenance.

Example Solution to Promote On-site DX: Using LRTK

We have reviewed the importance of DX promotion and technologies that can be used on site, but many may still wonder what to start with. As one example of a solution that makes it easy to start on-site DX, we introduce LRTK. LRTK is an innovative tool that realizes positioning, measurement, and AR display—tasks that traditionally required specialized equipment—on a single device by attaching a compact high-precision GNSS receiver to a smartphone or tablet. A smartphone, which anyone on site can operate, quickly becomes a surveying device with centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) when used with LRTK. For example, LRTK enables simple surveying. With the press of a button you can instantly measure coordinates and elevation, useful for setting out batter boards and checking as-built conditions. Combined with the smartphone’s built-in camera and LiDAR capabilities, you can easily capture 3D point-cloud data of terrain and structures on site. You can even scan buried pipes, create point clouds, and upload them to the cloud—all with a single smartphone. Moreover, LRTK supports AR-based overlay display of design data. Based on high-precision position information, 3D design models such as BIM/CIM can be overlaid precisely onto live site images. This enables seeing through the ground to view buried utilities or projecting the completed structure’s image at the site for stakeholder sharing. Of course, measured data, point clouds, and photos can be shared on the cloud, enabling smooth data linkage between site and office. By leveraging LRTK, you can implement various on-site DX practices centered on smartphones—from surveying and as-built management to information sharing and construction planning review. LRTK is a simple, effective solution suitable for starting DX from the field. Because it can be introduced with minimal equipment and procedures, it is easy to try even on small sites and is ideal as a first step in DX. When on-site staff can use it themselves and experience its benefits, understanding and motivation for DX will increase. Why not promote construction DX led by the field by making use of tools like this?