Those who, adapt, organize and pioneer new workflows will excel in this new era of possibilities.
In the ever-evolving world of AEC, staying ahead of the technological curve is paramount. Zweig Group’s 2023 Information Technology Report of AEC Firms offers a compelling glimpse into the industry’s transformation over the past few years.
With the rise of AI and an increased acceptance of remote work, we’ve seen the AEC industry embracing a tech-driven revolution. Zweig Group’s report serves as a comprehensive bridge between connecting the changes we’ve seen, from the pre-pandemic era and to the “new normal.” Let’s delve into some of the shifts that have redefined the AEC industry’s technological landscape:
- Cloud technology. The report highlights a significant transition to cloud technologies, reflected in the shift from local to cloud storage for project archives. The median utilization of shared online disk storage in the cloud has surged from three terabytes to an impressive 17 terabytes, underscoring the industry’s commitment to modernization.
- Cybersecurity. One of the most remarkable trends unveiled in the report is the sharp decline in instances of being hacked, plummeting from nearly 25 percent in 2019 to a mere 9 percent in 2023. This significant reduction is a testament to the industry’s heightened security measures and proactive cybersecurity policies.
- IT spending. As firms continue to navigate the evolving business landscape, the 2023 report predicts a 50 percent increase in cloud computing spending and substantial investments in cybersecurity and hardware. Noteworthy is the ascent of building information modeling (BIM) usage from 53 percent in 2019 to an impressive 90 percent in 2023, with 71 percent of firms expressing plans to escalate their BIM utilization in the upcoming year.
- Remote network access. With remote work becoming a cornerstone of the industry’s operational framework, the report showcases an exponential surge in remote network access, soaring from 56 percent to a remarkable 88 percent post-pandemic. Cloud-based services have become a dominant force, as more firms embrace hosted email strategies and Microsoft 365 usage for enhanced collaboration and productivity.
As technology continues to reshape the AEC landscape, one thing is clear: those who adapt and innovate will thrive in this exciting new era of possibilities. The 2023 Information Technology Report of AEC Firms is a powerful tool, offering insight
into the evolution of technology within the AEC industry. Read the full report
here.
Keith Sequeira is director of data analytics at Zweig Group. Contact him at ksequeira@zweiggroup.com.
