Chapter 9: Connectivity Available to Purchase

The successful application of automation relies heavily on data, but equally important is connectivity to that data to ensure it can be accessed by those that need it at the right time. Whilst common data environments are invaluable in providing centralised access to share current information, connectivity goes a step further and ensures that data can be accessed in real time, or at least in its current state. Until the mid-2010s most of the software developed for the construction industry tended to be point solutions, not necessarily designed with collaboration in mind. Since then, collaboration and connectivity has become much more of a focus. Connectivity goes beyond collaboration however, and can be provide real-time feedback through different stages of an asset's lifecycle. This chapter provides an overview of connectivity in a construction environment, and points to later chapters which cover aspects of connectivity in more detail.