Metso has unveiled new machine learning features within its digital support platform, designed to predict maintenance needs and improve equipment uptime across its aggregates portfolio. The Finnish manufacturer says the latest upgrade uses advanced data analysis to identify early signs of wear in crushing and screening equipment, helping operators intervene
PERI UK is making AI-driven custom formwork design and fabrication available to contractors nationwide, following the successful deployment of the technology on an infrastructure scheme in Warwickshire. Powered by dataform.work – the digital construction joint venture co-founded by PERI Group and DataB – the system automates the translation of 3D models
From design and planning to cost estimating and site safety monitoring, the increasing role of AI (artificial intelligence) in construction will be a key focus at UK Construction Week London (May 12-14), the UK’s Built Environment super event. New for 2026 and one of six stages delivering over 150 hours
AWW Architects, one of the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary architectural practices, has adopted NavLive’s LiDAR BIM scanning technology to improve survey accuracy, reduce project risk, and meet the growing demands of the Building Safety Act across a range of high-risk and complex developments. With a team of 100 architectural professionals delivering
Almost a fifth of kitchen fitters, electricians, and small residential builders say AI will be among the top three trends shaping their roles over the next two years, according to research from Häfele UK. Over a quarter of respondents (26%) said rising material and tool costs will have the biggest
– AI-Powered Technologies, Advanced Displays and Modular Batteries Designed to Revolutionise Compact Construction Equipment – Bobcat, a global leader in compact construction equipment, unveiled a suite of groundbreaking technologies at CES 2026 to transform how work gets done. Engineered for simplicity and productivity, these innovations aim to make equipment operation
IFS, the leading provider of Industrial AI software, today announced the next evolution of its IFS Loops agent platform: 10 Digital Workers with 50 agentic skills, and a near-term roadmap for 100 skills designed for mission-critical workflows in construction, energy & utilities, manufacturing, telecoms, aerospace & defence, and service industries.
The UK’s leading provider of redeployable surveillance launches a next-generation, cloud-powered platform for connected site management. Wireless CCTV (WCCTV) today announced the launch of Stellifii, its new in-house platform that combines market-leading security systems with a dedicated cloud software to create a single solution for security, safety, compliance and environmental
Procurement is the beating heart of construction. But for many UK organisations, it still runs on spreadsheets, siloed systems, and countless phone calls. And that inefficiency comes at a price. Research reported by PBC Today shows construction projects in the UK run, on average, 46 percent over budget, with procurement
Technology has already changed our lives many times, and it’s continuing to do so. From sustainability to personalized suggestions, from automated customer service to supply chain logistics, everything we do is easier thanks to someone who invented the right technology and its application. Many platforms are already experimenting with advanced
Metso has unveiled new machine learning features within its digital support platform, designed to predict maintenance needs and improve equipment uptime across its aggregates portfolio. The Finnish manufacturer says the latest upgrade uses advanced data analysis to identify early signs of wear in crushing and screening equipment, helping operators intervene before faults develop into costly downtime. By combining live machine data with its own OEM expertise, Metso aims to deliver more accurate and timely maintenance recommendations directly through its digital platform. The system is built around continuous data capture from on-board sensors, monitoring factors such as pressure, temperature, machine settings and location. As more data is gathered, the machine learning models can be refined, improving their ability to detect patterns and anticipate potential issues. The predictive maintenance functionality is immediately available to machines already equipped with Metso’s Metrics connectivity hardware, while retrofit kits are being offered to bring older equipment into the system. Jaakko Huhtapelto, vice president for technology and digital business in Metso’s aggregates division, said the development represents a step forward in making heavy equipment more efficient and easier to manage. He noted that combining digital tools with decades of engineering knowledge allows operators to optimise performance, reduce unexpected failures and simplify maintenance planning. The technology was launched at ConExpo in the United States, a market where attitudes towards machine data have historically been cautious. In the early days of telematics, some equipment owners resisted data logging over concerns that operational data could be used in legal disputes or shared with third parties. Those concerns have not disappeared, particularly as data becomes increasingly valuable and regulatory frameworks around privacy continue to evolve. Questions around how data is stored, who can access it and how it might be used remain central to wider industry adoption of AI-driven systems. Addressing these issues, Metso said customers retain control over whether to use the data-driven features. All data is stored on servers within the European Union and processed in line with current privacy and data protection legislation. The company added that any sharing of data with third parties would require either customer consent or a legal obligation, such as a court order. Access to insights and recommendations is restricted on a need-to-know basis, although information may be shared with authorised distributors or service partners where required to support operations. As machine learning becomes more embedded in construction and aggregates equipment, the balance between performance gains and data governance is likely to remain a key consideration for operators. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PERI UK is making AI-driven custom formwork design and fabrication available to contractors nationwide, following the successful deployment of the technology on an infrastructure scheme in Warwickshire. Powered by dataform.work – the digital construction joint venture co-founded by PERI Group and DataB – the system automates the translation of 3D models into production-ready components, enabling faster, more precise, and more cost-effective delivery of complex geometries. Bespoke formwork has traditionally required extensive manual detailing, programming, and workshop time, particularly where non-standard shapes are involved. Infrastructure schemes, architecturally ambitious buildings, and high-rise projects frequently demand window and door box-outs, void formers, or freeform formwork units that are challenging to achieve using standard system components. The digital workflow enabled by DataB software significantly reduces that complexity while increasing planning reliability. It means that the process — from concept models to component production — can be carried out in less than half the time. Proven on HS2 The technology was first deployed in the UK on foundations for a footbridge along the High Speed 2 route near Coventry. The foundation design featured 13 different facets and angles, engineered to optimise structural load paths and reduce concrete consumption for a lower embodied carbon footprint. dataform.work’s automated production process enabled the precise manufacture of the complex internal void former quickly and economically, demonstrating the system’s viability for demanding infrastructure applications. The workflow starts with PERI engineers uploading a project’s 3D model into the dataform.work platform. The software automatically generates the cutting data and detailed assembly instructions for the substructure’s geometry. Components are then precision-milled from plywood using advanced 5-axis CNC machinery before being assembled in a PERI production facility and delivered to site ready for installation. The innovative joint design significantly reduces the need for screws and the use of glue altogether. As well as accelerating assembly in the warehouse, the design incorporates integrated striking elements that allow void formers for windows and doors in particular to be removed more efficiently and with reduced risk of damage. This improves the practicality of reuse in the high-rise market and helps contractors maintain programme certainty on complex pours. “Bespoke formwork has often involved significant manual input and a degree of programme uncertainty due to the level of precision that these requirements demand,” says Matt Binder, National Product Manager at PERI UK. “With our enhanced fabrication services through dataform.work, we’re able to mobilise production and respond to customer orders for void formers or multi-faceted box out units much faster. Not only have we simplified the process, but we’ve also reduced the need for remedial work by narrowing the margin for error. It’s a huge step forward for efficiency and project certainty, with production lead times measured in days rather than weeks.” dataform.work, established as a joint venture in 2025, with PERI Group and DataB each holding a 50% stake, forms part of the wider PERI initiative to integrate digitalisation and automated production into custom formwork solutions, supporting greater productivity and commercial certainty across the construction sector. Learn more about PERI and dataform.work bespoke formwork capabilities Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
From design and planning to cost estimating and site safety monitoring, the increasing role of AI (artificial intelligence) in construction will be a key focus at UK Construction Week London (May 12-14), the UK’s Built Environment super event. New for 2026 and one of six stages delivering over 150 hours of CPD accredited seminars, The Contech and AI Hub will bring together the brightest minds and the most forward-thinking technologies transforming the built environment. Confirmed talks include: Cutting-edge AI applications across the full project lifecycle How artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integrated partner throughout the entire project lifecycle. Rather than focusing solely on discrete technological interventions, this session considers AI as an ecosystem that connects strategy, design, delivery and long-term stewardship. Speaker: Andrew Johnson (Okana) Beyond the hype: building AI-ready teams for the digital built environment An opportunity to gain insight into the organisational, cultural and technical transformations required to develop teams who are capable of leveraging AI effectively. The session will address challenges such as skill gaps, change management and aligning AI initiatives with broader business objectives, as well as highlighting successful case studies from leading projects. Speakers: David Philp FICE, FCIOB, FRICS, FCInstCES (Bentley Systems) and Prof Sean Smith BSc PhD FHEA FIOA FRSA HonFRIAS HonFCIAT (University of Edinburgh) From concept to construction: the impact of AI in architecture This session brings together four distinguished architects who are actively engaging with artificial intelligence (AI) to advance contemporary design practice. The panel will examine how emerging AI methodologies are reshaping early concept generation, enabling rapid exploration of form, materiality and spatial performance. Speakers: TBC Real world application of AI in construction and what people don’t tell you! How artificial intelligence (AI) is moving from buzzword to practical tool in the construction industry. Rather than replacing human expertise, this session explores how AI is augmenting it, helping teams analyse complex data, anticipate risks and automate repetitive tasks. Speaker: Lilian Ho AI or Die: Rewriting the Rules of Construction Sales and Marketing This no-nonsense panel cuts through the hype to show how AI is already reshaping construction sales and marketing—and where it clearly isn’t. Panellists will share practical, real-world uses that drive leads, improve targeting, and save time, while calling out common myths and missteps. Speaker: Leigh Simpson (Insynth Marketing) Sam Patel, Divisional Director, UK Construction Week London, commented: “A key element of UKCW London is informing and updating visitors on the rapidly changing technology which is playing an increasing role in the industry – of which AI is a huge part. Anyone working in construction – from architects to site managers – needs to know how this transformative technology can help them in every aspect of their work, so these talks and panel events are a must for everyone.” In addition to the focus on AI, UK Construction Week London will explore a wide spectrum of the most pressing and important topics which affect the industry today, with a packed programme of CPD-accredited panels and seminars covering everything from innovation in construction methods to product testing and assurance; housing insight to workforce capacity; workplace culture to data-driven project management. Bringing together construction leaders, innovators and decision makers from across the industry, UKCW London will run alongside both Futurebuild and The Stone & Surfaces Show, attracting over 25,000 industry professionals. Sponsored by Sage, Wyre, HotelPlanner, Zurich Resilience Solutions and Build Warranty, UKCW London will feature over 300 leading brands; over 25 trade bodies and associations, including the Federation of Master Builders, CIBSE, and the National Association Of Air Duct-Cleaners UK. Visitors can register for free by visiting: https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-london-2026/cab-campaign. Following the London show in May 2026, UKCW Birmingham will return to the NEC from 29 September to 1 October 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AWW Architects, one of the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary architectural practices, has adopted NavLive’s LiDAR BIM scanning technology to improve survey accuracy, reduce project risk, and meet the growing demands of the Building Safety Act across a range of high-risk and complex developments. With a team of 100 architectural professionals delivering projects across the nuclear, defence, commercial and public sectors, AWW frequently acts as lead consultant under traditional contract arrangements, often assuming full liability under Professional Indemnity insurance. As part of this expanding remit, the practice is increasingly responsible for Clerk of Works and Principal Designer duties, where precise, coordinated information is essential to maintaining a compliant “golden thread” of building data. Maintaining up-to-date survey information, particularly on existing or part-demolished structures, had become time-intensive and costly. To address this, AWW undertook a comprehensive market review to find an in-house solution capable of capturing reliable, high-accuracy site data while accelerating its Revit modelling workflows. Following extensive evaluation, AWW selected the NavLive LiDAR BIM Scanner as its preferred solution, as the system enables AWW’s designers to generate highly detailed point cloud data within minutes. Through NavLive’s software platform, produce Revit-ready outline models that correct, enhance, and validate existing survey and planning information. The technology has now been deployed across five separate buildings by staff at all levels, delivering consistent results and measurable gains in accuracy, speed, and assurance. Nicholas Mulholland, Managing Director at AWW Architects, added: “The NavLive scanner has significantly accelerated our design workflow and achieved measurable cost savings while improving the accuracy and assurance of our model data. The system provides exceptionally detailed point cloud data within minutes and, through the NavLive software, generates Revit-ready outline models that correct and enhance existing survey and planning information.” Chris Davison, CEO of NavLive, said: “Architectural practices like AWW are facing increasing pressure to deliver precise, assured information at every stage of a project. NavLive was designed to give teams immediate access to high-quality building data, reducing uncertainty and supporting the level of rigour demanded by modern regulation. AWW’s adoption of our technology shows how digital tools can remove delays, improve coordination, and strengthen compliance across some of the UK’s most complex projects.” With a long track record of early BIM adoption and a portfolio spanning high-risk and heavily regulated environments, AWW’s integration of NavLive reinforces its commitment to delivering accurate, coordinated design information from the earliest project stages. The partnership is expected to support future projects as industry requirements around digital record-keeping and safety assurance continue to intensify. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Almost a fifth of kitchen fitters, electricians, and small residential builders say AI will be among the top three trends shaping their roles over the next two years, according to research from Häfele UK. Over a quarter of respondents (26%) said rising material and tool costs will have the biggest impact on their industry in the next one to two years, closely followed by labour shortages (21%) and client expectations around speed of delivery (20%). However, AI ranked fourth among the likely trends to influence the building industry in the near future, with 19% selecting it as one of their top three. Häfele UK undertook research with 500 kitchen fitters, electricians and small residential builders to understand the pressures and opportunities facing the building trades in the coming years. The findings point to a sector expecting continued strain from rising costs and labour shortages, while also preparing for growing customer demands and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI). As well as exploring the trends most likely to impact the sector, the research also examined how the challenges will affect different trades specifically, recognising that experiences will be affected by the types of work, customer demands, and the skills their businesses rely on. For kitchen installers, customer expectations around speed ranked highly (26%), with the profession feeling particular pressure to turn jobs around more quickly. For electricians, however, the standout issues were the declining number of skilled tradespeople (25%) and the impact of increased workload, with 34% saying their biggest challenge will be managing burnout. Carpenters and joiners reported different experiences. While cost pressure remains a concern (36%), it is closely followed by rising client expectations around speed (35%), with just one percentage point separating the two. Conversely, builders reported a broader set of pressures. While increasing costs ranked as the trend most likely to impact their sector (30%), finding consistent work (32%) and customer financial pressure (30%) ranked highest in the top three challenges, by some margin. Commenting on the results, Rachel Tuckey, Chief Product and Marketing Officer for Häfele UK, said: “These findings show that trades are under pressure from multiple angles. While challenges with tool and material costs are long-standing and ever-present for tradespeople, customer expectations around speed of service and technologies like AI are also quickly shaping the building landscape. “Now, more than ever, tradespeople need services, products, tools and support that help them save time and improve efficiency. That’s why we’ve developed our new Trade Hub, bringing together more than 25,000 products into one place, from fixings and consumables to tools, lighting, storage and fittings. It gives trades a single dependable route to the essentials they need, alongside next-day delivery, product guarantees and simple returns. “And for trades feeling the squeeze on time and labour, we also offer a broad range of services.” Through the Trade Hub, users can access Häfele’s Service+ options, all designed to make installation faster, easier, and more profitable. Services include pre-assembled and custom wooden drawers, cut-to-size lighting and plinth panels, and custom sanding belts. Häfele UK has also launched a new Lighting Configurator to help customers save vital time with their room and furniture lighting designs. Rachel continued: “By bringing these services and systems together, Häfele is helping trades respond to the current and emerging pressures on their roles. Whether the need is to save time, reduce preparation work, simplify sourcing, or offer customers more personalised designs, faster, the tools are there to support a smoother, more predictable way of working in the years ahead.” For more information, visit www.hafele.co.uk/trade-hub Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
– AI-Powered Technologies, Advanced Displays and Modular Batteries Designed to Revolutionise Compact Construction Equipment – Bobcat, a global leader in compact construction equipment, unveiled a suite of groundbreaking technologies at CES 2026 to transform how work gets done. Engineered for simplicity and productivity, these innovations aim to make equipment operation more intuitive, empowering operators to accomplish more with confidence. The new solutions integrate artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomy and connectivity into a scalable system of solutions designed to support operators, technicians and fleet owners alike. “For nearly 70 years, Bobcat has led the compact equipment industry by solving real problems for real people,” said Scott Park, CEO and Vice Chairman of Doosan Bobcat. “Today, as workforce needs change and jobsites become more complex, we’re responding with intelligent systems that empower people to accomplish more, faster and smarter. These innovations aren’t concepts for the distant future; they’re advancements that are shaping how work gets done right now.” Bobcat Jobsite Companion: The Industry’s First AI-Enabled Feature for Compact Construction Equipment At the centre of Bobcat’s CES 2026 announcement is Bobcat Jobsite Companion, a first-of-its-kind, AI-enabled feature for compact construction equipment. This prototype technology will provide real-time support and automation for everyday machine tasks. Operators can simply ask a question or state a command, and the system responds through voice and display interactions—adjusting attachment settings based on environment, offering operational recommendations and automating more than 50 functions without taking hands off the controls. Powered by Bobcat’s proprietary AI large language model, Jobsite Companion runs entirely onboard the machine, enabling real-time responsiveness without reliance on cloud connectivity. This ensures full functionality even in remote or connectivity-limited jobsites, a critical requirement for construction environments. This technology redefines the machine-operator relationship, delivering the most significant interface evolution in nearly two decades. “Jobsite Companion lowers the barrier to entry for new operators while helping experienced professionals work faster and more precisely,” said Joel Honeyman, Vice President of Global Innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “It’s not just smarter technology; it’s a smarter experience that puts expert-level guidance directly in the cab.” Service.AI: AI-Powered Support for Faster Repairs and More Uptime Bobcat also announced Service.AI, an AI-powered service and support platform designed to minimise equipment downtime by giving dealers and technicians instant access to Bobcat’s full repair expertise. With Service.AI, Bobcat dealers and technicians can instantly retrieve repair manuals and warranty details, receive real-time diagnostic guidance, and leverage Bobcat’s extensive archive of historical cases for faster troubleshooting. This prototype technology delivers the expertise of a master technician—providing step-by-step guidance to streamline the service process and complete repairs efficiently. By simplifying complex diagnostics, Service.AI not only accelerates repair timelines but helps to address the ongoing labour shortage. Collision Warning and Avoidance System: Purposeful Innovation for Jobsite Confidence Bobcat showcased its prototype Collision Warning and Avoidance System, the first and only system in development for the compact equipment industry designed to actively slow or stop a machine before a collision occurs. Using advanced imaging radar, the system tracks the position, direction and speed of surrounding objects in real time. If a potential hazard is detected, the machine will automatically alert and even slow down or stop the machine. Designed to assist operator awareness without adding complexity, the system is already being cited through customer testing as a differentiating factor for choosing Bobcat equipment. Advanced Display Technology: A Smarter View into the Jobsite Bobcat also highlighted its Advanced Display Technology, a MicroLED, transparent, auto-tint, touch-enabled display concept seamlessly integrated into the cab door or machine window. The system overlays critical operational data directly onto the operator’s field of view, allowing them to see both the jobsite and machine insights simultaneously. Integrated features include: “It’s not just a screen,” Honeyman said. “It’s a smarter window into the work, delivering clarity, control and confidence.” RogueX3: The Next Evolution of Autonomous, Electric and Modular Equipment Bobcat is pushing the boundaries of innovation with RogueX3, its most advanced concept machine to date. Fully electric and autonomous, RogueX3 takes modularity to the next level, adapting seamlessly to a wide range of jobsite needs. The version showcased at CES features an electric powertrain and can operate remotely or autonomously without a cab. However, RogueX3 was engineered for ultimate flexibility. Its modular design allows interchangeable components—cab or no cab, wheels or tracks, configurable lift arms and more—so users can tailor the machine to specific tasks. Looking ahead, the machine could be built and powered in multiple ways, including electric, diesel, hybrid or even hydrogen. Building on insights from RogueX and RogueX2, RogueX3’s innovative design has already generated multiple pending patents that will shape the future of Bobcat’s product lineup. Bobcat Standard Unit Pack (BSUP): Modular Power for an Electric Future Powering Bobcat’s electric future is the Bobcat Standard Unit Pack (BSUP), a fast-charging, modular battery system engineered for rugged jobsite conditions. BSUP units are: By enabling flexible, cleaner and quieter operations, BSUP will serve as a foundational building block for the next generation of electric construction equipment. Together, Bobcat Jobsite Companion, Service.AI, Collision Warning and Avoidance, Advanced Display Technology, RogueX3 and BSUP form an integrated system of solutions set to redefine what’s possible on the modern jobsite. “We’re not just imagining the future — we’re engineering it,” Park said. “By combining AI, autonomy, electrification and connectivity, Bobcat is creating technology that empowers people, simplifies work and sets a new standard for the industry.” Products and technologies featured at CES are showcased as prototypes or concept models, highlighting the innovation shaping the future. While not commercially available at present, several are advancing toward commercialisation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
IFS, the leading provider of Industrial AI software, today announced the next evolution of its IFS Loops agent platform: 10 Digital Workers with 50 agentic skills, and a near-term roadmap for 100 skills designed for mission-critical workflows in construction, energy & utilities, manufacturing, telecoms, aerospace & defence, and service industries. The IFS Loops agentic platform delivers templated Digital Workers that autonomously manage high-volume operational tasks, including field dispatch, supplier coordination, customer order manager, and inventory replenishment, across enterprise systems with real-time intelligence, audit-ready compliance, and domain-specific understanding. Unlike traditional automation, RPA, and Generative AI, IFS Loops Digital Workers manage complex workflows, make context-driven decisions, and continuously improve operational performance while working right alongside employees to reduce manual tasks and amplify their impact. Whether embedded in IFS Cloud or running alongside legacy systems, these digital workers provide immediate ROI and operational impact. Somya Kapoor, CEO of IFS Loops, commented: “The pace of operational change is faster than ever, with complexity growing faster than human teams or legacy systems can handle. Operations leaders and CIOs can’t wait for months of IT rollout to benefit from new capabilities. IFS Loops gives companies a digital workforce they can deploy today, orchestrating complex industrial workflows reliably, securely, and contextually, allowing skilled teams to focus on higher-value tasks. For many, this is their first step into agentic AI and a natural entry point into the broader IFS Cloud ecosystem.” Recognising the CIO urgency to plan now for 2026 and beyond, IFS is scaling its agentic AI capabilities with a roadmap of 50 additional agentic skills available in December 2025, ensuring that Digital Workers continue to evolve alongside operational complexity and emerging industrial challenges. IFS Loops Studio, coming Q1 2026, will enable customers to create their own digital workers as needs arise, with rapid workflow customisation. Highlights of IFS Loops today: Mickey North Rizza, Group Vice President, Enterprise Software, IDC, said: “Companies that deploy agentic AI today are positioning themselves ahead of competitors, turning Digital Workers into a differentiator that not only drives productivity but also enhances employee experience and operational agility.” To learn more about IFS Loops Digital Workers, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s leading provider of redeployable surveillance launches a next-generation, cloud-powered platform for connected site management. Wireless CCTV (WCCTV) today announced the launch of Stellifii, its new in-house platform that combines market-leading security systems with a dedicated cloud software to create a single solution for security, safety, compliance and environmental monitoring. All our solutions are built to be self-efficient and are powered independently, transmitting over 4G/5G networks and operable in locations without fixed infrastructure. Developed in-house, Stellifii’s integrated tools provide unmatched efficiency in managing business-critical risks from any location. With a single login, users gain comprehensive access to live and recorded footage, environmental monitoring, compliance tracking and AI-driven alerts – streamlining operations and reducing manual oversight typically required by separate systems. Stellifii is not just about technology. It’s about delivering tangible outcomes by enabling: Stellifii is now deployed across multiple organisations, including construction, transport infrastructure, local government and police. The platform is ideal for managing multiple sites or remote assets without fixed infrastructure and allows for the adoption of the latest IoT technologies, making it suitable for any organisation managing multiple sites. David Gilbertson, Chief Executive Officer at Wireless CCTV, commented, “Industries need to adopt a new standard of security. Stellifii is the future of safety and real-time compliance, enabling users to adopt proactive strategies to protect employees, equipment and time”. Mark Hastry, Chief Technology Officer at Wireless CCTV, said, “Our goal with Stellifii was to create a reliable platform customers can use anywhere, giving them complete control, further insights and a smarter way of managing. With the AI-driven features, it enables faster action, greater efficiency and smarter decision making, along with peace of mind knowing the platform is NDAA-compliant and secured with AES256 encryption”. For more information on Stellifii, please visit www.wcctv.co.uk/stellifii. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Procurement is the beating heart of construction. But for many UK organisations, it still runs on spreadsheets, siloed systems, and countless phone calls. And that inefficiency comes at a price. Research reported by PBC Today shows construction projects in the UK run, on average, 46 percent over budget, with procurement and supply chain inefficiencies playing a major role. Meanwhile, a study commissioned by procurement software provider Ivalua found that UK procurement professionals spend nearly a third of their working hours on manual processes. A new wave of AI-powered digital tools, aligned with the principles of Procurement 5.0 (a term suggested by McKinsey), is starting to change this landscape. Intelligent document processing, demand forecasting, smart supplier evaluation, and real-time tracking are already helping teams work faster and with more certainty. One of the most exciting developments is the use of optical character recognition (OCR) and large language models (LLMs) to “read” engineering drawings and blueprints, extracting specifications and pushing them directly into procurement workflows. Add AI agents that can manage orders, chase suppliers, and flag risks instantly, and the result is a smarter, leaner, more resilient supply chain. The future of procurement in UK construction isn’t decades away — it’s happening now. Five Procurement Challenges Construction is Facing Today Before we look at how AI and Procurement 5.0 can transform your organisation, it’s worth taking stock of the obstacles that UK construction leaders are up against. 1. Fragmented supplier visibility. Many firms manage hundreds of suppliers with no single, consistent record of performance, compliance, or pricing. This can lead to duplication, missed opportunities, and a lack of leverage when negotiating. 2. Budget overruns. According to PBC Today, UK construction projects overshoot budgets by an average of 46 percent, with supply chain inefficiencies playing a major role. 3. Slow decision cycles. Procurement decisions can take weeks when project deadlines demand hours, largely because data is scattered across systems or trapped in paper documents. 4. Compliance pressures. New sustainability regulations and modern slavery legislation place additional reporting requirements on procurement teams, increasing admin workloads. 5. Manual processes. The Ivalua study found that procurement professionals spend around 31 percent of their time on repetitive, non-strategic tasks. That’s valuable labour that could be redirected towards supplier innovation and risk management. These challenges are more than operational headaches — they directly affect margins, project delivery, and a company’s ability to compete. Business Benefits of AI-powered Procurement Tools For all the excitement about new technology, most construction leaders ultimately want to know one thing: will it deliver measurable returns? Early adopters of AI-powered procurement tools, in line with Procurement 5.0 thinking, are already seeing results that translate directly to the bottom line. Among them are: Shorter cycle times Research from McKinsey shows AI-enhanced procurement can reduce inventory by 20 to 30 percent, logistics costs by 5 to 20 percent, and procurement spend by 5 to 15 percent, meaning critical materials arrive sooner and projects avoid costly delays. Cost savings According to Accenture, organisations implementing AI in procurement typically reduce direct material costs by 5 to 10 percent, driven by better demand forecasting and supplier competition. Fewer compliance breaches Automated risk checks and document analysis have helped some UK firms cut contract compliance issues by over 25 percent, as reported in Supply Management magazine. Improved staff productivity – The Ivalua study found that automation can reclaim nearly a third of procurement professionals’ time, freeing them to focus on strategic supplier relationships. Efficiency and savings uplift – The Hackett Group finds AI-driven procurement outsourcing delivers a 23 percent average improvement in purchase cost savings and cost avoidance, and an 83 percent overall satisfaction rating for service experience and value. These aren’t abstract benefits. Real companies are already seeing results from their pilots and preparing for wider rollouts. The real question is whether your company will be among the pioneering adopters. 5 Key Steps to Implement AI-powered Procurement in Your Organisation For many business leaders in the construction sector, the main challenge isn’t understanding the value of AI but knowing how to start. The key is to approach AI-powered procurement implementation as a business transformation rather than a tech project. Step 1: Define clear objectives Identify the procurement process pain points you want to address first, such as reducing lead time, improving supplier risk assessment, or speeding up contract reviews. Step 2: Pilot with a valuable use case Start small, for example, by using OCR and LLMs to extract specifications from engineering drawings and feed them into your ordering system.AI consulting experts can help you scope, test, and refine your pilot so it aligns with your business goals. Step 3: Integrate with the existing system Ensure AI tools can be connected with your enterprise resource planning (ERP) or procurement management platforms, avoiding duplicate data entry. Step 4: Upskill your team Provide targeted training so staff can interpret the AI solution output, adjust forecasting, and manage AI agents effectively. Step 5: Measure the success and iterate Set measurable KPIs such as cycle time reduction or supplier performance improvements, track results, and scale the AI use once its value is proven. By treating AI as a business goals driver, rather than an innovative add-on, you create the conditions for sustained efficiency gains and competitive advantage for your organisation. Future Outlook: What’s Next for Construction Procurement? In the next few years we will see construction procurement move from reactive buying to proactive, data-led decision-making. Several trends are already taking shape: Trend 1: AI agents with multi-role capabilities Beyond order management, these systems will handle supplier onboarding, performance tracking, and early risk detection without human prompting. Trend 2: Integration of digital twins Connecting procurement platforms with project digital twins will allow teams to model material needs in real time, adjusting orders dynamically as designs or schedules change. Trend 3: Blockchain for contract transparency Distributed ledgers can record supplier agreements and transactions securely, reducing disputes and enabling faster verification of compliance. Trend 4: Sustainability metrics in procurement Environmental performance data will increasingly be built
Technology has already changed our lives many times, and it’s continuing to do so. From sustainability to personalized suggestions, from automated customer service to supply chain logistics, everything we do is easier thanks to someone who invented the right technology and its application. Many platforms are already experimenting with advanced personalization systems; if you want to check out the latest offers, click here to see more promotions related to online gaming, a sector that is experimenting a lot with technology, especially with AI. Every industry’s usage of artificial intelligence There was a time when AI sounded like science fiction. Today, it’s embedded in everyday life. AI-powered tools assist doctors with diagnoses, detect anomalies in medical images, and even predict patient risk factors before symptoms appear, becoming precious in healthcare. The construction industry is heavily experimenting and embracing AI to anticipate hazards and streamline project workflows. AI is also accelerating design and creativity. In architecture, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) reports that usage of AI has surged from 41% in 2024 to 59% in 2025. With many people worrying about artificial intelligence robbing creatives of their jobs, the right application is a precious support. Scalable, connected and efficient with Cloud Computing There isn’t a single large business that doesn’t operate on cloud nowadays. From banking to entertainment, from remote education to retail and online shopping, everything happens on cloud computing. This means that companies don’t need their own data centers to process big data and maintain smooth operations. Maybe you don’t even know it, but every time you complete a task online without a lag or a problem, the cloud is involved. VR / AR: immersion meets practical application VR and AR are redefining forces in training, planning, and remote collaboration. AR helps construction companies and architects overlay their blueprints directly onto the real site, making changes easier and helping customers understand how their home will look like before it even exists. There are many examples of companies that use reality capture and 3D visualization tools, IoT integration, and AI to streamline operations—and their results point to improved productivity and reduced risk for workers. This isn’t just futuristic—it’s becoming best practice in many industries. Fashion, interior design, and even travelling are being changed forever. Other applications in key sectors of our everyday lives In education and continuous learning, AI understands every student’s needs and tailor a personalized learning journey, while VR transports students inside historical moments or complex simulations, turning theoretical information into hands-on experience. Retail and Marketing are also heavily influenced by these technologies. Every user receives a custom recommendation for their next purchase, and they can even try on clothes or see how the new sofa will look like in their living room through AR. Advanced technologies are revolutioning healthcare and medicine too. Beyond diagnostics, VR is being used to manage pain, train surgeons in immersive environments, and conduct remote therapy sessions under various simulated conditions. Finally, this progress is key in finance. Through the cloud users and companies are capable of secure, rapid data sharing, while AI detects fraudulent patterns in real-time. The future will be challenging, but we look forward Like many other technological innovations, AI, AR, VR and cloud computing pose amazing opportunities and challenging scenarios alike. Industries must invest in training teams to operate and manage these platforms effectively—not just adopt them. At the same time, institutions need to create clear and safe protocols for the companies’ and the users’ protection. But as seen in the increasing rate of AI adoption across architecture and construction, professionals are starting to lean into this change, not shy away from it.