Construction has spent years near the bottom of every ranking of how digitised an industry is. New search data suggests the gap is finally starting to close, and the clearest movement is in the software that runs work out in the field. Monthly United States searches for “field service management software” rose about 22 percent in May 2026 compared with a year earlier, according to an analysis of public search-demand data by Klipboard, a field service management platform. The rebound stands out against a broader basket of construction and field-operations software terms that, taken together, climbed nearly 7 percent year on year and reached around 8,200 searches in May, the busiest month in the data. The analysis tracked three core categories: construction management software, field service management software and job management software. Construction management tools rose about 5 percent year on year. Job management software was roughly flat, the mark of a mature corner of the market. Field service management was the outlier, rebounding sharply from a dip late in 2025. Across the past twelve months the three categories together drew close to 95,000 United States searches. The backdrop to that demand is an industry that has historically been slow to adopt digital tools. The McKinsey Global Institute has ranked construction among the least digitised sectors in its industry index, with the United States second from bottom, a position economists have long tied to the sector’s stubbornly flat productivity. Rising interest in operational software is one of the first concrete signs that contractors are moving to change that. What is pushing them is less a sudden enthusiasm for technology than a shortage of people. The Associated General Contractors of America reported in its 2025 workforce survey that 92 percent of construction firms struggled to fill open positions, and that 45 percent had seen projects delayed by labour shortages. More than half of firms said they had adopted digital recruiting strategies in response, and 45 percent expected automation and other technology to help by taking over manual tasks. When a contractor cannot hire its way through a backlog, getting more out of the crews it already has becomes the next available lever. “When you cannot hire your way out of a backlog, the next lever is getting more value out of the people you already have, and that is what is showing up in the search data,” said Gabriel Cohen, who leads go-to-market at Klipboard. “Contractors are not chasing technology for its own sake. They are looking for a way to schedule the right person, capture what actually happened on site, and bill it without three rounds of paperwork.” The detail underneath the figures supports that reading. The fastest-growing category is the one closest to the daily reality of getting work done: scheduling people, dispatching them to jobs, recording what happened, and turning that into an invoice. It is the part of the business where a delay or a lost piece of information translates most directly into a late quote or an unbilled job. Construction management software, which leans more toward planning and project oversight, grew more slowly, and the most established category barely moved at all. That spread hints at where the early productivity gains are most likely to come from. Much of construction’s lost time is not on the tools but in the handoffs: a measurement, a photograph or a sign-off that sits on someone’s phone until the end of the week, holding up the paperwork behind it. Software that closes the distance between work happening and work being recorded attacks exactly that kind of waste, which helps explain why field-focused tools are the ones drawing the sharpest rise in interest. For an industry whose productivity has barely improved in decades while other sectors have pulled away, none of this is a transformation on its own. A 22 percent rise in searches for one category of software is a signal of intent, not a finished change in how the industry works. But it is a signal pointing in a consistent direction, and it is showing up first in the corner of the market where the labour squeeze bites hardest and the case for digitising is easiest to make. How this was compiled: search figures are from Klipboard’s analysis of Ahrefs monthly United States search-volume data through May 2026 for the terms “construction management software”, “field service management software” and “job management software”. Year-on-year comparisons measure March to May 2026 against the same period in 2025; the May figure compares May 2026 with May 2025. Workforce data is from the Associated General Contractors of America 2025 Workforce Survey; the digitisation ranking is from the McKinsey Global Institute industry digitisation index.

Today, NBS (part of Hubexo), the platform for connected construction information, launches NBS Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA), a cloud-based carbon assessment platform purpose-built for everyday construction projects. NBS LCA is designed to help professionals understand, quantify and report on the carbon impact of building materials, products and systems as projects develop. Tackling market pain points Professionals have historically been forced to choose between time-intensive, spreadsheet-led approaches to carbon measuring, or complex, specialist software. NBS LCA provides an accessible, practical and reliable solution at an affordable cost, built specifically for UK construction workflows. The platform addresses the shortfall in readily available, high-quality and easy-to-use carbon data, as identified in AECOM’s 2025 report for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on ‘The practical, technical and economic impacts of measuring and reducing embodied carbon in new buildings’. NBS LCA provides high-quality data from raw material extraction through to system level and whole-building elements, for both generic and proprietary content. With more than 50 years of industry experience connecting specifiers and manufacturers, and specifications with design decisions, NBS is ideally placed to launch a trustworthy LCA platform to market. Construction’s carbon reporting revolution Three-fifths of construction professionals now track upfront embodied carbon, while over half use digital tools for lifecycle analysis. Design teams are recognising the competitive advantages of providing accurate carbon assessments from project inception, with clients, regulators and investors increasingly valuing extensive sustainability data. Key features of NBS LCA (developed alongside partners BDP and Circular Ecology) Built for everyday projects Unlike specialist LCA tools for complex assessments, NBS LCA enables proportionate carbon evaluation across everyday projects, allowing design teams to make informed decisions early in the development process without relying on labour-intensive or manual calculations. Dr Lee Jones, Head of Sustainability, Hubexo, says: “We often hear from architects and engineers that they’re spending hours manually compiling carbon data in spreadsheets or facing challenges with complex software for what should be the core part of the design process. NBS LCA puts carbon assessment capabilities into the hands of the professionals making decisions every day, providing tangible efficiency benefits alongside commercial advantages as the industry continues to take carbon reporting more seriously.” Julia Yao, Associate, Sustainability Consultant, BDP, added: “A major factor in low carbon construction and design is the availability of transparent, consistent data, as well as carbon metrics that a multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, contractors and sustainability specialists can work towards. Without this, it is difficult to measure performance or have a meaningful impact. Collaborating with NBS on the development of this new platform, and the Guide to Embodied Carbon Calculations, has enabled us to establish that shared, cross‑disciplinary understanding of data benchmarks, and make real progress with access to quality data.” Dr Craig Jones, Founder & Managing Director, Circular Ecology, says: “With a wealth of EPD data and pre-calculated generic assemblies, the NBS LCA platform empowers project design teams to find clear and actionable environmental savings.” Regulatory winds of change NBS has launched NBS LCA, as well as a comprehensive guide to embodied carbon calculations, at a time when new UK regulation on carbon reporting is fast-approaching. With the Government outlining its commitment to responsible carbon reporting through its Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan, NBS LCA offers a user-friendly solution for construction professionals preparing for anticipated regulatory shifts. NBS LCA is available now, with flexible subscriptions designed for all professionals. For more information, visit the website here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Siemens continues to be at the forefront of technological innovation, today announcing the next evolution of its Gridscale X platform at the Grid Software Summit in Amsterdam. Gridscale X provides the digital foundation for utilities to manage their grids at greater speed, and complexity at scale. Siemens also unveiled the next generation of PSS E on Gridscale X, introducing advanced AI‑powered, agentic capabilities to the transmission planning software.  As utilities face rising demand and growing system complexity, both transmission planning and grid operations are being pushed beyond the limits of traditional approaches. Electrification, data centers, and AI‑driven industries are scaling faster than anticipated, while renewables are injecting volatility that traditional grids cannot absorb. Meeting these challenges requires true system operations. A unified grid model and digital twin enables system‑wide visibility to actively manage flexibility, reduce operational risks and operate grids closer to their technical limits with confidence – laying the foundation for autonomous, resilient grids.   “Gridscale X is the integral digital backbone that bridges long‑term planning and real‑time operations to enable true system operations,” said Sabine Erlinghagen, CEO of Siemens Grid Software. “The platform can support self-developed applications, enabling utilities to migrate their own applications onto Gridscale X to run and scale them on a shared grid model, integrating their innovations directly into system operations workflows. We are delighted that this has already been deployed by Alliander in The Netherlands.”  Dutch network operator Alliander, a strategic partner of Siemens, is the first utility to integrate its custom-built applications directly into the platform. Since announcing the partnership in 2024, Alliander has expanded medium‑voltage grid coverage from 65 percent to 100 percent, migrated 85 applications onto Gridscale X, and achieved a 30 percent leaner IT landscape. This demonstrates how a shared digital backbone can unlock grid capacity, reduce complexity, and scale at speed.  Gridscale X PSS E: Unlocking the future of agentic transmission planning  Extending the same platform and shared grid model principles into transmission planning, Siemens has taken a major step toward unlocking the future of agentic transmission planning, unveiling the next generation of PSS E on Gridscale X. The software introduces new AI-powered capabilities that deliver the speed, transparency, and scalability required for resilient, sustainable, and autonomous grids. By combining proven simulation with domain-specific AI-automation and a new user experience, the software accelerates planning studies and workflows, expands team capacity, and improves decision-making end to end.  Supported by over 2000 open APIs with automation capabilities, Gridscale X PSS E enables seamless integration, powerful automation, and the foundation for digital twin-based planning.  The latest release directly supports data center and large load integration scenarios, enabling planners to assess, prioritize, and respond to connection requests with significantly greater speed and transparency. A redesigned, cloud-native user experience streamlines workflows and automation for connection studies, cutting response times by up to 50 percent and helping transmission operators manage surging demand while maintaining system reliability. “For more than 50 years, PSS E has been widely regarded as the benchmark for transmission planning, trusted by planners around the world,” added Erlinghagen. “We are incredibly proud to build on that foundation with the next generation of PSS E. By introducing AI‑powered, agentic capabilities and a modern user experience, we are giving planners the tools they need to tackle growing complexity, work faster under increasing time pressure, and lead the next era of transmission planning with confidence.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

International reach enables UK-based architects and manufacturers to collaborate seamlessly across markets Today, NBS (part of Hubexo), the platform for connected construction information, announces further international expansion of its specification and product information platforms, known outside the UK as Lattira Spec and Lattira Source. The Lattira product suite is built on the established technological framework of the NBS Chorus and Source platforms, providing a robust approach to project specification and construction product research for architects, engineers and other construction professionals. As part of the expansion, specification content tailored to the USA has been developed, bringing added value for UK practices with projects in these regions. Building on Lattira Spec’s successful US market entry in February 2026, Lattira Source will roll out across the Nordics throughout the first half of this year, with Lattira Spec and Source launching in Australia and New Zealand later on. This expansion addresses a key challenge the industry faces globally: balancing standardised design approaches with local market realities. Lattira brings together trusted specification content and verified data in one clear, structured platform. As with NBS Chorus and NBS Source, the suite works as a unified system. Manufacturers can upload construction product information through Source, making products instantly discoverable for specifiers using Spec. This approach helps to keep products up to date across the entire platform with real-time updates. Empowering architects with localised specification tools Lattira Spec is the first global specification writing platform with integrated, region-specific content. It enables design teams to write specifications with locally relevant standards and product information, regardless of project location. Key benefits for specifiers: Connecting manufacturers with design professionals globally Lattira Source connects construction product manufacturers directly with specifiers and architects across multiple markets, enabling them to showcase their products to design professionals worldwide through a single platform. Key benefits for manufacturers: Connecting UK expertise with global opportunities The Lattira suite is built on international data standards and years of proven expertise in digital construction information management. It creates a global ecosystem that connects markets, streamlines workflows and drives stronger collaboration among professionals, suppliers and manufacturers worldwide. Commenting on this milestone Joakim Percival, Chief Product Officer at Hubexo said: “Lattira Spec and Source are driving Hubexo’s ambition to create the world’s first global specification writing platform with fully integrated content. “Lattira is changing the game in how the construction industry collaborates across borders. For UK-based NBS subscribers, this expansion means the ability to work on international projects with the same confidence they have domestically. Meanwhile, global manufacturers gain direct access to design teams across multiple markets, creating an interconnected ecosystem for the construction industry. When our teams across continents work together, it’s about transforming how construction professionals communicate and work together, regardless of where they’re based.” With more than 50 years of history, NBS is a trusted specification system used by UK architects, engineers and manufacturers. In the UK, the platforms will continue to operate under the established NBS Chorus and NBS Source branding. Inclusion in regional markets requires a separate subscription. For further information, please contact NBS. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Nick Hutchinson, Founder and Managing Partner of Glider, has been recognised as one of The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025. The Top 50 was created by LDC, the private equity investor that is part of Lloyds Banking Group, in partnership with The Times. Now in its eighth year, the programme celebrates the drive and ambition of Britain’s best and brightest entrepreneurs. This year’s programme received almost 700 nominations, highlighting exceptional individuals who are building successful, growing medium-sized businesses across the UK. The leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 for 2025 are making a powerful impact by creating jobs, driving innovation, supporting sustainability and strengthening communities. Founded by Nick in 2016, Glider is redefining how information is managed across the built environment. With a proven track record in some of the UK’s most complex estates, the company supports asset owners and operators in achieving compliance and optimising building performance. Its software platform consolidates and structures asset information to deliver the insights needed for smarter decisions, assured compliance and more sustainable operations. Nick was named One to Watch in 2023’s LDC programme. Reflecting on this year’s recognition, Nick said: “I am incredibly proud to be recognised alongside such inspiring business leaders. This achievement reflects the dedication of the entire Glider team, whose innovation and commitment continue to drive our mission to transform how building information is managed across the lifecycle of the built environment. As buildings become smarter and more connected, our work has never been more relevant and we are excited to continue leading that change. It’s been a journey full of lessons, challenges and proud moments – and this is one of them. Thank you to LDC, The Times and everyone who’s supported us along the way.” John Garner, Managing Partner at LDC, added: “In the eight years since we launched The LDC Top 50 we have had the honour of meeting some exceptional business leaders. This year’s cohort has shown drive and ambition in their growth journeys, proven remarkable resilience, and together they are making a real difference to their employees, the communities they work in and society at large. I would like to congratulate them on everything they have achieved so far. Their success stories are only just beginning, and we are excited to see where their journey takes them next.” Read more about The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025 here: LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders 2025 | LDC Private Equity Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The new virtual desktops, purpose-built for architects, support graphics-intensive applications such as Enscape, TwinMotion and 3ds Max Creative ITC, the leading global cloud services provider for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, has announced the launch of its Virtual Cloud Desktop Pod (VCDPod) that is purpose-built for resource-intensive design and visualisation applications, simulations, 3D rendering and modelling.  The new solution has been designed to overcome challenges that architects typically face when working with CPU-intensive applications including Enscape, Rhino, Lumion, TwinMotion, Maya, CREO, and 3ds Max. These powerful tools can put a heavy strain on IT infrastructure, requiring frequent upgrades to expensive traditional CAD workstations and making scaling virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) cost-prohibitive. In contrast, VCDPod provides a flexible, scalable and secure solution that delivers the full power of a high-end in-office workstation to architects, wherever they are working. Professionals use a dedicated laptop, thin client or iPad to login into a virtual cloud desktop that offers single tenant access to high-end, dedicated computing resources. This delivers higher clock speeds for even the most demanding workloads and offers multi-screen capabilities with no image degradation.  John Dawson, Director, Creative ITC, said, “With competition in RFPs fiercer than ever and client expectations continuing to rise, architecture firms are under pressure to deliver more innovative, immersive designs – faster and more efficiently. VCDPod is a direct response to that market demand, offering next-level performance for the most graphics-intensive workflows. And to help architecture firms stay focused on higher value work, we’re also removing the burden of managing complex IT environments. It’s about empowering architects to do what they do best – design and innovate.” VCDPod complements Creative ITC’s existing fully managed VDI solution, VDIPod, giving architecture practices the ultimate flexibility to create a tailored, hybrid solution designed to scale with them. VCDPod has been purpose-built for the AEC industry specifically for AEC professionals. Key features include: For more information about VCDPod, visit: https://info.creative-itc.com/en-gb/vcdpod-virtual-desktop Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Social value specialist Loop has launched the UK’s first monetised social value metrics tool tailored specifically for the housing sector, offering developers a new, data-driven approach to strengthen planning applications, engage communities and showcase real-world benefits. Developed in partnership with community engagement experts Meeting Place, the tool translates social, economic, and environmental benefits of housing schemes into credible, monetary values. As the UK pushes to build 1.5 million new homes by 2030, the tool provides a timely solution to help developers demonstrate how their schemes improve lives—not just increase housing numbers. Built on HM Treasury’s Green Book guidance and over a decade of government wellbeing data, the software links housing features like tenure, access to green space, or room size to measurable improvements in quality of life. It is the only tool of its kind currently available to UK developers. Ethan Campbell, senior economist at Loop, said: “For too long, social value has been talked about but not quantified. We’ve changed that. By assigning credible, monetary value to lived experiences, developers can now make a clear, evidence-based case for the real-world impact of their schemes when conducting a cost-benefit analysis. What gets measured, gets built – and this is about building better.” Sample data from the tool demonstrates its ability to quantify design impacts, including: More than just a planning tool, the software aims to reshape the housing narrative—moving beyond unit counts to focus on how quality homes positively impact lives. Developers can use it early in the planning process to shape design and build trust with local authorities and communities. Ruth Skidmore, social impact lead at Meeting Place, said: “The industry’s focus on supply has left little room to talk about the quality of the homes we build. But a home is more than bricks and mortar – it’s where people feel safe, raise families and build their futures. These metrics allow us to showcase value by telling a story, in a language planners and communities can both understand and believe in. “We have potential to deliver £103 billion of social value impact if we can deliver the government’s target of 1.5 million homes at the right time and in the right places.” The tool arrives at a time when developers are under increasing pressure to align with ESG goals, wellbeing frameworks, and public expectations. Using scenario modelling, the platform offers tailored insights based on location, demographic, and housing type, demonstrating who benefits and how. Nikki Davies, chief executive at Meeting Place, added: “For many of us, our home makes us feel warmth and security. It’s somewhere where we can recharge, exercise, study or work and spend time with family and friends. Yet until now, it’s been difficult to distil and calculate the impact a good quality home can have on our everyday lives. “For the first time, our research puts the spotlight on what it really means to have a home of your own and provides a timely reminder of why we need to redouble efforts to alleviate the country’s chronic and ever-increasing housing crisis. Through government, industry and communities working together, we have the power to generate tens of billions of pounds worth of impact, transforming lives for millions of people up and down the country.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals