The most data-focused construction companies extract more from digital tools

That’s according to a new survey published by Dodge Construction Network, which surveyed nearly 200 US construction company owners managing $5 million or more in annual construction projects.

The Data‑Centric Owner SmartMarket Report, in partnership with the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), and supported by Autodesk, Esri and Trimble, found that owners who implement structured data strategies capture greater returns from technologies such as BIM, GIS, AI and digital twins.

More than 70% of survey respondents reported engaging in at least one formal data strategy across seven key categories, ranging from data standards and staff training to internal policies.

But only 23% were classified as “highly engaged” in data‑centric practices. Most other respondents fell into moderate or limited adoption tiers, where average individual strategy uptake ranges from 31% to 51%.

The most common initiative, used by 70% of organisations, is establishing internal processes and requirements for project delivery and asset data, demonstrating intent to use data throughout the asset lifecycle.

Organisations with strong data foundations found that they reaped the benefits of digital technologies:

• 86% of highly data‑centric owners reported project gains such as more reliable cost and schedule estimations, quality improvements, enhanced safety, and sustainability, compared with 74% of owners overall.
• 80% noted process benefits such as better progress tracking, enhanced collaboration and communication, versus 67% industry‑wide.
• 83% successfully used project data for planning, operations and asset management, compared to 64% among all respondents.

Survey data also uncovered widespread use of core digital tools: Over 60% of respondents said they already use BIM, GIS, CAD and project/asset management platforms.

AI adoption is lower, at 28%, although nearly half of non‑users expecting to integrate it within two years. Digital twins are used by only 18% currently.

Dodge Construction Network’s Donna Laquidara‑Carr stressed that, with owners taking the lead, contractors and designers must improve internal data capabilities to stay competitive. “It is a competitive advantage now but it is only a matter of time before it is a requirement,” she said.

The report underscores the need for consistent data standards such as NIBS’s National CAD, BIM and forthcoming digital twin frameworks to turn digital investments into tangible project results.