In the construction industry, digital transformation is more than just a trend; it unlocks innovation, enhances efficiency and delivers better value for money for clients and communities. At Fulton Hogan we are actively driving digital adoption across our business, making a significant impact today.

As early industry adopters, we illustrate how data-driven decision-making and integrated digital systems connect clients, delivery partners and stakeholders for better outcomes.

We’re at the forefront of the next wave of digital transformation with strategic investments, calculated risks and laying the right foundations to integrate digital technologies throughout our business.

Our new way of working

Six years ago, in a strategic initiative, Fulton Hogan established Engineering Solutions – a specialist operational service team dedicated to innovation, research and development of digital engineering across our New Zealand operations.

Recently, we expanded this capability to Australia, advancing our digital technology adoption across the Tasman.

Engineering Solutions spearheads the development and integration of new technologies and processes in areas such as:

• Three waters
• Operations and maintenance (O&M)
• Construction
• Road asset management
• Pavement and materials engineering.

Our ongoing investment in new tools and systems, research and employee learning and development are the cornerstone of integrating digital tools and innovation across construction projects and O&M delivery.

As we embrace new technologies, we are also upgrading our foundational IT systems to leverage the combined power of data, future Artificial Intelligence (AI) developments and the latest collaboration tools.

From ideas to real-world benefits

By embedding the right expertise within Fulton Hogan, we have successfully deployed digital technologies and systems to our teams, delivering tangible results for our clients.

Leading digital transformation: Whakatipu Transport Programme Alliance, Kā Huanui a Tāhuna

We have led the digital transformation in the Whakatipu Transport Programme Alliance, Kā Huanui a Tāhuna, for clients New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and Queenstown Lakes District Council. Supported by Engineering Solutions, the project-based Digital team enhanced constructability and delivery outcomes at every stage of the complex Queenstown Town Centre construction project.

Technologies and innovations utilised:

Complexity: Utilising Total Station, Real Time Kinematics (RTK) Global Positioning System (GPS), laser scanning and drones to survey existing site conditions accurately. Live survey data linked with 3D as-built models and existing service plans navigate the complex underground utilities, minimising construction delay risks.

Engagement: 3D visualisations serve as powerful tools to elevate stakeholder and client engagement, communicate project updates and keep local communities informed at every project stage.

Traffic: Animations and visualisation data streamline traffic and construction staging, maintaining two live-traffic lanes that facilitate the movement of around 30,000 cars past the project site daily.

Efficiency: Integrating digital design models and live survey data mitigates risks, maximises delivery efficiencies and ensures smoother project execution. Clash detection focuses on identifying and resolving issues before construction commences.

Progress: Drones capture high-quality aerial imagery, create point clouds and generate current terrain models, providing accurate reflections of worksite conditions and keeping our 3D BIM model live and current.

Data: LiDAR tools merged with precise GPS location data create 3D scans of our built assets, accurately documenting the delivered work.

Collaboration: Real time, accurate data in our 3D models foster collaboration among the wider project team and Alliance partners. Key roles, including engineers, project managers and traffic designers, can view, comprehend and contribute their expertise during the design and delivery stages.

Driving the next wave of innovation

Digital transformation equips the construction industry with powerful tools that have the greatest impact when integrated across the project lifecycle, fostering collaboration with clients and delivery partners.

Innovations like 3D scanning technology, data automation and strategic integrations enable safer, more sustainable and efficient project delivery. We are focused on low-cost, easy to implement and configurable technology that hone in on our client requirements.

As a result, project management improves, decision-making becomes data-driven and the potential for errors and rework diminishes.

So, what does that mean? Put simply, the benefits unlocked are:

• Increased productivity.
• Enhanced project outcomes for communities.
• Efficient project delivery
• Elevated trust and collaboration with delivery partners.

As we move forward, Fulton Hogan remains dedicated to evolving and innovating.

We invite our clients and stakeholders in the construction industry to join us in embracing digital transformation. Let’s work together to extract the full potential of digital tools and systems, delivering greater value, ensuring better outcomes for our communities and leading the industry towards a brighter, digitally-driven future.

I’d love to hear from others to learn how we can collaborate and drive digital transformation on your next project. Together, we can build a smarter, more efficient and innovative construction industry.

– Chloe Williams, National Manager for Innovation and Digital Engineering