Using BIM Collaborative Technology and Cloud-Based Data Environments as Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure and Digital Strategies for Remote Work in the Construction Industry

Organizations relied on digital strategies and remote working to achieve their contractual responsibilities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most construction firms lack the IT infrastructure needed to work remotely including network infrastructure, communication and collaborative tools, and cybersecurity. This paper follows a qualitative research methodology based on the analysis of two case studies of construction companies that embraced a successful IT infrastructure for remote working through digital strategies. It examines how digitalization strategies (i.e., remote working, BIM360 collaborative technology, and common cloud-based data environments) play a critical role in enabling construction companies in meetings their contractual obligations during challenging market conditions as well as the new normal of remote work. The paper recommends construction firms to embrace a cloud-first strategy based on BIM collaborative technology and cloud-based data environments as their de facto ecosystem. This approach allows for prompt execution of construction projects; more collaborative team interaction; and easy access to project data, information, and files without being affected by network server issues.