Advancing infrastructure delivery through digital transformation

Rethinking digital delivery can help DOTs improve project visualization, add workflow efficiencies and introduce new ways to leverage data

The landscape of design delivery expectations is changing. Seeking ways to harness the power of data and to work more efficiently and effectively, departments of transportation (DOTs) are shifting to digital delivery, a data-centric, integrated practice of submitting final designs and as-built documents as intelligent 3D models.

This transition is not merely about integrating new technologies but involves a comprehensive shift in how projects are digitally planned, built, and ultimately operated and managed. Adopting digital delivery can take many forms. A strategic approach that includes coordinating with stakeholders, fostering a culture of innovation, updating data standards and developing an integrated infrastructure framework can help facilitate the transformation.

Adopting digital delivery can provide important benefits for DOTs.

• Increased efficiencies: DOTs can realize efficiencies throughout every planning and design phase by leveraging Rapid Design methodologies — this includes using connected design tools (ensuring integrated data) along with iterative design processes that borrow from agile software development principles. Every stakeholder can be empowered to collaborate on the design alternatives simultaneously, helping to identify and mitigate conflicts across every discipline rapidly. The approach also allows DOTs to look at more alternatives throughout the project planning and design process, which can lead to fewer change-orders and a more efficient construction phase.
• Leveraging deep data intelligence: Approaching digital delivery through an “integrated infrastructure” mindset provides tremendous opportunities to leverage asset and location data when a project is completed. The data provided at the end of a design and construction project should become the very basis for a DOT’s asset inventory and may also be used in future rehab projects. DOTs can leverage the project’s 3D model design and digital as-built data instead of having to recapture it with LiDAR or surveys. This data then may serve as a comprehensive foundation for asset management, allowing for more efficient updates and expansions, facilitating insightful decision-making.
• Improved simulation and risk reduction: 3D models enhance visualization, simulation and communication of the design intent by providing DOTs with a true representation of every square inch of a project. Models with this higher level of detail give an accurate portrayal of the project’s anticipated or actual as-built condition and allow for identification of potential design conflicts with impacts such as underground utilities and other existing physical assets. Because conflict mitigation becomes a natural extension of accurate design modeling in 3D, designing for digital delivery lowers project cost and saves time — saving about 15% in change orders according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Essential Factors in Digital Delivery

The transition to digital delivery is iterative and cannot happen overnight. To fully leverage the advantages of digital delivery, a strategic approach that considers ways to invest in staff and technology can help DOTs successfully adopt and implement this significant return on investment. The following factors can help ensure an effective and sustainable transition to digital delivery.

Stakeholder engagement and communication are vital for the successful adoption of digital delivery methods. By fostering a culture of collaboration and open communication across stakeholders, agencies can secure buy-in and ease the transition to digital delivery. DOTs may consider how to inform staff and stakeholders about the advantages of the transition and potential changes to their day-to-day processes. Developing a comprehensive communication plan that engages stakeholders early and often can help address needs and concerns, fostering a supportive environment for digital transformation.

Updating delivery standards is another important step for DOTs to consider. Transitioning from 2D design to 3D models as the standard for project documentation and delivery can improve accountability and accuracy by ensuring that project data is compliant and meets the needs of the DOT. Updating standards can also include codifying storage locations and implementing automated standard compliance tools to inform those submitting digital data that will help the DOT leverage the data efficiently once it is received. Reinforcement of those standards through persistent training can help ensure that all staff and stakeholders are able to remain proficient and up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry practices.

Beyond the update of delivery standards, agencies must be ready to ingest and make available the vast data intelligence that DOTs will be receiving. Because all data has intrinsic value to multiple stakeholders within a DOT, digital delivery benefits from an integrated infrastructure framework. Adopting an integrated infrastructure mindset is meant to maximize the value and usability through a connected data experience, no matter the project planning or design stage. This approach enables various disciplines within the organization and their stakeholders to access and utilize data more collaboratively and comprehensively. This approach involves updating submission standards to ensure data is consistently captured and integrated, facilitating collaboration across departments and leveraging technology to maintain a culture of software inclusivity that makes data easily discovered and incorporated together. By doing so, DOTs can make more informed, data-driven decisions regarding asset management, capital planning, operations and maintenance activities upon immediate receipt of a compliant final model.

Setting the stage for adoption

Conducting a readiness workshop can help DOTs examine where they are and where investments need to be made. A workshop can help gauge the level of readiness (e.g., Does the organization have digital data governance and storage standards? How does the organization receive, verify, store and share model or asset data? Geospatial data? Construction data?). Workshops could also include sharing what peer agencies are doing and how the DOT might leverage their progress.

At the end of the readiness review, owners have a customized road map for shifting to and maximizing digital delivery, the product of an enterprisewide, collaborative exercise. The road map distills a DOT’s vision for digital delivery, the agency’s current level of preparedness, specific goals, time frames for each goal, investment level — low, medium or high — and the steps they can begin taking now, including:

• Identifying a change network champion
• Assembling an all-star implementation team to “own” the transition — both internal and external
• Applying for federal financial assistance, such as the Advanced Digital Construction Management System (ADCMS) grant, to help fund training, software and hardware procurement

Making the shift

The transition to digital delivery represents an important opportunity for advancing transportation infrastructure, allowing DOTs to enhance efficiency and effectiveness through data-centric experiences. To fully capitalize on this transformation, a strategic approach is essential. This includes coordinating with stakeholders, fostering a culture of innovation, updating standards and developing an integrated infrastructure framework. By conducting readiness workshops and creating a well-structured road map, DOTs can proactively integrate the foundational elements of this framework, ensuring they are well-prepared to maximize the value of these assets to their fullest potential.