Transforming Quantity Surveying Firms in South Africa Through Digitalisation

Abstract

Digitalisation is transforming the roles of the quantity surveying profession resulting in the improvement of their performances and the economic use of resources in the construction industry. All over the world, the quantity surveying profession is currently utilising digital technologies to assist them with various activities such as the measurement of construction works. This study seeks to assess the current level of adoption of digital tools by Quantity Surveying firms and examine how beneficial the digital tools are to the firms. In order to fulfil these objectives, a descriptive methodology was utilized through a quantitative approach. Data for the research was gathered through a survey of professional quantity surveyors working in South Africa. Empirical findings from the study reveal that the most utilised digital tool amongst quantity surveying firms in South Africa is the Microsoft Excel tool and that adoption of modern quantity surveying specific digital tools are a little bit slow. The results further highlight the major benefits of digitalisation in quantity surveying firms to include increase in accuracy and precision as well as reduce the time taken to execute required tasks and meet deliverables. These findings reveal that although the desire to go digital is present in professional quantity surveying firms in South Africa and that the benefits of digitalised quantity surveying firms are immense. The uptake of digital tools is still quite low. However, it is important to note that quantity surveyors and by extension, quantity surveying firms are aware of the immense benefits of utilising digital tools and are enthusiastic about digitalisation generally as the available tools will help to complete their professional tasks more efficiently. In conclusion, it is imperative for quantity surveying firms in South Africa to fully embrace the numerous digital tools available to them in other to optimally operate and compete with a fast-paced world.