How to balance innovation with security
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The fifth annual ICE-Topcon lecture looked at how technology is enabling smarter asset management while also highlighting how crucial security is when sharing information digitally.
The increasing convergence of infrastructure and technology was the theme of the joint lecture which showcased the smart asset management innovation coming out of some of Europe’s leading engineering firms.
Since ICE and Topcon’s partnership began in 2014, a lot has happened in the infrastructure sector. We’re getting better at delivering large and complex projects and working more towards outcomes for clients and end users. Technology has been one of the key drivers and it continues to reshape the traditional identity of our sector at an incredible rate.
Of course there are barriers and challenges to overcome around integrating new technology, not least around making sure that our new smart methods of information sharing are secure. ICE’s Digital Transformation campaign, supported by forward thinking organisations like Topcon, aims to help overcome such challenges and move the industry to a more productive place.
[edit] Smart asset management in practice
A challenge all engineers can relate to is how to squeeze more performance out of existing assets. Opening speaker Vincent Lamour of Cementys Group notes that while we’ve always had monitoring regimes the advanced technology we have today allows us to monitor more accurately and efficiently. This helps us predict and plan maintenance, reduce service disruption and extend the lifespans of assets.
Cementys’ experiences on major projects such as the NKP offshore platform and the Wadi Laban Bridge demonstrate cases of how monitoring has enabled service life extension, e.g. through use of sensors and fibre optics to analyse strain and vibration.
Ultimately, using technology helps us make better decisions with less reliance on human judgement. Lamour highlights a quote from Admiral Grace Hopper: “One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions.”
[edit] Gathering data by digital
Of course, we can’t make good decisions without good information, which means we need to gather it effectively and strategically.
Skanska has witnessed the evolution of technology-enabled data capture in the highways sector. Chief engineering surveyor Mark Lawton describes how Lidar remote sensing has become an effective and efficient data collection method beyond even a 1km range and often eliminates the need to visit sites.
Drone surveying, global positioning systems (GPS), digital terrain models (DTMs) and connectivity at worksites are all useful tools for remote transfer of data and linking design with construction and operations, which are crucial parts of the productivity improvement jigsaw.
[edit] So what about security?
The growing scale of available asset information together with ever-increasing connectivity presents quite a challenge to project clients. They need to be able to ensure that their information is shared securely and that all project stakeholders can be trusted to handle information sensitively.
As a prelude to the lecture, ICE and Topcon convened leading industry minds to identify the industry actions needed to meet the security challenge.
Ultimately, we need to establish a culture of true security-mindedness where every single person understands that they have a responsibility. The level of shift required has been compared to the health and safety revolution. That may be true, but the challenge is more complex.
Information leaks or hacks aren’t manifested in the same way as a workplace accident – they can take weeks or months to reveal themselves. They can be extremely damaging, especially with the threat of fines coming under new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). We need a shift in attitude and behaviour that reflects the level of risk.
For security measures to be successful they must work for people. If not, they risk becoming a blocker to growth and innovation. New technology is revolutionising the sector but a level of governance and even cautiousness is needed to ensure systems remain resilient. Physical infrastructure assets only get built once so security must be well planned, tested for and designed in from the very outset of projects.
[edit] Realising the technology opportunity
The infrastructure sector is at a crossroads. The convergence of construction, engineering, surveying and technology presents a unique opportunity to meet the biggest challenges our sector faces: increasing productivity and profitability, meeting growing infrastructure need and delivering quicker and at lower cost.
Of course it’s not just about adopting the technology. It’s about offering outcomes and identifying the right tools and techniques to realise them. And the transformation towards digital involves overcoming hurdles and challenges such as skills, behaviours and culture, as well as security.
Innovative and game-changing technology is out there, but for it to really make a difference the industry needs more champions to lead its utilisation – both of what’s available now and what’s to come in the future.
This article was originally published here by ICE on 12 March 2018. It was written by Ben McAlinden.
--The Institution of Civil Engineers
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.