In an industry as complex and data-rich as Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), it’s staggering to learn that 96% of captured data goes unused. That’s not just inefficiency—it’s a missed opportunity to transform how we build, collaborate, and innovate.
Every project generates a torrent of information: site conditions, design iterations, material specs, schedules, safety reports, RFIs, and more. Yet most of it sits idle, locked away in disconnected systems or buried in spreadsheets. Why?
Because data without structure is noise. And data without purpose is waste!
The Roots of the Problem
The AEC sector is notorious for fragmentation. Projects span multiple disciplines, vendors, and phases—each with its own tools, formats, and priorities. Add to that the pressure of tight timelines and budget constraints, and data management often becomes an afterthought.
Here’s what typically happens:
- Teams collect data reactively, not strategically.
- Information is stored in incompatible systems.
- Decisions are made based on gut feel or outdated reports.
- Valuable insights are lost in the shuffle.
The result? Rework, delays, cost overruns—and a growing mountain of unused data.
What’s Needed: Turning Data into Trust
To shift from waste to value, we need to rethink how data is captured, validated, and used. Three foundational steps can help:
- Structured Requirements
Before a single line is drawn or a shovel hits the ground, we need clarity on what data is required, by whom, and for what purpose. Structured data requirements—defined early and collaboratively—ensure that information is collected with intent. Think of it as designing your data before designing your building.
- Validation
Data is only useful if it’s accurate and trustworthy. Validation processes—automated checks, peer reviews, and real-time feedback loops—help ensure that what’s captured reflects reality. This builds confidence across teams and reduces reliance on assumptions.
- Early Planning
Too often, data strategy is retrofitted mid-project. Instead, it should be embedded from the start. Early planning aligns stakeholders, sets expectations, and integrates data workflows into the project lifecycle. It’s not just about technology—it’s about mindset.
The Outcome: From Waste to Value
When we treat data as a strategic asset, everything changes.
We move from 96% unused to information that owners, designers, and builders can trust. From fragmented systems to connected insights. From reactive decisions to proactive planning.
This isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about unlocking innovation, improving safety, and delivering better outcomes for communities.
So, What Now?
Let’s end with a few questions –
- What data are you collecting today that no one is using?
- Who owns the data—and who should?
- Are your teams making decisions based on facts or familiarity?
- What would change if your data were structured, validated, and trusted?
- How might early planning reshape your next project?
The answers aren’t simple. But the questions are worth asking.
Testimonials
Thank you for all your efforts on our projects; they have been an invaluable contribution to their success. We look forward to working with you on future projects.
Ian Ferguson MPM Group
Jess and Karl at Draftech were amazing. The communication from the start was prompt, and the entire process was extremely easy. We needed their knowledge on Air Schematics, and they had made one up for our buildings that we service. Thanks so much, and we will be using you guys in the future. Cheers, Air Control Australia.
Greg Colebrook AirControl Australia
With Draftech’s thorough understanding of building services modelling and close attention to detail, Forth has been afforded the opportunity to outsource some of our BIM projects with absolute confidence in the accuracy of the final product.
Gary Murdoch Forth Consulting
Very professional and efficient organization. Delivered a great product to a tight deadline.
ACE Power
Karl and the team are very professional and have a vast knowledge of BIM coordination.
Dwayne Willaims Babinda Electrics
We had multiple large projects with tight deadlines and needed a company we could trust. The teams delivery, attention to detail and understanding of what is being designed is always executed to a high standard.
Martin O’Donovan Envar Engineers
Draftech offered a flexible and reliable approach to working collaboratively with our team. They met our expectations and quality requirements and also offered up new ideas.
Draftech have proven to be a valuable and trustworthy resource and we will continue to work with Draftech on other projects.
Simon Marsden Umow Lai
Draftech is different from others in the professionalism and features they provide.
The ability to walk through projects in real time online provides invaluable insight into problem areas and helps provide an efficient resolution on the spot without many phone calls, emails and the necessity for us to paw through countless drawings to understand the issues.
Todd Morris Manager - Air mech
Draftech were put forward to FIP Electrical as the solution to Coordinate, Model, carry out clash detection, provide Electrical Services Shop Drawings, as built documentation and completed electrical model.
Simon Thorpe FIP Electrical
In close collaboration Draftech set up all our systems and model deliverables. In this process Draftech have proven to be a valuable resource for us and demonstrated commitment, understanding and professionalism.
David Skelley DJCoalition
Draftech’s attention to detail and proactive nature throughout the project assisted us in identifying issues before becoming evident on site, saving us both time and unexpected costs.
Matt Payne PJM Engineering Services
They delivered very high quality Revit models and associated 2D documentation at key milestones, working to a tight budget and in strict accordance with the Architects’ BIM requirements.
Peter Thomas Geoff Hesford
We found Draftech’s work to be of high standard and the team delivered exactly as agreed, in fact, when we considered the project complete, Draftech put further resources into the project as they were not satisfied.
John Johnson Beca
Engaging Draftech during design gave us the tools to make smart decisions.
Hansen Yuncken Design Manager - Michael Harkins
The drafting service is timely, reliable and fit for purpose for the built environment.
Peter Harvey Harvey Industries
Draftech stands apart from other drafting services that we have previously used in their attention to detail and ability to adapt to the individual client’s requirements.
Doug Holt McCaig Aircon
I can confidently recommend Draftech as a solid and reliable supplier, and experts in their field. I look forward to working with them again in the near future.
Chris Behan Norman Disney & Young
After seeing the benefits Draftech provided us on the Townsville Hospital Redevelopment we have set up a relationship with Draftech and intend to continue to use their BIM knowledge and skills for our future projects.
Brad Lund Energy Power Systems
Draftech has no competition as they are in a class of their own.
John Boyes Babinda Electrics
Draftech Developments Drafting and Design Capabilities, in conjunction with their outstanding level of Client service and support has provided great solutions to our engineering and Drafting Design portions within our Gorgon Barrow Island Project.
Aaron Hazelton Applied Electro Systems Pty Ltd
Draftech set up necessary systems and workflows very quickly, but also setup auditable estimating and weekly cost tracking processes that we utilised, requiring little maintenance.
TOM PURDON MPM GROUP
