SitePlex at IDE Spring Seminar 2026

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At the Institute of Demolition Engineers' Spring Seminar, David Burton, Operations Director at SitePlex, spoke on Digital Transformation in Demolition. His key message was simple: it isn’t about tech for tech’s sake — it’s about commercial control.

Some of the key points from Burton's presentation:

• UK construction productivity has remained largely flat since 2008, margins are typically in low single digits, and projects regularly overrun. In demolition, we absorb uncertainty first — hidden structures, incomplete drawings, hazardous materials, logistical constraints and fixed-price tender pressure all translate directly into margin risk.

  
  

Small inefficiencies add up to become significant and erode margin

• Poor information flow drives delay, abortive work, reduced productivity, regulatory pressure and client dissatisfaction. Unstructured information erodes profit quietly.
  

• Digital transformation means moving from emails, PDFs, paper permits and reactive management, to controlled shared data, live mobile reporting, structured photo evidence, real-time dashboards and predictive risk identification.

Digital transformation is about moving from disconnected documents to structured, controlled information.

This shift to digital management improves:

✔ Safety & Compliance

✔ Attendance & traceability

✔ Project management

✔ Executive visibility & decision making

✔ Standardisation across sites

Burton cited cases where the use of digitals tools in construction has reduced project overruns by 30%, improved operational efficiency by 20%, and reduced admin time on site tasks by as much as 70%.

The impact digital tools can have on construction operations

He offered a practical roadmap for CEOs:

• 0–6 Months: Implement a shared information, standardise document control, introduce mobile reporting.
  

• 6–18 Months: Develop an AI strategy, integrate with customers & suppliers, build management dashboards.

The strategic question Burton left the room with:

Are you going to absorb avoidable margin erosion — or systematically remove ambiguity?

Digital transformation is not about technology leadership.

It’s about commercial leadership.

If you'd like a copy of the presentation, please e-mail: david@siteplex.co.uk