The global construction industry lost a staggering $1.84 trillion in 2020 alone due to poor data management, reveals a new eBook by Ibrahim Imam, CEO and Co-Founder of PlanRadar. Titled “Information Loss in Construction: How to Identify and Eliminate Hidden Costs,” the study draws on trusted sources to highlight the massive financial and operational risks tied to bad information, and offers practical solutions for the sector.
“What struck me most was how widespread the issue of poor data management truly is, affecting projects regardless of their size, location, or budget,” says Imam.
“The research showed that almost half of professionals admit to working with incomplete or inconsistent project information. This doesn’t just cause cost overruns; it leads to disputes, delays, and compromised quality. The surprising part is that these losses are largely preventable. With the right digital systems in place, project teams can create a single source of truth that minimizes errors, enhances accountability, and protects profitability. It’s a wake-up call for the industry to treat data accuracy as a financial priority, not an afterthought, ” he adds.
As a leader steering PlanRadar’s global expansion, Imam acknowledges the challenges of fostering a shared vision across diverse teams. “One of the biggest hurdles was ensuring that our shared vision—making construction and real estate more efficient through digital transparency—remains consistent across all markets. We overcame this by building a strong communication culture, empowering local teams to adapt our platform to regional needs while staying aligned with our global purpose. I’ve learned that leadership is not about control; it’s about clarity, trust, and enabling people to succeed in their context while contributing to a shared mission,” he reflects.
He also emphasizes that digital adoption in construction hinges on demonstrating clear value to traditional players. “Many construction professionals are pragmatic—they’ll adopt new tools when they clearly see how those tools save time, reduce rework, or simplify daily operations,” Imam notes.
His approach centers on empathy and education, meeting industry professionals where they are and showing that digital tools are an evolution, not a disruption.
While digital adoption varies worldwide, with Western Europe and parts of Asia-Pacific leading the way, the Middle East is rapidly catching up, driven by ambitious national projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. “The mindset shift is happening everywhere—leaders now recognize that data-driven construction isn’t optional; it’s essential.”
Going forward, Imam is optimistic about the role of AI and machine learning in construction technology. “In the next five years, AI capabilities will evolve into fully data-driven ecosystems, where decisions are guided by predictive insights rather than reactive responses. AI won’t replace human expertise; it will enhance it, helping construction professionals work faster, safer, and with greater precision.”
With this eye-opening eBook, Imam and PlanRadar are shining a spotlight on an often-overlooked industry crisis, and paving the way for smarter, safer, and more profitable construction projects worldwide.
