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Cost Engineering

5 Key Benefits of Data-Driven Cost Engineering in 2024

In recent years, cost engineering has shifted from intuition-based methods to data-driven approaches, centered on a 'single source of truth’. Explore the advantages of implementing data-driven cost engineering and how it's changing the industry in 2024.

Cost engineering has undergone a significant change, moving from intuition-based methods to data-driven approaches. At the heart of this shift is the concept of a 'single source of truth' - a reliable, centralized data repository that improves the accuracy and efficiency of cost estimations. You might wonder: Is investing in data-driven cost engineering worth it? Let's explore five compelling benefits that make data-driven cost engineering essential for businesses aiming to stay competitive in 2024 and beyond.

Why is Data-Driven Decision Making Essential in 2024?⁠

In the past, cost engineering relied heavily on established data, expert knowledge, and estimates. However, the importance of data-driven approaches in cost engineering continues to grow as we move through 2024.

"By 2026, 65% of B2B sales organizations will transition from intuition-based to data-driven decision making, using technology that unites workflow, data and analytics" - Gartner Analytics, 2022.

The integration of large amounts of current data and the easy inclusion of external data sources have made calculations much more precise. According to a recent Forbes article, advanced analytics tools and increasing digitization of project data are enabling cost engineers to move beyond traditional estimation methods. This allows for more precise and dynamic models that can adapt to changing project conditions.

The foundation for this data-driven approach is a knowledge database and industry benchmark data. This information is continuously collected, processed, and analyzed using standard procedures and methods, allowing managers to respond quickly to changes.

The Benefits of The "Single Source of Truth"

A key aspect of modern cost engineering is the 'single source of truth'. This refers to a unique, reliable, centralized source of data relevant to contract awarding and supply chain management.

Let's explore its benefits for effective cost engineering.

1. Consistency

Consistency ensures all team members work with the same, up-to-date information. This alignment reduces misunderstandings and promotes cohesive decision-making across the organization.

2. Reliability and Data Quality

A single source of truth provides a trustworthy source that is regularly updated and verified for accuracy. High-quality data leads to more accurate cost estimates, thereby reducing the risk of budget overruns and improving project outcomes.

3. Efficiency

Efficiency improves significantly by eliminating redundancies and duplicated work, saving time and resources. With a centralized data source, team members can quickly access the information they need without searching through multiple systems or documents.

4. Conflict Avoidance

Conflict avoidance is achieved by minimizing errors and improving transparency through the elimination of conflicting data versions. When everyone works from the same data set, discrepancies in reports or analyses are reduced.

5. Enhanced Decision-Making

Enhanced decision-making is enabled at all organizational levels based on reliable, consistent data. With access to accurate, up-to-date information, managers can make more informed choices about resource allocation, budgeting, and project planning.

Customer Story: Pierer Mobility

Pierer Mobility, Europe's largest motorbike manufacturer, partnered with Tset to introduce a cost engineering function. This transformation aligns with the broader industry trend towards data-driven approaches. With Tset's assistance, Pierer Mobility now effectively leverages 'single source of truth' to evaluate cost alternatives and identify key cost drivers. 

Read the full customer story to learn how Pierer Mobility harnesses data-driven cost engineering.

A man assembling a motorcycle in the factory

How Tset Can Help

Tset offers a comprehensive solution for data-driven cost and carbon calculation, providing valuable insights throughout the entire product lifecycle. Our software combines advanced data management with numerous data modules, empowering cost engineers to make precise calculations and informed decisions. Key features of Tset include: 

  • Advanced data management with up-to-date reference data
  • Automated calculation workflow with over 50 data-driven modules
  • Flexible data packages including CO₂ factors
  • Easy integration of custom master data

Conclusion

Data-driven decision-making is changing cost engineering, offering more accurate, efficient, and transparent project outcomes. By using cost engineering solutions like Tset, your organization can stay ahead in an increasingly data-focused world, making informed decisions that drive both sustainability and profitability.

Author

Michael Hedrich
VP Product

23.10.2024

Would you like to know more?

For more information about the challenges and trends around future-oriented cost engineering can be found in this whitepaper "The future of cost engineering".

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