Building Safety Act: Addressing the Challenges of Fragmented Data

The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) introduces the "golden thread" of information—a centralised, accessible record of a building’s design, construction, and ongoing safety. However, a recent survey found 70% of building owners struggle to manage building information due to fragmented data systems, slowing progress towards compliance.

The Impact of Fragmented Systems

Disparate data systems hinder the creation of a unified "golden thread," making it difficult to manage crucial information such as safety inspections, maintenance records, and design updates. Key challenges include:

• Inefficiencies: Time and resources are wasted consolidating data from multiple systems.
• Compliance Risks: Incomplete or inconsistent data complicates meeting regulatory requirements.
• Safety Concerns: Gaps in data can lead to missed maintenance and increased hazards.

Only 27% of building owners have fully digitised their asset information, highlighting the need for integration and consolidation.

Progress in Digital Transformation

Despite challenges, many building owners are advancing in their digital transformation journeys:

• 87% are at some stage of digitisation.
• 37% are rolling out digital systems, while 30% are in early planning stages.
• However, only 17% have implemented a single source of truth, underscoring the need for robust solutions to manage building information.

Why Digitisation is Essential

The BSA requires building owners to have accurate, accessible data not only for compliance but also to enhance long-term safety and efficiency. Digitising and centralising asset information delivers key benefits:

• Streamlined Compliance: Simplifies processes and reduces the regulatory burden.
• Improved Safety: Ensures accurate, up-to-date data for identifying and resolving risks.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Eliminates manual tracking and reduces errors.

Establishing a Unified "Golden Thread"

To address the challenges of fragmented systems, building owners must adopt integrated digital solutions. Steps to achieve this include:

• Investing in Digital Tools: Platforms that consolidate all building data into a unified system.
• Prioritising Interoperability: Ensuring seamless data sharing between systems.
• Providing Staff Training: Equipping teams to use digital tools effectively.