At the recent ACEC Fall Conference, Deltek's Vice President of Product Management, Bret Tushaus, shared strategies for helping architecture and engineering (A&E) firms move beyond technology adoption and start realizing measurable returns.
Technology spending in A&E firms is at an all-time high. From advanced project management platforms to AI-powered design tools, firms recognize that digital transformation is no longer optional; it's essential. But too often, the return on those investments remains elusive.
As Bret explained, "Technology is no longer just an operational component; it's a strategic asset that can drive growth and innovation. Firms that successfully align their technology and business strategies will be better positioned to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead."
Why ROI Often Falls Short
According to the latest Deltek Clarity A&E Industry Study, 76% of firms cite keeping up with technology as a top challenge, 58% say cost is a barrier, and 43% struggle to carve out the time to learn new tools.
Much of the gap comes from persistent habits. Many firms still rely on spreadsheets, which are not built to keep up with today's project complexity. Others struggle with siloed systems that block data flow, limiting collaboration and slowing down decision-making. In many cases, firms already own sophisticated technology, but it goes underutilized because employees lack the training or confidence to make it part of daily work. The result is that technology sits underused while inefficiencies continue to drain resources.
Empowering Teams with the Right Tools
Even the most advanced system won't deliver ROI unless teams are enabled to use it effectively. Too many firms still depend on manual data entry in core functions like finance, operations, and administration.
Shifting this dynamic requires more than rolling out new software; it requires enablement. Successful firms implement structured onboarding so employees can understand the "how" and "why" of new tools. They also provide continuous training opportunities to keep teams current as features evolve. Equally important is leadership that fosters a culture that encourages adoption and reduces resistance to change. When teams are supported in this way, firms see faster adoption, fewer errors, and measurable improvements in project outcomes.
Unlocking Value in Existing Systems
Chasing the "next new tool" isn't always the answer. Many firms already own technology with built-in intelligence, features like predictive analytics, automated workflows, and real-time dashboards, that often go untouched.
Auditing existing systems to uncover these hidden capabilities can generate significant gains with minimal additional investment. For example, predictive analytics can help forecast risks and opportunities, while automation reduces manual workloads and frees teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Bret noted, "When leveraging any new technology, a great approach is identifying manageable, resonant use cases to rally around as a starting point. By establishing and learning from some small wins, firms can build on that momentum and expand into other business areas."
Breaking Down Silos with Integration
Disconnected systems are among the biggest culprits in wasted effort. When these platforms don't talk to each other, firms lose visibility, duplicate work, and miss out on timely insights.
Integrating these systems changes the game. Middleware solutions, unified platforms, and API-based connections all help eliminate barriers, ensuring data flows seamlessly across the organization. With integration, firms can move from patchy, incomplete data to a single view of operations, supporting faster, smarter decisions and better collaboration across teams.
Translating Tech to ROI: Practical Steps
Closing the ROI gap begins with carefully looking at where you are today. Firms should assess their current technology stack and their teams' proficiency in using it. That assessment helps identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. From there, leaders can prioritize the integrations that promise the quickest and highest value, while also focusing on leveraging AI and automation features already available in their systems. By starting with small, achievable wins, firms can build confidence, demonstrate value, and scale change across the organization.
Making Technology Work Harder
The real ROI doesn't come from simply buying the latest tools. It comes from enabling teams, integrating systems, and making sure insights are put to work. When firms take these steps, they unlock efficiency, improve decision-making, and strengthen profitability.
With the right strategy, A&E firms can ensure their technology investments deliver real, measurable impact, helping them stay agile, innovative, and ahead of the competition.
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