Ayesa helps develop DigiChecks: a new digital framework to manage permits and compliance in the construction industry

As part of a consortium, the company is developing a platform to enable seamless collaboration on construction projects.

Ayesa, a global provider of technology and engineering services, is helping create a pioneering digital framework for permitting and compliance within the construction industry. Known as DigiChecks, the solution is set to make the process of validating and approving permits more flexible, efficient and easier for users, regardless of where they are in the world. What’s more, its ability to connect to the platforms most commonly used in the sector means seamless collaboration between stakeholders.

The initiative, led by FCC Construcción, is made up of 13 global leaders from the world of construction, research, standards and digitalisation, based in 5 different countries. These are: FCC Construcción, Realia Business, Tekniker, IDP, Ibermática Ayesa, Building Digital Twin Association, Neanex, Semmtech, Digital Construction, Bureau Veritas Construction, CREE Buildings, Universiteit Gent and PKF Attest innCome.

Within the construction industry, permits involve the input of many different people. These include architects, engineers, designers, the authorities, and even the owner, who must ensure their building meets all the necessary technical and legal requirements. In some cases, they are even based in different countries or regions. However, a lack of interoperability means they are unable to effectively share information, with data being stored in siloed applications.

The standardisation and automation of these processes would not only reduce the workload of those involved but also ensure strict compliance with regulations. This is where DigiChecks comes in.

The phases of the DigiChecks project

DigiChecks is a new digital framework designed to simplify permitting. It is based on the following principles:

• A common language: The first step was to create a shared language for permitting. This allows the platform to gather data from various sources using a common structure and turn it into a format that can be handled by a computer in a repeatable manner.
• Digitalisation of processes: In order to meet the needs of different stakeholders, DigiChecks allows them to model and incorporate their processes on the platform These can then be updated or deleted as needed.
• Rules for permits: The solution allows authorities to establish their own rules, which are used to automatically check compliance.
• Data sharing based on recognised standards: Data sharing using a standard such as the one developed by the International Data Spaces Association, coupled with the use of blockchain, means information can be accessed and used in a secure, controlled and auditable manner.

Juan Ramón Mena from FCC Construcción, who is leading the first pilot study, explains how the solution is being validated with different types of permits and projects. These include environmental permits for the A465 in Wales, permits required by electricity companies for an apartment block in Spain, and general building permits for an office development in Austria. In each case, various indicators are evaluated, such as data quality, deviations from plans and budgets, approval time and client satisfaction. These will allow significant improvements to be made to permit approval processes.

The DigiChecks project, which has a budget of EUR 6.5 million and will run from 2022-2025, has been partly funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.