Digital innovations: Exyte shapes the future

Exyte continuously seeks ways to enhance efficiency and quality across every facet of its operations, with digitalization serving as its most powerful lever. “In a project-driven business, success hinges on meeting timelines and budgets,” says Christian Hüttermann, Senior Manager for IT Enterprise Architecture at Exyte. „Our digital transformation helps us achieve this goal. But like an iceberg, what is visible on the surface is just a small part of its true potential. Beneath lies a structural shift toward a data-driven mindset.”

To make this ambition a reality, Exyte focuses both on immediate wins and a long-term strategy, laying the groundwork for advanced platforms that integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and data. Advanced tools and systems that enhance precision and drive innovation are becoming increasingly important to delivering complex, large-scale projects.

Gavin Thornton, an expert focused on enterprise architecture in engineering, procurement, and construction, gives an example: “We use LiDAR LiDARLight Detection and Ranging is a laser technology used for creating precise 3D maps, enhancing design accuracy for high-tech facilities like semiconductor fabs., or Light Detection and Ranging, technology to create highly accurate 3D scans of project sites. These scans enhance safety monitoring and improve the precision of our project execution.”

Collaborations with software partners help integrate digital tools and AI AIArtificial intelligence is used to optimize tasks in engineering, design and construction. AI applications can also improve efficiency and enable predictive maintenance in facility operations. throughout the project lifecycle. Platforms that connect engineering, design, and construction allow teams to collaborate better and ensure that the correct data flow across all project phases. “For us, it’s about improving our operational efficiency and providing our decision-makers and clients with real-time data,” Thornton says.

Adaptable, future-ready platforms

Fundamental to Exyte’s digitalization approach is a common data platform. “Traditionally, people often worked with spreadsheets that were copied, circulated, and constantly revised, leading to confusion,” Hüttermann explains. “Our aim is to make this a thing of the past. We will soon have standardized data processes everywhere to ensure teams across disciplines can work from a single, reliable source of truth, improving consistency and outcomes.”

Looking ahead, the two experts envision fully integrated, AI-powered platforms that drive connected construction and digital engineering. “We will have flexible, modular applications that can quickly adapt solutions to meet the unique needs of each business and even individual projects, all while maintaining our company’s workflows,” Thornton says.

The pace of change is accelerating faster than most would have imagined a few years ago, with AI serving as both a game-changer and driver of this progress. “It allows us to design scalable systems using cloud-based, off-the-shelf applications. This approach ensures we can easily respond to evolving demands without being locked into any specific tools. The focus is on capabilities, not individual technologies,” Hüttermann notes. With this data-centered approach and the power of AI, new tools will be implemented much more rapidly, ensuring that systems always remain adaptable to future needs.

From data to delivery

The innovation department, led by Ricky To, is key to Exyte’s digitalization journey. The UK-born architect describes his role as a “Data and Digital Delivery Manager”. His multidisciplinary team of experts in Building Information Management (BIM BIMBuilding Information Management is a technique that uses detailed 3D models containing data from electrical, mechanical, or chemical systems, facilitating efficient collaboration in engineering and design for high-tech projects.), construction technology, data, and AI comes up with ways to make the most of the data that is constantly collected on Exyte’s multitude of projects. Based in Singapore, the team creates smarter and more efficient workflows, ensures they are properly tested and, once validated in practice, scales them up globally.

“Leveraging clean, high-quality data is critical. It ensures that every innovation we implement is built on a strong foundation,” he explains. “For instance, Exyte uses automated scripts in engineering and design platforms. These sets of programmed instructions rely on well-managed data to function effectively. Using the scripts reduces work on repetitive tasks, such as data entry and analysis, which frees up designers to focus on creative problem-solving.”

The “ABCD vision”:
AI, BIM, Cloud, and Data

Integrating AI AIArtificial intelligence is used to optimize tasks in engineering, design and construction. AI applications can also improve efficiency and enable predictive maintenance in facility operations. , BIM BIMBuilding Information Management is a technique that uses detailed 3D models containing data from electrical, mechanical, or chemical systems, facilitating efficient collaboration in engineering and design for high-tech projects., the cloud CloudThe cloud is a set of data accessible from different locations, enabling Exyte's engineering, design, and construction teams to work simultaneously and collaboratively from a single source of truth. It supports various applications, including concepts, models, plans, and cost tracking software, ensuring efficient project management and data accessibility., and data infrastructure is crucial for digitalizing project execution. Each component ensures precision, efficiency, and adaptability throughout the project lifecycle, from the initial planning to the final handover.

The approach streamlines workflows from start to finish, beginning with the engineers working with draft schematics. These schematics are linked to 3D models and supported by a comprehensive, data-enriched BIM library.

An integrated design environment promotes smooth collaboration. The design team accesses the latest, most accurate information through the synchronized data ecosystem. Quantity surveyors extract precise bills of quantities as the design progresses, while contractors input detailed construction information into the same system.

Improving oversight and collaboration through technology

Advanced construction monitoring techniques are also used, including 3D scanning with LIDAR technology and cameras operated by autonomous robots, delivering accurate data on construction progress. Feeding this construction data back into the system supports continuous quality checks and enables informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

The cloud serves as the foundation of this digital infrastructure, providing global and real-time access to all data, models, and workflows to everyone involved. “This cloud-based approach ensures that all parties, including Exyte designers, clients, and contractors, operate from a unified and reliable source of truth,” explains To.

AI adds another layer of intelligence to the process. From optimizing schedules to testing advanced safety monitoring systems that proactively flag potential hazards, AI is transforming how projects are managed and executed. “AI helps us predict, adapt, and deliver with greater reliability,” adds To.