Digital maturity is the organizational capacity to operate with integrated digital processes in the AEC sector. Understand the stages, assess your current reality, and learn how to move forward with clarity.
A digital maturity has become one of the central themes for companies in the AEC sector. In addition to adopting new technologies, it represents an organization's ability to... To structure processes, integrate information, and make decisions based on reliable data..
However, digital maturity doesn't happen all at once or in the same way for all companies. Some still operate with predominantly analog workflows, while others already use digital models and integrated governance as part of their business strategy.
In this article, we present 5 stages of digital maturity, contextualized for the AEC sector. They They do not form a ranking., but one diagnosis.
Each stage reflects a possible reality and helps to understand where the company is today and what the safest next step is.
What is digital maturity in the AEC sector?
It is the company's ability to structure people, processes, technologies, and data to make better decisions., Reduce risks and increase predictability throughout the entire lifecycle of a project.
In practical terms, a digitally mature company is one that:
- It does not depend on individual efforts to function;
- It has clear and replicable processes;
- It integrates information across disciplines, areas, and phases of the project;
- It uses reliable data to plan, decide, and correct its course.
A National Digital Maturity Survey – Real Estate Developers and Construction Companies 2025 This reinforces the point by showing that the sector's biggest challenge lies not in the lack of available technology, but in the difficulty of... Transforming strategic intent into integrated operation.
Why does digital maturity matter in the AEC sector?
The AEC sector deals with complex projects, multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and high financial impact. In this context, digital maturity ceases to be a differentiator and becomes essential. survival factor.
Companies that are more digitally mature are able to:
- reduce rework and construction disputes;
- Increase predictability of timeline and cost;
- To make proactive, not reactive, decisions;
- Scaling operations with more control;
- Sustain growth with less risk.
It is from this understanding that it makes sense to talk about stages of digital maturity, not as a competition, but as a A map of possible and conscious evolution..
Digital maturity is not synonymous with BIM.
Although BIM be one of the pillars of digitalization in the AEC, It does not guarantee digital maturity on its own..
It is common to find companies that:
- have 3D models, but they decide based on parallel spreadsheets;
- They only apply BIM in the design phase;
- They depend on key people to keep the processes running.
In these cases, there is some digitization, but not maturity.
Digital maturity emerges when BIM is operational. within a structured system, connected to governance, corporate standards, reliable information flow and strategic business vision.
How is the digital maturity of companies assessed?
The National Digital Maturity Survey – Real Estate Developers and Construction Companies 2025 uses a multidimensional model, developed from international references and adapted to the Brazilian reality.
This model evaluates companies based on four axes of analysis, measured by means of five stages of digital maturity, applicable across all axes.
The four axes of analysis
1. Digital strategic readiness
It assesses whether digitalization is integrated into the company's long-term strategy, whether there is mobilized leadership, allocated resources, and governance mechanisms capable of supporting the transformation.
2. Digital culture and capabilities
It assesses the organization's cultural preparedness, the development of digital skills, the autonomy of its teams, and its ability to sustain change over time.
3. Digital infrastructure and data intelligence
It assesses the existence of secure, connected, and well-managed technological resources, as well as the ability to transform data into reliable information for decision-making.
4. Efficient and integrated processes
It assesses the degree of digitization and integration of critical business processes, focusing on collaboration, automation, and the effective use of data.
The research results indicate that, although the strategic readiness axis shows better relative performance, the axis of Efficient and integrated processes are the biggest operational bottleneck in the sector., highlighting the gap between vision and execution.
The 5 stages of digital maturity
The assessment of digital maturity takes place through a single five-stage scale, applied to all axes.
These stages represent a evolutionary path, and not a fixed classification or ranking among companies.
Stage 1 – Analog
At this stage, the company operates with predominantly manual processes or poorly integrated. The information is scattered across 2D boards, isolated spreadsheets, emails, and local folders.
Digitization is not part of the strategy, and there is cultural resistance to change.
Main features:
- manual and poorly standardized processes;
- management based on individual experience;
- low technology adoption;
- Leadership not mobilized for the digital agenda.
Common risks:
- high rate of rework;
- Low predictability of deadlines and costs;
- difficulty in scaling projects and teams.
Important
Being at this stage It does not mean a lack of technical competence.. Many companies deliver good projects, but with high operational effort and risks that only become apparent during construction.
Stage 2 – Digital Beginner
At this stage, the company recognizes the importance of digital transformation, but acts reactively and in a fragmented manner. Initiatives arise from individual efforts, without institutional coordination.
Main features:
- isolated adoption of tools;
- lack of standards and governance;
- dependence on key people;
- informal digital practices.
Common risks:
- A false sense of digital maturity;
- Models that don't communicate with each other;
- little real gain in efficiency.
At this stage, the technology has already arrived., but the process has not yet kept up.
Stage 3 – Digital Intermediate
The organization It begins to structure more recurring and partially integrated digital solutions. The processes are not yet fully connected, but there are initial efficiency gains.
Main features:
- partially formalized processes;
- limited integration between areas;
- Frequent use of digital tools;
- initial operational indicators.
Stage 4 – Advanced
At this stage, Digitization is well established within the functional areas. Processes are managed digitally, and data is used to support consistent decision-making.
Main features:
- Integrated processes by area;
- Tactical use of data and automation;
- strengthened digital culture;
- Predictable efficiency gains.
Strategic gains:
- Greater predictability of timeline and cost;
- fewer reactive decisions;
- Clearer communication between stakeholders.
Here, digital maturity begins to directly impact business results.
Stage 5 – Digital Leadership
The most advanced stage represents full digital integration at the corporate level. Data is interoperable, governed, and used strategically and predictively.
Main features:
- BIM as a strategic asset;
- corporate standardization;
- integration between areas and systems;
- evidence-driven leadership;
- Consolidated digital governance;
- Continuous innovation as an organizational practice.
Few companies are fully at this stage, and that's natural. Digital leadership is an ongoing process., not a full stop.
In summary, the same company can be at different stages in each axis of analysis. Digital maturity is therefore a multidimensional diagnosis, not a single score.
Read also: How Digital Transformation Is Changing The Construction Industry In Brazil
Why isn't digital maturity a ranking?
Digital maturity should not be treated as a competition. Forcing leaps in stage can lead to frustration, wasted investment, and internal resistance.
Sustainable progress depends on realistic diagnosis, correct prioritization, and consistent evolution of the most critical areas for each organization.
The safest way is:
- To clearly diagnose where the company stands;
- To structure the next possible step;
- Evolve consistently.
This is precisely where specialized consulting makes a difference. Cadbim It is the ideal partner to walk alongside your company in this process.
We have a BIM maturity test which evaluates and recommends, in a personalized way, the best steps for your projects.
Digital maturity in the AEC sector doesn't begin with software, it begins with... clarity of processes.
Understanding the stages helps companies make more informed decisions, reduce risks, and evolve safely.
If you want to understand what stage your company is at today and what the next steps are, Talk to Cadbim.
Our team can provide support from diagnosis to process structuring and the implementation of BIM and digital solutions aligned with your business strategy.