The analog stage is still a reality for many companies in the AEC sector. Understand what it means, what risks it poses to projects, and how to identify the right time to begin the transition to digital maturity.
According to National Digital Maturity Survey – Real Estate Developers and Construction Companies 2025, A significant portion of organizations still operate in the early stages of the journey, especially in analog stage.
But what does this really mean in practice? Is being in the analog stage a problem?
And most importantly: When does change stop being optional and become strategic?
In this article, we delve deeper into Analog internship in engineering, its operational limitations, hidden risks, and the clear signs that the time has come to evolve.
What is the analog stage in engineering?
The analog stage represents the earliest level of digital maturity. At this stage, the company operates with... predominantly manual processes, poor integration of information and the absence of a structured digitization strategy.
In practice, this means that:
- projects are developed mostly in 2D;
- information circulates through isolated spreadsheets, emails, local folders, and face-to-face meetings;
- control depends heavily on individual experience of people, not processes;
- There is no clear governance over data, versions, or responsibilities.
It is important to emphasize:
👉 Analog internships are not synonymous with a lack of technical competence.
Many companies at this stage deliver relevant projects, with good professionals and a proven track record in the market. The problem is not in technical capacity, but in... invisible cost of the operation.
How does the analog stage manifest itself in the day-to-day work of projects?
Some signs are common in companies operating at this stage:
- Frequent rework discovered only during construction;
- Difficulty in tracking design decisions;
- Conflicts between disciplines identified late;
- Excessive dependence on key professionals;
- Lack of predictability regarding timeline and cost;
- Manual revisions are time-consuming and prone to error.
These symptoms do not arise from incompetence, but from structural limitations of the work model.
The main risks of the analog stage in the AEC sector.
As projects become more complex – with more disciplines, interfaces, and deadline pressure – the analog stage begins to present significant risks.
1. High operational risk
Without information integration, small errors accumulate and transform into major impacts on the project.
2. Low predictability
Costs and deadlines are managed reactively, with little capacity for simulation, anticipation, or preventive correction.
3. Limited scalability
The company's growth depends directly on specific people. When volume increases, the model becomes unsustainable.
4. Difficulty in meeting market demands
Clients, investors, and contractors are increasingly demanding traceability, control, and reliability of information.
5. Vulnerability to knowledge loss
Without structured processes, knowledge remains confined to individuals—and is lost when they leave.
What does the National Digital Maturity Survey reveal about this stage?
A National Digital Maturity Survey – Real Estate Developers and Construction Companies 2025, A study conducted by the BIM Forum Brazil shows that A significant portion of Brazilian companies are still in the early stages of their digital journey.
The study reinforces a critical point:
The biggest challenge for the sector is not the lack of technology, but the difficulty of transforming strategic intent into integrated operation.
In the analog stage, this gap is even more evident:
- There is low leadership engagement on the digital agenda;
- The core processes remain largely digitized;
- Operational maturity is limited, even when there is an awareness that "something needs to change".
Read also: Digital maturity in the AEC sector: what it is and how the 5 stages work.
When does the analog stage cease to be sustainable?
Not every company needs – or should – immediately leave the analog stage. The problem arises when the context changes, But the operational model remains the same.
Some clear signs that the time has come to evolve:
- increased project complexity;
- growth in the number of disciplines and interfaces;
- Increased pressure regarding deadlines, costs, and predictability;
- contractual requirements related to BIM, data or traceability;
- Increased rework and conflicts on the construction site;
- A recurring feeling of "putting out fires.".
When these factors accumulate, insisting on the analog stage begins to generate More risk than safety..
Change doesn't mean "going digital overnight."“
A common mistake is to view digital maturity as an abrupt leap. In reality, it is a... progressive journey, composed of stages.
The safest approach is not to implement tools, but to:
- To diagnose the current reality;
- Identify the critical bottlenecks;
- Structuring processes before technology;
- To consistently evolve to the next stage.
The research makes it clear that Forcing jumps leads to waste., frustration and internal resistance.
From the analog stage to the next step: awareness before technology.
The natural transition from the analog stage is the digital beginner stage, when the company begins to recognize the need for change and initiates its first structured initiatives.
But this transition only works when it is guided by:
- Clarity of process;
- Leadership involvement;
- Understanding the real risks;
- Specialized support.
Without this, the company is merely digitizing old problems.
How Cadbim supports companies at this time.
This is precisely where specialized consulting makes all the difference.
A Cadbim It acts by helping companies in the AEC sector to:
- To diagnose your true stage of digital maturity;
- Identify hidden risks in the current model;
- Structuring processes before adopting tools;
- To evolve safely, in line with the business strategy.
Digital maturity in the AEC sector begins in clarity of processes, responsibilities and decisions.
If your company still operates on an analog model or feels that it no longer supports current challenges, understanding the stage at which you need to make a safe transition is crucial.
To find out what stage of maturity your company is in, Take our BIM Maturity Test.Or talk to Cadbim. Discover how to evolve your operation without compromising deadlines, people, or results.