Engineers' reluctance to change – from drawings to a data-centric mindset

Engineers have always been at the forefront of shaping our world. From building impressive bridges to improving industrial systems, their skills have driven human progress for centuries. Despite fast technological progress, many engineers are still hesitant to embrace change. Why is that?

The weight of history

This hesitance is not new – it’s deeply rooted in history. From the very beginning of human civilization, people have communicated through drawings. Think of the Egyptians, who not only built the architectural marvels we know today as pyramids, but also created detailed drawings to share their construction knowledge. In many ways, these ancient "engineers" set the stage for the generations that followed.

Fast forward to the 1980s, and the engineering world was still primarily driven by 2D drawings. From power plants to nuclear facilities and wastewater treatment plants, most structures were designed and constructed using these blueprints. Even today, around 80% of clients rely on such outdated drawings for maintenance and upgrades. Managing millions of these legacy documents has become a logistical nightmare.

Imagine trying to update a facility with over hundreds of thousands paper-based drawings!

A generational shift – From drawings to data

The turn of the millennium brought a fundamental shift in engineering. New generations of engineers were trained to embrace modern systems and tools. Rather than relying only on drawings, they started adopting a data-centric mindset.

While 2D drawings still have their place, the future belongs to information-rich data models. These models not only generate precise drawings instantly but also allow engineers to discard unnecessary files afterward. Today, with a tablet in hand, engineers can access all the relevant information they need – no paper required.

What do we expect from engineers?

Pause for a moment and consider: What qualities do we expect in engineers? We often imagine them as curious problem-solvers; people who approach challenges with innovation and smart solutions. In a field as complex as engineering, understanding and navigating this complexity is essential. So why, then, does resistance to change still exist?

Why the reluctance?

The reasons are complex but understandable. For many engineers, reluctance to change stems from their historical and cultural experiences. Engineers from established regions like Europe might be more hesitant to adopt new and disruptive technologies. On the other hand, engineers in regions like the Middle East, where modernization and innovation are embraced as essential to progress, often have a different mindset.

Digitalization also brings a new set of challenges. Some engineers fear that AI-driven tools might replace their roles altogether. Corporate leadership, often composed of financially minded individuals, pushes for change because they see the benefits in terms of efficiency and cost savings. But for the engineers on the ground, stepping into unfamiliar digital territory can feel daunting.

Solution providers must take responsibility here, offering training and support to bridge the knowledge gap. Fortunately, younger engineers are already comfortable with digital tools, which could pave the way for smoother transitions in the future.

Quality over quantity

As the engineering workforce grew over the years, there was a noticeable decline in quality. The introduction of virtual modeling changed this trajectory. Today, whether designing a single machine part or an entire plant, virtual models ensure precise and accurate results. In fact, individual engineer’s productivity has doubled thanks to these modern systems, which handle much of the workload previously done manually. Poor quality is no longer just an inconvenience – it’s an expensive problem.

Embracing change

Modern engineering tools offer more than just cost savings – they provide efficiency, ease of use, and improved quality. With these tools, training new engineers becomes simpler, and onboarding times are drastically reduced. Embracing change isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about succeeding in a constantly changing industry.

The road ahead: Adapt or fall behind

As experienced engineers retire and take their knowledge with them, engineering tools like design applications and information management solutions like digital twins need to step in and fill the gap. Fortunately, today’s digital tools are helping engineers become specialists in their fields, equipped with all the data they need to make informed decisions.

Engineers must adapt to this changing landscape. The tension between tradition and innovation will always exist. But in the end, change isn’t a threat - it’s an opportunity. Data-driven decision-making provided by the right tools makes all the difference in saving both time and money. With the right solution partners, education, and support, engineers can navigate this transition safely, and successfully embrace the future.

At Cadmatic, we're here to support you on this journey we must take together.

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