Overcoming the Top Challenges Holding AEC Firms Back from Digital Engineering 

May 15, 2025

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is evolving rapidly. Yet despite widespread recognition of the benefits of digital engineering, many firms still face roadblocks in their transformation journeys. From budget concerns to cultural resistance, these challenges are very real - but they’re also solvable. At ARKANCE, we work closely with firms of all sizes to overcome these barriers and unlock the full potential of digitalization. With more than 40,000 customers globally and deep industry partnerships, our team brings unmatched insight into the operational challenges and market intricacies facing today’s AEC professionals. 

Challenge 1: Perceived High Costs of Implementation 

The Barrier: Many firms are hesitant to invest in digital engineering due to the perceived high cost of software, hardware, and implementation. This is particularly common among firms operating on narrow project margins. 

The Solution: Digital engineering should be viewed not as an expense, but as an investment in efficiency, accuracy, and long-term savings. Through scalable solutions and ROI modeling, ARKANCE helps customers understand the financial upside of automation, better design accuracy, and reduced rework. 

One of the first things we do is help customers build a realistic ROI model tailored to their business. When you can clearly see how digital engineering reduces costs and drives value, decision-making becomes easier.

Tuomas Horkko, Vice President Services ARKANCE EMEA ARKANCE

Challenge 2: Resistance to Change and Lack of Internal Buy-In 

The Barrier: Cultural inertia and fear of the unknown often slow adoption. Many professionals are accustomed to traditional methods and feel overwhelmed by new technologies. 

 The Solution: ARKANCE offers a structured change management approach, including team training, stakeholder engagement, and incremental adoption strategies that build confidence across departments. 

The implementation of a wide portfolio of Autodesk AEC solutions allowed Fluidra to work in a connected and collaborative way between internal and external teams, data and processes

Iker Otxoa Managing Director for Spain and Portugal ARKANCE

Business Outcomes

With the adoption of Autodesk BIM tools and ARKANCE’s support, Fluidra achieved an 80% reduction in delays and a 20% reduction in waste costs. Improved collaboration, efficient design adjustments, and better project management resulted in significant time and cost savings.

The use of digital tools not only ensured the timely delivery of the project - view full case study

Challenge 3: Skill Gaps and Training Needs 

The Barrier: Even firms that are ready to adopt digital tools often struggle with the lack of in-house expertise to use them effectively. 

The Solution: ARKANCE provides comprehensive training programs tailored to different roles - whether you’re in design, project management, or on-site delivery. Our approach is practical, scalable, and built for busy professionals. 

 

Challenge 4: Fragmented Systems and Poor Data Integration 

The Barrier: Many AEC firms use disconnected tools that create data silos, miscommunication, and manual rework. 

The Solution: Our integration specialists help unify systems around a Common Data Environment (CDE), enabling smoother collaboration, better version control, and real-time decision-making across project teams. 

A Common Data Environment (CDE) is a centralized platform that streamlines collaboration and data management across all stakeholders in the AEC industry. It ensures transparency for owners, enables real-time design sharing for architects and designers, improves coordination for contractors, and simplifies documentation for suppliers. By minimizing misunderstandings and ensuring everyone is working from the latest information, a CDE helps accelerate timelines and deliver better project outcomes.

Chris Dheere, Vice President Product Management ARKANCE

Challenge 5: Uncertainty Around Regulations and Sustainability Requirements 

The Barrier: Regulatory complexity and sustainability targets are increasing, but many firms don’t know where to start. 

The Solution: With deep industry experience, ARKANCE helps AEC firms navigate BIM mandates, ISO standards, and sustainability driven requirements. Our tools and expertise make compliance part of your everyday workflow - not a last-minute scramble. 

How ARKANCE Helps AEC Firms Move Forward 

As Autodesk’s largest global Platinum Partner, ARKANCE brings decades of technical expertise, a deep understanding of the AEC landscape, and proven strategies to drive adoption. We: 

  • Build customized digital transformation roadmaps 

  • Develop measurable ROI models 

  • Deliver practical training and onboarding programs 

  • Provide integration and optimization support 

  • Offer local expertise with global scale 

As industry experts with over 30 years of experience, we specialize in extending, accelerating, and optimizing your transformation journey. Our advisory, integration, and technical services are designed to close capability gaps, enhance outcomes, and expedite speed-to-impact—without the need to rethink or disrupt systems that are already delivering results.

Raj Jayasundara, Director Sales and Customer Success ARKANCE ANZ

The Opportunity Ahead 

Organizations that successfully adopt digital engineering gain measurable benefits: faster delivery, fewer errors, better sustainability outcomes, and stronger client relationships. But more than anything, they build resilience - equipping themselves to adapt to industry demands, economic shifts, and regulatory changes. 

Digital transformation is no longer optional. It’s your strategic advantage. 

Ready to take the next step

Explore how ARKANCE can support your digital journey