Building a Data-Driven Future in Construction with Annette Cooper of Graham

Data Masters Podcast

Gut instinct alone isn’t enough in construction — data is now a game-changer. Annette Cooper, Director of Data and Analytics at Graham, sits down with us to explore how data is transforming the construction industry. She explains how Graham leverages analytics to manage risk, optimize efficiency and improve project execution. Annette emphasizes that success comes from solving real business problems rather than simply generating reports.

Key Takeaways:

(03:17) Graham is expanding rapidly through acquisitions, creating new data challenges.

(04:05) Risk management is a priority in an industry with long project timelines and tight margins.

(07:26) Many project managers are eager for data insights but lack access to the right tools.

(09:05) A standardized data strategy is essential for integrating multiple systems post-acquisition.

(12:45) Project estimations require a balance of historical data and real-world unpredictability.

(17:22) Effective data teams focus on solving problems, not just collecting data.

(20:01) Data should drive decisions, not just generate reports that frustrate users.

(25:42) Predictive models can highlight risks early, but human expertise remains crucial.

(31:55) The future of AI in construction lies in automating insights, not replacing workers.

(35:10) AI can streamline building code compliance by identifying design issues before construction begins.

Resources Mentioned:

Annette Cooper

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-cooper-2aa442bb/

Graham | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/grahambuilds/

Graham | Website

https://www.grahambuilds.com/

New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/

Thanks for listening to the “Data Masters Podcast.” If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so you never miss our latest discussions and insights into the ever-changing world of data.

#DataStrategy #DataManagement #DataMastersPodcast