Future-proof and sustainability-aware approaches to data collection, storage, retention, usage and deletion in the construction industry

Topic
The paper aims to investigate how data management around Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems can address the balance between data collection and compliance with data protection laws. The research utilizes qualitative research methods, including interviews and document analysis, to explore data management practices, challenges, and opportunities within a leading Swiss construction company "ConstructX". The findings of the research will contribute to best practices for achieving a balance between data sovereignty, customer privacy, and business intelligence in the construction industry.

Relevance
The findings and recommendations derived from this study can support practitioners in the construction industry in improving their data management frameworks to prioritize both data sovereignty and business intelligence. With minor adjustments, these findings could also be applied to different industries.
This is particularly important as laws and regulations regarding data management and consent from customers are being put in place.
By implementing the recommended best practices, construction companies can ensure compliance with these regulations, protect customer privacy, and optimize their use of data for business intelligence purposes.

Results
The interviews revealed several issues, including the need to balance data access and authorization, internal opposition to restricting data access, compliance with data security regulations, maintaining data transparency, and the use of multiple data management tools.
However, ConstructX also demonstrated some best practices, such as continuous improvement of data processing, strong access control measures, employee and customer training, and transparent communication with clients.
The paper suggests that ConstructX should streamline their data management tools, improve data quality, and increase public knowledge of data protection protocols. Overall, ConstructX is making progress in data management but there is still room for improvement.

Implications for practitioners
- The number of tools used is too high and there is a need to streamline and simplify the systems
- Finding a balance between data access restrictions and client authorization for data usage and not give employees too much access
- Compliance with data security regulations while utilizing the information for business purposes is a challenge
- Maintaining data transparency through open communication to keep customer trust
- Ongoing optimization of data processing processes and employee sensitization regarding data privacy

Methods
This paper utilizes a qualitative approach, specifically semi-structured interviews, to investigate the relationship between data sovereignty, customer privacy, and business intelligence in a Swiss construction company. The interviews are conducted with key personnel from various departments within ConstructX, such as IT, finance, marketing, and project management. The interviews are audio-recorded and transcribed, and relevant company documents are also reviewed. Thematic analysis with the help of MAXQDA is then employed to analyze the qualitative data and identify key challenges and best practices. The expected outcomes of the research include the identification of challenges, exploration of best practices, and recommendations for data management in the construction industry.