Construction Scheduling Services: How AI Is Reshaping the UK Engineering & Consultancy Sector - Key Insights from ACE & Autodesk’s Latest Report

The UK engineering and consultancy sector is undergoing a major technological shift, driven by rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). A new report by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) in partnership with Autodesk, titled “AI and the New Era of Engineering Innovation”, highlights how AI adoption is accelerating across the industry—and why organisations must urgently invest in both technology and workforce skills to stay competitive.

According to the report, 68% of UK business leaders are increasing their investment in AI and digital tools, a figure that surpasses the global average. This reflects a clear industry-wide recognition that AI is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity. The adoption of AI is transforming a wide range of disciplines within engineering and consultancy, including project management, construction, and surveying, making it essential for firms to integrate expertise across these fields.

AI Is Delivering Measurable Performance Gains

The report highlights several quantifiable impacts of AI adoption in engineering and consultancy:

• Up to 40% increase in productivity via AI-powered automation

• Up to 25% reduction in project overruns, thanks to predictive analytics and better planning

• Improved design and analysis speed through automated workflows

• Enhanced decision-making through advanced data interpretation

These improvements result in saving both time and money for organizations by helping them manage costs, reduce risks, and keep projects on schedule.

Case studies from leading firms—including Mott MacDonald, Stantec, and AECOM—illustrate how AI is already being integrated into day-to-day operations. These companies report significant gains in efficiency, reduced rework, and stronger insights into project risks and opportunities.

AI Is Transforming, Not Replacing, Engineering Roles

A major theme of the report is that AI reinforces human expertise rather than replacing it. The technology is automating repetitive tasks—freeing engineers to focus on complex problem-solving, strategic oversight, and innovation.

Future-focused engineering roles will increasingly require skills in:

• AI literacy and responsible use

• Data analysis and interpretation

• Digital project controls

• Ethics and governance of automation

• Cross-disciplinary collaboration

As these changes accelerate, having a skilled team with diverse expertise is essential for adapting to AI-driven developments and delivering effective construction scheduling services tailored to client needs.

This evolution aligns with the broader transformation seen across the UK’s built environment sector.

Streamlining Contract Administration

Efficient contract administration is a cornerstone of successful project delivery in the construction industry. By ensuring that all contracts, agreements, and documentation are meticulously managed, project managers can significantly reduce the likelihood of disputes and delays. Experienced contract administrators play a key role in overseeing the development, execution, and ongoing management of contracts, drawing on their extensive experience and deep understanding of project planning, procurement, and industry-specific requirements.

A streamlined approach to contract administration ensures that all parties involved in the project are clear on their responsibilities and obligations from the outset. This clarity not only minimizes risks but also supports effective project management and timely delivery. By proactively managing contracts and maintaining open communication between stakeholders, project teams can mitigate potential issues before they escalate, keeping projects on track and within budget. Ultimately, robust contract administration is essential for achieving project objectives and delivering value to clients in a competitive construction environment.

Industry and Government Must Act Now

The report calls for coordinated action to maintain the UK's competitiveness in the global market. Key recommendations include:

For Industry Bodies

• Establish ethical AI frameworks

• Support controlled pilot projects

• Invest in workforce upskilling and digital training

For Government

• Develop a National AI in Engineering Strategy

• Modernise procurement to promote innovation

• Expand access to apprenticeships and accreditation in digital skills

ACE emphasises that the UK already has the industrial base and workforce capability needed to lead globally—but sustained investment is essential.

What This Means for Construction & Project Controls

For construction consultancies and project controls specialists like B Project Ltd, the findings reinforce what the industry is already experiencing:

• AI is transforming planning and scheduling, enabling data-driven forecasting and real-time risk detection. A project controller plays a key role in tracking and managing project time, cost, and quality objectives, providing proactive insights and supporting project managers.

• Digital project controls improve cost certainty, schedule reliability, and scenario modelling, with the ability to monitor project progress and measure outcomes using advanced analytics.

• The ability to interpret data—and convert it into actionable insights—is becoming increasingly valuable. Creating detailed project plans and schedules is essential to support successful project delivery.

At B Project Ltd, we already integrate advanced data analytics and AI-supported tools to improve schedule performance, streamline reporting, and help clients make better, faster decisions. Our approach provides detail on the core competencies of project controls, including monitoring, measuring, and reviewing project data and performance to ensure accuracy and continuous improvement. We offer a comprehensive set of contract administration and project controls services throughout the construction process, supporting employers, contractors, and public sector stakeholders at every stage.

Estimating plays a critical role in achieving cost certainty and supporting effective project delivery. Identifying potential risks and opportunities early in the project lifecycle allows us to obtain accurate data and insights to inform decision-making and project planning. Our project managers oversee the implementation of project controls and recommended actions, ensuring successful outcomes.

B Project Ltd delivers a wide range of services in construction scheduling and project controls, including planning & scheduling, tender & bid development, commercial and cost management, risk management, delay analysis & claims planning, and data analytics & business intelligence.

For more information or to discuss your construction scheduling services needs, contact B Project Ltd today.

Conclusion

The ACE–Autodesk report makes one thing clear: the UK engineering and consultancy sector is at a pivotal moment. AI is reshaping how projects are designed, managed, and delivered—unlocking new possibilities for productivity, sustainability, and innovation.

With the right frameworks, skills, and investment, the UK can position itself as a global leader in AI-driven engineering.

B Project Ltd remains committed to supporting this transformation, helping clients strengthen their planning, scheduling, project controls, and digital capabilities to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.