Transparency is one of the most valuable yet challenging aspects of managing construction projects. When design-related problems arise, teams often work in silos, with each group handling issues separately and without a full view of the bigger picture. This lack of transparency leads to miscommunication, wasted time, and costly delays. If teams collaborated more openly and shared data more effectively, the results would be far more productive and cost-efficient.

The impact of working in silos

On a typical project, when a design-related problem arises during construction, consultants usually discuss it among themselves, excluding other essential team members. This can lead to misalignment and slower problem resolution. The entire team—GC, Subs, Owner, and Consultants—working together from the start could potentially find a better solution faster. With every day that passes without a solution, cost and schedule impacts multiply. If only there had been more transparency from the beginning.

On average, each construction project team member loses almost two full work days per week solving avoidable issues and searching for information.

This time loss is a direct result of the lack of shared information and collaboration, which can be alleviated by creating a more transparent and communicative environment from the start.

Why are people scared of transparency?

In theory, transparency is easy, but in practice, it’s very hard. Some contract types can discourage transparency out of fear of liability when issues arise. Construction is really about relationships. The better a team works together, the more successful that project is likely to be (this is true across most industries). But that still doesn’t solve the problem of liability.

Most teams believe they are transparent, but when it comes time to "show their cards," people are hesitant. Our experience talking to Architects and Consultants reveals a similar trend. For example, the often discouraged use of the term ‘coordination’ when issuing change documents. This can signal to the Owner or the GC that the design wasn’t fully coordinated at the time a consolidated set was issued. The reality is that consultants are human, projects are complicated, and sometimes things get missed or assumptions are made when time is of the essence. The same can be said on the General Contractors' side. Sometimes a change is missed, the latest drawing is not used or the layout in the field is wrong. Humans do not like to admit mistakes, especially when it can have a financial or schedule impact.

Any opportunity for a financial or schedule risk has a direct relationship to liability. When a problem arises, sometimes the first thing people do is try to figure out who to blame or how it happened. If the problem has a huge financial impact, figuring out how it happened might be something that has to be determined eventually. However, the first and best thing to do would be to get the entire team together to find a solution. Removing the information bias empowers team members to problem solve collaboratively, instead of focusing on apportioning blame.

How to increase transparency in construction

1. Use the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model

One effective method to increase transparency is by using the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model. This approach brings together Owners, Consultants, General Contractors, and Subcontractors under one master agreement, encouraging open collaboration from the start. The project team works together seamlessly, with shared goals and responsibilities. This collaborative framework helps eliminate silos and ensures that everyone is aligned across the design and financials.

Using the IPD model fosters a sense of shared ownership, where all team members are committed to solving problems together. By incorporating collaborative software, teams can stay connected and keep everyone on the same page throughout the project.

2. Leverage modern collaboration tools

Outside of the construction industry, software has become a key driver of better communication and collaboration. Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Trello, Notion, and Zoom have transformed the way teams operate by streamlining workflows and ensuring everyone stays connected. The impact of these tools is growing as organizations prioritize efficiency and transparency.

For construction teams specifically, having a dedicated platform like Part3 can further enhance collaboration. With Part3, project members—from Architects and Consultants to General Contractors—can communicate, share data, and stay aligned in real-time, improving transparency and keeping everything on track.

3. Make data accessible to all team members

Ensuring that data is accessible to everyone on the team is crucial for enhancing transparency. Tools like Part3’s project analytics provide a clear view of project performance, helping teams spot bottlenecks and identify opportunities for improvement. When data is open and easy to access, team members can focus on solutions rather than spending time searching for information.

Eliminating information silos is key to fostering transparency. By using tools that break down data barriers, teams can work together more efficiently and make data-driven decisions that move the project forward.

Learn how project analytics can help maximize your project’s insights in this Part3 webinar on Maximizing Project Insights. Learn how better data visibility can lead to faster problem-solving and more efficient projects.

We know it works!

Transparency is key to project success, but silos often get in the way. By adopting collaborative models like IPD and using tools like Part3, teams can break down barriers, solve problems faster, and stay aligned.

At Part3, transparency is built into our platform. With real-time collaboration and project analytics, teams can work more efficiently and make informed decisions.

Want to see how Part3 can boost your team's transparency, collaboration, and efficiency? Book a demo today!