Technology has advanced tremendously in the last few years and is only going to continue to compound.
If youve ever heard ofMoores Law, this is the idea that technologys complexity doubles every year.
Just imagine what that means for the next few years.
One industry which has experienced a major tech boom is engineering and construction.
The Digital Engineering revolution is offering new opportunities to those willing to adopt new technologies and upskill.
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Advantages of digital engineering
First and foremost, what does digital engineering actually mean?
Previously, engineers were using pencils and sketchbooks todesignprojects.
As Marson explained, one of the biggest problems that we already face today is solar gain.
You want to balance having those gorgeous views, while not allowing the sun to overheat the building.
The average commercial building uses about 160 kilowatt hours of energy per meter squared.
Whereas, with the very best in class design today we can achieve around 110.
Modern design AND safety can be prioritized while mitigating any risks.
One example Marson shared was utilizing 3D printing to build a footbridge.
It also means that were able to make shapes or perhaps use materials that we might not have before.
A 3D printer lets you create those shapes that a person probably couldnt craft.
The enhanced precision also means we can use less materials, making each project more sustainable.
In addition, clients are able to see a design before its built, creating better satisfaction in customers.
No more starting a project only to have an unhappy client who wants to change things around.
This saves both time and money.
If I tried to do that in Excel, itd probably take me forever and make my brain explode.
Its augmented us with a whole range of superpowers to do new cool stuff, Marson told TNW.
The upskilling dilemma
The more you know about technology, the better.
But perhaps thats exactly the problem.
Marson suggests:
Start with an understanding of low or no code tools.
Digital engineers are expected to both have traditional engineering skills as well as software development skills.
Its impossible to take advantage of these advancements without understanding the inner workings of algorithms that power these technologies.
Those that dont step up to learn now will just continue to fall more behind.
With technology, its always better to stay ahead of the curve rather than behind it.
These concepts are at the core of anything youll learn in technology.
They arent disappearing anytime soon.
Could Python be the key skill for future digital engineers?
Python is quickly growing to be the most popular coding language.
Its relatively easy to learn, very readable, and platform-independent.
As a data engineer, it was the first language I chose to teach myself.
And, honestly, its the only one Ive really had to learn.
Everything is written in Python nowadays.
Its like building something from smaller components.
Python is a natural transition from thinking like an engineer to thinking like a software engineer.
VIKTOR utilizes Python in its web development app to define logic that easily integrates with industry-leading software.
Why is Python so popular in these areas?
Its a language all professionals can grow with as they expand their coding skill set.
They recommend starting a project and building something of your own to learn the language.
Here are some of the specific resources they recommend:
Digital engineering is the future of the construction industry.
Adapting and leaning into technology will help give you a competitive advantage.
Its pretty clear that those who arent adapting to the ever-changing technology will be left behind.
