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Digitalization has significantly impacted the job roles of construction professionals globally. This study aims to investigate how to manage the adverse effects of digitalization on roles of quantity surveyor (QS) by assessing the level of digitalization of quantity surveying key roles identifying the adverse effects of digitalization on key roles and proposing mitigation strategies to manage adverse effects. It addresses a critical gap by providing a nuanced understanding of adverse effects faced by QSs due to digital advancement.

Adopting an interpretive stance, the research involved three rounds of 16 semistructured interviews with experts selected through heterogeneous purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using code-based content analysis with NVivo12.

The study identified ten quantity surveying key roles adopting digital technologies. While digitalization has enhanced efficiency and accuracy, it has also introduced adverse effects such as increased workload, potential burnout due to skills shortages, resistance to digital tools and data security concerns. Effective mitigation strategies include task prioritization, balancing traditional and digital skills and investing in continuous training. The study underscores the need for ongoing professional development for QSs and organizational restructuring to support digital integration, enhance workflow efficiency and reduce resistance to technological changes.

This study’s novel contribution lies in its exploration of the adverse effects of digitalization on the QSs, usage and the level of adaptation of digital tools by QSs and strategies to manage them. Therefore, the findings of this study serve as precious steerage for QSs to have an in-depth understanding of digitalization’s usage and level of adaptation, its adverse effects and mitigation of the adverse effects.

This study’s novel contribution lies in its exploration of the adverse effects of digitalization on the QSs, usage and the level of adaptation of digital tools by QSs and strategies to manage them. Therefore, the findings of this study serve as precious steerage for QSs to have an in-depth understanding of digitalization’s usage and level of adaptation, its adverse effects and mitigation of the adverse effects.

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) enable the synergistic integration of virtual models with the physical environment. This integration is gaining recognition for its potential to enhance construction project information management, thereby contributing to improved cost management in construction. Similarly, quantity surveyor (QS) plays a key role in construction projects by estimating and monitoring construction costs. Consequently, this research aims to explore redefining the role of QSs by integrating CPS.

The research adopted an interpretivism stance to collect and analyse data. Two rounds of 21 and 19 semi-structured interviews were conducted, with experts selected through heterogeneous purposive sampling. Code-based content analysis was used to analyse the data using NVivo12. MS Visio data visualisation tool was used to present the findings.

It is empirically proven the potential of CPS to facilitate nine key roles of QSs in all stages of the RIBA plan of work through the identification of 15 CPS applications and technologies. Nine key roles of QSs that CPS can facilitate were identified as preliminary estimation, measurement and quantification, contract administration, preparation of BOQ, interim valuation and payments, tender and contract documentation, cost planning, cost control and procurement advice. The study explored how adopting CPS technologies can transform traditional quantity surveying practices and enhance their value within the construction industry.

The findings add to the body of knowledge by redefining the role of QS through the integration of CPS for the first time and then by highlighting the usages of CPS in the construction industry rather than limiting it to a specific sector of the construction industry, as previous studies have done. This research uncovers several other research arenas on CPS as being the very first research to evaluate CPS to facilitate key roles of QSs. The findings can enhance the awareness and the practical implementation of CPS by intervening to form more partnerships among application developers and industry leaders.