PTC’26 brought together leaders from across the digital infrastructure and global telecommunications ecosystem to reflect on an industry experiencing extraordinary growth alongside increasing delivery pressure. Throughout the week, conversations were open and practical in real project experience. They reinforced both the scale of the opportunity ahead and the urgency to rethink how to optimise project delivery.
For DataScope Systems, the event provided clear insight into where the market is heading and the role technology must play in supporting teams on the ground. Here’s some key themes from the week.
Market growth is accelerating faster than delivery capacity
Across multiple discussions, the sheer scale of market growth and demand stood out. New projects continue to enter the pipeline at pace, yet delivery timelines are becoming tighter with every announcement.
This growth is colliding with an already stretched workforce, creating increasing pressure on schedules, cost control, and safety. Many attendees acknowledged that the sector is approaching a tipping point unless productivity and delivery models evolve.
Resource and skills shortages are the defining constraint
One of the most consistent themes from PTC’26 was the shortage of skilled trades and quality delivery resources. This challenge is not limited to future planning; it is already impacting live projects.
Rather than viewing technology as an added layer of complexity, conversations repeatedly focused on how digital tools can support teams by removing friction, improving coordination, and enabling people to do more with the resources available.
In previous years, conversations have been dominated by the AI boom, liquid cooling, sustainability, and power supply. This year, however, the spotlight shifted to the shortage of trades and resources – and how technology can help address that challenge – a theme likely to remain central at future events.
Technology as an enabler of better delivery
What was particularly encouraging was how consistently discussions returned to a shared principle: technology should empower delivery teams. The focus is firmly on practical solutions that improve visibility, reduce rework, and support safer, more predictable outcomes on site.
Building better, together
The conversations at PTC’26 reflected a shift toward a more connected, ecosystem-driven approach to delivery. A strong “win for all” culture – spanning owners, contractors, and technology providers – can enable:
- Greater schedule predictability
- Faster and more confident delivery
- Improved cost control
- Safer working environments
Above all, the goal remains clear: zero serious injuries and fatalities, ensuring everyone returns home safe.
Where DataScope Systems adds value
Tech providers such as DataScope Systems were referenced as part of this evolving ecosystem.
Powered by our collaborative planning system, we focus on aligning teams to reduce rework, boost transparency, and accelerate decision-making – delivering safer, faster, and more predictable builds. Our platform improves coordination between trades, highlights dependencies early, reduces clashes, and helps maintain predictable delivery on complex, data centre projects. With DataTouch, teams coordinate work activities in real time, improve daily plan visibility, and manage interfaces and risk across fast-paced sites.
Get in touch with the team to discover DataScope’s vital role in the data centre industry.
Looking ahead
PTC’26 highlighted a sector moving from discussion to action. Turning today’s constraints into tomorrow’s success will depend on collaboration, disciplined execution, and the smart application of technology. Those who focus on empowering people, building strong partnerships, and scaling proven digital approaches will be best positioned to lead the next phase of industry growth.