Vertiv Croatia is part of the global Vertiv group, specialized in advanced power, cooling, and data center infrastructure solutions. Present in the Croatian market since 2000, today it stands out as one of the key regional and European hubs for the development and production of modular data centers. With a modern manufacturing facility in Rugvica, the company delivers solutions that ensure the reliability, efficiency, and scalability of digital infrastructure – from large data centers to edge applications.

Since 2022, they have been members of the Centre for Digital Built Croatia, and we had the honor of speaking with Mr. Goran Jutriša, BIM Engineering Manager at Vertiv, who shared his experiences and vision of digital construction in Croatia, revealing how innovative solutions can shape the future of the construction industry.

1. How would you briefly describe your company and its contribution to the construction sector?

Vertiv is a global technology company specialized in solutions that ensure the continuous availability of critical digital infrastructure, including data centers, communication networks, and industrial facilities. Our Infrastructure Solutions business unit focuses on designing and manufacturing modular, hybrid, and customized data center solutions, bringing together engineering, manufacturing, and advanced digital tools.

Vertiv actively contributes to the modernization of the construction sector through innovative, energy-efficient, and standardized solutions.

2. What motivated you to become a CDI partner?

Partnership with CDI enables us to collaborate with organizations that share the same goal – the digital transformation of the construction industry. We recognized the opportunity to exchange knowledge, apply best practices, and contribute to building a modern and competitive market through open dialogue and cooperation.

3. How do you assess the state of digitalization in the Croatian construction sector?

Although progress is visible, digitalization of the construction sector in Croatia is still advancing more slowly compared to more developed markets. There are valuable initiatives and individuals/companies driving change, but significant progress will only be possible with stronger institutional support, consistent standardization, and continuous education of all stakeholders – from investors and designers to contractors and end users.

It is crucial to raise awareness of the real benefits of BIM methodology throughout the entire lifecycle of a building – from design and construction to maintenance.

4. Which projects are you particularly proud of that involve digital tools or innovations?

We are especially proud of two development projects that have marked our work over the past year – Vertiv OneCore and Vertiv SmartRun. These are reference project solutions that enable a high level of scalability and modularity while being easily adaptable to the specific requirements of each individual client.

Vertiv OneCore represents a hybrid reference design for a complete AI data center, while Vertiv SmartRun is an innovative prefabricated IT infrastructure system installed above the racks. Both projects were developed with a clear focus on scalability, flexibility, accelerated implementation, and optimization in the context of the growing and dynamic demands of the data center market.

In addition, since 2024 we have been actively researching and testing the implementation of the Digital Twin concept, with the aim of keeping pace with the development of digital technologies and providing additional value to our clients. Currently, research is being conducted on the Autodesk Tandem and NVIDIA Omniverse platforms.

I would also highlight the acquisition of 3D scanning equipment, which we plan to use for scanning completed projects in order to update BIM models according to the actual as-built state. This technology significantly contributes to the accuracy of documentation and the quality of delivery.

In today’s dynamic industrial environment, digital tools and the ability to adapt quickly are crucial for maintaining competitiveness and delivering top-quality solutions.

5. Which technologies or approaches (e.g., BIM, IoT, AI, construction management platforms) are key to your daily work?

BIM is the foundation of our working methodology and is essential for design, coordination, and process standardization. In our daily work, we rely on tools such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks Manage, Inventor Professional, Vault Professional, Tekla, and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as the central collaboration platform.

When it comes to AI tools, within the corporation we use an internal AI-based tool, currently primarily applied in a way similar to ChatGPT, for document analysis and quick information retrieval. We are closely following its development, and with the availability of API access, we plan to explore the possibilities of developing our own custom add-ins for Revit and Inventor. This will allow us to integrate AI into our everyday tools and further enhance BIM and engineering processes.

We have already developed several in-house add-ins for Inventor, while a few for Revit are in the final stages of development. These tools save time on repetitive tasks while also contributing to standardization and consistency within BIM and engineering teams.

In addition, we are about to begin testing the AI tool Hypar (for generative modeling – “text to model”) as well as the Imerso AI system for automated comparison of 3D scans with Revit models.

6. How does collaboration through CDI contribute to your business?

Collaboration through CDI enhances the visibility of our practices, enables the exchange of experiences, and helps establish common guidelines for digital construction. CDI acts as a platform that connects all industry stakeholders and allows us to be part of a broader ecosystem that shares the common goals of digital transition in Croatia.

7. How do you see the future of digital construction in Croatia and the region?

We see the future of digital construction as an inevitable step toward a more sustainable, efficient, and transparent construction sector. We expect wider implementation of BIM and digital platforms, process standardization, and stronger integration between design, construction, and facility management.

8. What would be your message to other members of the community and those who are only starting to consider digital transformation?

Digital transformation is not just a technological change – it also involves a shift in organizational culture and mindset. We recommend a “step-by-step” approach – start with education, analyze your own processes, and remain open to collaboration.

It is important to understand that digital transformation does not end with the implementation of tools; it is a continuous process of development and adaptation. Hiring experts with experience in relevant tools can significantly accelerate and simplify the transition. By investing in digitalization, you secure long-term competitiveness, sustainability, and greater value for your clients.

The conversation with Goran Jutriša clearly demonstrates that Vertiv Croatia not only builds data centers but also actively contributes to shaping Croatia’s digital future. Their commitment to innovation, the implementation of BIM methodology, and the development of in-house digital tools positions them as leaders in the field of digital construction.

Through their partnership with the Centre for Digital Built Croatia, they reinforce the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint efforts in standardizing and modernizing the sector. Vertiv sets an example of how technology and vision can create a more competitive, sustainable, and globally relevant construction industry in the region.