Construction executives are recognizing the need for a more technology-centric approach in order to sustain and improve efficiency and accessibility. Major economic and societal shifts accelerated by the pandemic continue to drive digital transformation across all industries, and construction is no exception.
Workflow, collaboration, connection, accuracy, and security issues are a few of the frustrations that can be addressed or improved with the integration of digitalized technology. The elimination or reduction of pain points can be actualized in the form of equipment like smart technology, 5G-enabled augmented reality (AR) technology, and Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Through the major digital transformation of construction technology over the years, organizations have been able to utilize connected construction to generate pin-point budgets, increase safety measures, and improve the ability for teams and contractors to communicate. Developing a connected construction management strategy can give your organization a roadmap to not only determine what types of equipment, vehicles and devices to implement into daily operations, but how to integrate them throughout existing processes, locations and departments.
Investing in construction technology can digitize traditional manual processes to promote a more efficient workflow, which can be seen through AR technology. AR technology aids technicians in undergoing complex construction tasks and relaying real-time data while working remotely, thus also allowing multiple technicians to work simultaneously from anywhere, and reducing staffing or time conflict issues. Data is available immediately and circumvents silos to impact production and decision-making.
One key element that modern method construction (MMC) emphasizes is the utility and capability of smart technology. This advancement aids in creating a reliable digital community through data trusts (which adds a cyber physical layer). In addition, technology adapts to be agile against constantly evolving data and cybersecurity threats that can compromise a project or leave companies liable for compliance issues.
Investing in construction technologies and taking a more digitized route enhances a company’s ability to remain competitive. Utilitarian data enables immediate decision-making capabilities which improve the efficiency of processes, and enables organizations to remain quick in their determinations and project bids.
The role of technology within construction does not solely lie within collaboration enhancements and remote functionalities; construction technology also aids in facilitating the ability to identify unpredictability. The integration of technology within the construction sector helps to reduce unpredictability by analyzing and distributing information in a fast and accurate manner, far more efficiently than human capabilities, thus reducing re-work and improving employment and worker productivity.
Businesses cannot make data-driven decisions without capturing the data itself. This information gathering process should be automated as much as possible to reduce workload and improve both accuracy and speed. By automating many of the innate challenges within information capturing, employee time spent is reduced and faster decisions can be made based on more accurate and integrated data.
Improved data handling can ensure that companies automatically stay informed of regulatory changes, submit paperwork in accordance with schedules, and automate requirements that could impact the timeline of a project, or lead to costly liability and non-compliance issues.
Organizations within the construction industry receive a vast amount of benefits from scaling new and emerging technologies into their operations, resulting in improved process efficiency, labor efficacy, and project budgeting. Notable technologies that should be considered within construction operations range from advanced intelligence software (AI, BIM, and more) to real-time insights and cloud-based communication and connections.