Technology is always evolving for the better. All walks of life are being impacted by technological advancements, but businesses belonging to different industry spheres get the most benefit from these advancements.
Despite struggles with adoption rates, construction companies have experienced phenomenal advancement on the back of technology-driven processes. Those that have adapted and implemented solutions like ones from ALICE Technologies see projects being fulfilled much faster without as much delay or cost overrun.
Here’s a list of some benefits the latest technology can offer.
1. Mitigating labor shortages
Demands for skilled labor are expected to grow in the construction industry throughout the United States. A massive number of construction workers have already left the industry due to layoffs and other reasons. Technology stands as a possible solution to the construction industry being in dire need of more workers and resource pools shrinking.
Robots have entered the construction industry to aid work wherever they can. Rebar-tying robots and brick-laying machines are gaining traction. They have the added advantage of being devoid of human needs, so there’s less worry about downtime and overwork.
Drones are also playing their part in improving construction processes, used to survey construction sites. They can also be used to conduct onsite inspections, identify hazardous situations, and monitor workers for safety and efficiency.
Another advantage of drones is that they provide photographs of the construction site in real time, which can be used to create up-to-date models reflecting work progress.
2. Enhancing productivity
The traditional design-bid-build method has yielded low rates of productivity in the construction industry. The use of technology can fix this issue.
Machine learning has been a game changer in many industries, and the construction industry has also started to invest in this tech to improve productivity. Construction companies can now use their data to anticipate future outcomes through optioneering.
Different state-of-the-art digital technologies, such as software and apps, are now in the market to help provide solutions regarding various issues pertaining to productivity in construction projects. You can now manage back office duties, scheduling, project management, and field reporting conveniently and swiftly using these digital tools.
3. Improved collaboration
Collaboration is one of the most important factors in successfully achieving construction project goals. There are different stakeholders, both onsite and offsite, who need to be considered during various decision-making processes. A collaborative environment with swift communication mechanisms in place can facilitate proper project execution.
Building information modeling (BIM) presents models of construction projects, which are updated in real-time, so all updates are communicated to stakeholders immediately. This leads to better designs, better structures, and more collaborative workflows. Virtual reality and augmented reality are also being paired with BIM to improve communications.
In general, communication has been made easier through the widespread use of smartphones and mobile technology. Rather than having to rush to an onsite meeting when the need arises, online meetings can be conducted through the use of smartphones.
4. Safety
In the United States, worker deaths happen in the construction industry more than in any other sector, making this a serious area of concern on a day-to-day basis. Technology has played its part in ensuring worker safety. Different technological tools are being used to improve worker training and help with monitoring to reduce mishaps.
Augmented and virtual reality are not only being used for collaborative environments, but also for better worker safety training. There are a number of different ways AR and VR can be used to demonstrate equipment training, giving users a close-to-reality experience.
Various companies have also enlisted the help of advanced wearables for construction site workers to monitor their environment and improve safety. These wearables can be implanted in construction gear, such as safety vests, gloves, and other personal protective equipment. A combination of GPS, biometrics and environmental sensors can monitor movements, including falls and slips.
A combination of alarms and geofencing can also be employed to ensure workers stay in safe zones. Other advanced wearables allow the ability to measure vital signs and can gauge if the worker is in good health or not. These advanced wearables can send alerts in case something off is sensed.
Construction site sensors are also available and can measure noise levels, temperatures, and toxic compounds in the air. Data can be collected from these sensors to make decisions about worker safety.
Conclusion
Technological tools can allow construction businesses a lot of benefits, giving them a competitive edge. Technology adoption can improve construction processes, resulting in minimized delays and the cost-effective use of resources.
Of course, advancements in construction-related technologies are an ongoing process, and it’s important for contractors to be on the lookout for these advancements so they can better improve their operations.
