Significant strides have been made by construction firms over the last 10 years when it comes to embracing new technology. Once a sector traditionally regarded to operate using outdated processes, companies are now leveraging powerful digital tools to improve construction site productivity. Reduce costs and obtain useful insights into how their teams and projects are performing.
Yet, despite firms making significant ground by embracing digital, more could be done to improve productivity levels nationwide. On average, productivity in the UK is 20% lower than in other industrialised countries such as the US, France and Germany. The industry is commonly regarded to have “stagnated” over the last 50 years.
This said, the future looks bright for the construction sector. According to professional services network PWC, who state that firms are set to invest 5% of annual revenue in digital operations solutions per annum over the next five years. Setting themselves ambitious targets for digitisation along the way.
So how can the latest technology play its role in achieving these targets?
Construction Site Productivity & Technology
You’ll undoubtedly understand how vital construction site productivity is to completing projects within time and budget restraints, and to a high standard. Fortunately, there are a number of ways for managers to approach inefficiency on construction sites, including:
- Removing obstacles for employees, such as prolonged paperwork
- Training staff and equipping them with new skills to complete work quicker
- Investing in technology to speed up on-site processes
- Addressing outdated processes
Technology is helping firms address all of the above, particularly tablets, smartphones and other smart technologies, which are becoming ever more present on construction sites.
Apps
Apps have helped to increase construction site productivity by minimising communication between multiple parties. Project Managers are already utilising apps to make it easier to manage projects from start to end, with data being fed back to a central source for analysing.
Mobile and tablet apps are playing their role in all areas of the construction site to improve productivity levels. Contractors and architects can now collaborate with each other by sharing blueprints; managers can detect when a contractor has injured themselves and therefore administer the right level of guidance; and contractors’ locations can be tracked via GPS. No matter the productivity issue being faced by firms, bespoke apps have the capability to address and solve these head on, providing ample opportunity.
Workers are able to access collaborative apps on site via smartphones and tablets.
IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming every facet of the building. From how we inhabit them, how we manage them, and now how we build them. Today, IoT is providing Project Managers with actionable insights which can prevent unfortunate scenarios from occurring. Which ultimately increases productivity levels across the board.
Like consumer IoT products (such as the Samsung Family fridge or Amazon Dash), IoT in construction is providing on-demand insights/assistance whatever the date, time or need. Construction firms are able to oversee a number of things. Including tracking the location of their equipment, monitor temperature levels and track excessive vibrations in large pieces of machinery. This data is then being used by Project Managers for decision making purposes. Such as ordering new equipment before being unusable, for example.
Wearables
Further fuelled by IoT, wearable technology is also being used in construction to make data-driven decisions. According to CGS Insights, shipments of smart wearables are estimated to grow from 9.7 million in 2013 to 135 million in 2018. With many being designed specifically for the construction sector.
Smart glasses, safety vests, helmets, hardhats and exoskeletons are just a few examples of wearable technology being adopted on construction sites. By offering these to workers, Project Managers are able to pay more attention to methods for reducing injury (a major contributor to inefficiency). Whilst also improving health & safety standards and providing education for workers.
The Daqri Smart Helmet, which encompasses augmented reality to improve construction site productivity.
AI & Machine Learning
Construction firms are being constantly scrutinised for project delivery, financial out-turn and carbon emissions responsibilities. And the introduction of AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning is bringing huge opportunities to fix this. Using the vast data banks built up on construction projects by apps, IoT and wearables, key patterns can be identified. By learning from both past experiences and existing processes. In turn, this means less human resource, cost and increased construction site productivity.
The benefits of such technology include fewer errors and omissions, safer job sites, improved workflows, and more on-time completions. While AI in the construction industry continues to be in its its early stages, the opportunities for such technology are huge for all construction firms. It will provide value today and in the future.
In order to improve the construction site productivity of workers, it’s important that you understand how technology is disrupting the sector. The emergence of apps, smart devices and an overall shift in attitudes towards technology are creating numerous opportunities. Opportunities that were once unimaginable by construction businesses. In the construction industry money, time and resource is everything and mistakes can’t afford to be made. Now is the time to fully embrace digital in this era of opportunity.
Are you considering going digital?
Could your construction businesses benefit by adopting the latest technology? If so, we’d like to discuss your plans and demonstrate how we can help by getting in touch with us today. Similarly, speak to a member of our team through Livechat on the bottom right hand side of your screen for more assistance.