In the last 10 years, the amount of information digitally recorded on construction sites has grown exponentially. From jobsite photos and information on materials used to labor hours and equipment utilization data, the ability to capture information without worrying about the paper trail is transforming the construction industry.
Construction sites are no longer simply a place for diggers, bricks and concrete; they are a hotbed of all sorts of data that are driving operations and improving efficiency. For example, capturing field data used to be a tedious and manual process that involved clipboards and filing cabinets. The digitization of that process now means construction workers can easily gather and share data with key stakeholders, both onsite and back at headquarters using a range of tools—from apps and smartphone cameras to drones and even robots.
Transitioning to the Digital Economy
Information reported and accessed using handheld equipment (i.e., mobile devices) is a valuable resource to help firms stay competitive in an increasingly digital age and understand how resources are used and how work is done. It facilitates better planning and preparation for what-if scenarios to help make projects and companies more profitable.
Historically, information was stored in a myriad of different places: floppy disks, compact discs, USBs, spreadsheets and even the human brain. But as data volumes become larger and the demand for actionable intelligence from these bodies of information grows, the need for adequate capture and processing will also increase.
For example, in 2010, 1.2 zetabytes (1 trillion gigabytes) of data were collected from smart building worldwide. By 2020, that figure is projected to be a massive 37.2 zetabytes. Processing this volume of data and providing actionable insights is the perfect use case for artificial intelligence (AI)—freeing humans to focus on what matters and enabling new levels of efficiency when it comes to data processing. Linking people with machines will provide the construction industry with previously hidden insights into data that would take humans weeks or months to process and find value in.
Too often, artificial intelligence is spoken of in terms of the perceived threat to human jobs, but the reality is that it helps businesses become more productive. For the construction industry, AI presents an opportunity to optimize processes and improve results. For example, AI-enabled processes could be used in the planning and scheduling of construction projects, as it has the potential to assess endless combinations and alternatives based on similar projects, optimizing the best path and correcting themselves over time.
Technology Is a Friend, Not a Foe
Beyond AI, other emerging technologies are disrupting the skillsets needed to work in construction. For example, autonomous vehicles for deliveries and drones for surveillance and map building can drive increased productivity and help lower costs.
3D printing and modular construction are other great examples, enabling better quality control and faster build times. Unlike traditional construction, these new practices mainly happen in a controlled environment, which means things like weather delays are no longer a factor.
The reliance on machines also means many repetitive processes can be carried out at speed without any errors. Wastage is reduced, and resources can be optimized.
Focus on Integration
The key to getting the most out of these emerging technologies will be integrating them effectively with existing systems, processes and their human counterparts. Technology is only as good as its implementation. Closer coordination among the back office, vendors and the field is required in terms of both quantity of communication and time of response to tighten the decision/reaction loops inherent in construction.
Implemented effectively, businesses will benefit from greater transparency and fluidity of information. This will help ensure that decisions can be made at the appropriate levels within the organization, allowing the back office to concentrate on strategic rather than tactical planning.
Effective adoption of emerging technologies will allow construction companies to focus on attending to growing client needs. It’s about embracing their benefits and crafting a plan to use them to complement your workforce, not replace them. The benefits can be redirected into growing the business and creating the world-class company that employees and customers deserve.
