Construction is a hands-on field that can reap significant benefits from incorporating technological advancements into more traditional approaches. Digital tools can help the industry address labor shortages, improve efficiency, design better, simplify compliance, and future-proof a sector that may be at risk of falling behind.
The rise of digitization in the construction industry
Adopting new technologies isn’t just a smart way to make the construction industry more efficient, profitable, and productive; it’s an essential strategy that companies must utilize to their full potential to remain competitive in today’s industry landscape.
The construction industry faces numerous challenges, including labor shortages, tight project deadlines, and evolving requirements for efficiency and sustainability. Digital tools offer potential solutions for every one of these problems—if companies are brave enough to adopt them.
Digital tools for every challenge
Whether it’s a shortage of skilled trades or a mountain of regulatory paperwork, technology can help ease the burden of the issues plaguing many construction companies today. Construction professionals are often wary of tech, but learning how these digital tools can assist in creating more efficient, accurate, and profitable companies can mean the difference between longevity in the industry or caving under pressure.
Labor shortages
The construction industry faces a massive skilled labor shortage caused by several factors, including an aging workforce entering retirement over the next decade. Data from the Home Builders Institute indicates that the construction industry will require an additional 723,000 workers just to meet the demands of current and scheduled projects.
One of the most significant impacts of losing older workers to retirement is that incoming tradespeople cannot benefit from their knowledge and experience. Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies like those offered by iConstruct Pro allow companies to capture, store, and manage critical project data, ensuring that valuable expertise isn’t lost when workers retire or leave the company.
For example, iConstruct Pro allows companies to create virtual representations of physical assets, calling them “digital twins.” These digital twins can store information from experienced workers, including maintenance routines and troubleshooting tips. Apprentices and incoming tradespeople can use this information to help navigate real-world scenarios with the same assets.
Incorporating digital tools into construction also appeals to the wants and needs of incoming generations. Younger construction professionals readily embrace cutting-edge tech and want the kind of jobs—with steady pay and opportunities for career advancement—that construction can provide if companies stay competitive.
Efficiency
One of the best ways construction companies can take advantage of digital tools like AI is by using them to take over repetitive manual tasks that still require a high degree of accuracy and analysis.
Project management tools like SmartBuild, Raken, and BuilderTrend allow companies to streamline construction projects and easily manage multiple teams, timelines, deadlines, and budgets. Supply chain issues can be a nightmare for construction, causing project delays and ballooning budgets. Digital tools like KayaAI can help companies predict, address, and avoid delays and missed deadlines.
Design transformation
Design processes involve multiple teams and many rounds of revisions. Tech software can help connect project stakeholders and keep information in one place where it can be easily accessed, revised, and annotated in real-time. These digital tools reduce errors, improve communication, and make the design process more efficient and collaborative.
Nira is a digital tool that allows companies to render large-scale 3D models that multiple users can inspect and review from multiple devices. Hypar is another company that offers digital tools to make design more accessible. Users can design, analyze, track metrics, and visualize the finished space all in one program, saving time and maintaining consistency and accuracy across designs.
Meeting regulatory and sustainability compliance
Many construction companies spend a significant amount of time reviewing pages of compliance documents and then figuring out how to assess compliance and complete reporting requirements. Digital tools can make regulatory compliance a breeze, assisting with safety meetings, inspection checklists, documentation, and reporting. Apps like FieldLens and SafeSite make it easy to stay on top of safety regulations, keeping worksites safer and minimizing tedious paperwork.
Top tech tools like EcoOnline make tracking and adhering to sustainability requirements equally simple. They help companies comply with regulations, identify and mitigate environmental risks, and generate sustainability reports.
Future-proofing
Responding to equipment breakdowns and inclement weather can put even the most seasoned pros on the defense, always struggling to catch up and adapt to each new hiccup. Digital tools can allow companies to predict and prevent risks, helping projects run on time and without unforeseen delays.
Apps like Tenna and TrackUnit make tracking heavy machinery and smaller tools easy, ensuring they are always up to date on service and maintenance. These tools help reduce downtime from equipment breakdowns without adding another task to an already-too-long to-do list.
Companies can also use systems like sensors powered by the Internet of Things, designed to track humidity, vibration, and pressure. These sensors provide valuable data that may affect construction and allow companies to adapt plans accordingly.
Bottom line
True construction pros know that tech and construction aren’t enemies living in two different worlds; they’re twin industries capable of building, innovating, and creating incredible things together. Embracing digital tools can help companies become more competitive, efficient, accurate, and sustainable—an outcome worth tackling the learning curve of adopting new technologies.
Like this and want more? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay on top of the latest tech advances in construction, architecture, and engineering.
