As with every other sector, technology is significantly affecting the construction industry, as well. It has improved workplace productivity, enhanced safety, and have made workers more efficient. But how exactly is technology driving this change? What are the essential techniques that you should be aware of? Let’s explore!
Improving Productivity
As previously mentioned, this is one of the most significant ways technology is driving the change. With a slew of mobile apps and AI-powered tools, the productivity in construction sites has significantly improved.
Mobile applications are especially relevant here as it plays a significant role in handling every critical aspect of a construction project. Whether it’s the preconstruction, the scheduling, the management of projects, field reports, or anything else that comes between- construction apps are going a long way in streamlining these processes.
In addition to mobile apps, some construction companies used cloud-based software solutions to update the documents, change it, add schedules, and more. This doesn’t just help workers manage their time, but also makes way for better communication and enhanced collaboration.
With mobile technology, one can collect and transmit data from the job site to their respective project managers. The biggest highlight is that it can be completed in real-time.
Cloud-based options allow employees to send in their time -cards, essential reports, work records, request about information, and other relevant documentation. These several hours of remote data entry, they are automatically organizing the vital files.
Like mobile apps and software, artificial intelligence plays a significant role in boosting workplace productivity. Construction firms are increasingly relying on data for making sound decisions, increasing productivity, and reduce their overall risks. Days are gone when house cleaning service was the only option. Recently, Apartment cleaning service are done with the help of robots and A.I.
Thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning systems, machines can conveniently process the data they’ve garnered over the years for predicting the eventual outcome of the projects. This way, they also gain a better advantage when it comes to estimate or bid on a construction project.
AI improves productivity by cutting down on time one wastes while moving around in a construction site for retrieving essential materials and tools. Thanks to AI and machine learning, workers can be conveniently tracked via wearables and smartphones.
Most equipment comes with in-built sensors that track how things are being managed in a construction site. Once it ends up collecting ample data, the AI can assess how the workers are moving and interacting on the site.
To add to this, it can even roll out solutions for reorganizing the overall placement of materials and tools. This offers more accessibility to the workers and significantly reduces downtime.
More Safety
With technologies like augmented and virtual reality, workers can enjoy a higher degree of safety at construction sites. VR, for instance, informs workers about exposure to specific environments like a confined space, massive height, or controlled environment. This helps them prepare for the worst and stay consistently safe.
Like VR, augmented reality or AR plays a significant role in improving the safety of workers. Whether it is making a better and more detailed safety plan or providing the required training about using heavy equipment- AR can be deployed via multiple ways in a construction site. AR-enabled traffic cones can be similarly utilized for updating about hazardous construction sites, thereby improving workplace safety.
As previously mentioned, wearables are yet another primary driver of this change. Most technology companies are introducing wearables in a bid to monitor their workers and the environment they are working in. This makes the site safer for workers.
Wearable technology is embedded in the personal equipment of workers. Some common examples include hard hats, vests, work boots, and gloves.
Handling Labor Shortages
As with any other fast-growing industry, the construction industry is likely to witness labor shortages. Luckily, with technology in place, these shortages can be handled better. Drones and robots can be used for conducting job site inspections and identifying significant workplace hazards.
You can also use them to monitor workers and check if they are safe. Finally, both drones and robots can be used for handling the more dangerous tasks like the inspections of buildings and bridges. While this won’t eliminate the need for human workers, it will undoubtedly pave the way for better training that’ll help them carry out these tasks better.
Bottom Line
Over the last few years, more construction companies are adopting technologically powered methods to drive change and boost profits. Given the positive outcome of most of these tools, one can expect a similar (and even better) devices over the following couple of years.
