Technology’s everywhere. You walk into the mechanic, and you’re greeted by computers, not people. The same goes for virtually any store or office you visit today. The construction industry is one of the last sectors, which is still staving off technological advancements, however.
Although technology is imperative to success and is going to make its way to the forefront, there are still many purists who aren’t willing to immerse into the advancements 100% just yet.
With this being said, there are technologies that make construction more comfortable, safer, and more profitable for construction companies (and their clients alike). Therefore, adopting these technologies will make things easier, more efficient, and will improve the overall quality of construction in the field.
These are four technologies that are going to take your construction projects to the next level, and help propel your company to more jobs, and increasing your client base over time.
Augmented Reality (VR)
If you’ve ever seen people wearing that large virtual reality (VR) glasses and punching at a screen, you probably think this could never help in the construction field.
But, augmented reality, or VR as most people have come to know it, can and does greatly help out in the area. It can help take construction projects to the next level on many fronts. Construction managers have an overview of a construction plan and blueprint, before ever starting a job with advanced safety cones.
A virtual view of the final project before ever starting construction is beneficial in many ways. It can help
- Reduce operational costs
- Teach construction teams of different approaches to work
- Utilize various equipment and materials
- Avoid costly mistake in execution
You know what you need before ever stepping on the construction site. Therefore, you can quickly reduce costs, the time it takes to finish a job while preventing major catastrophes that took place in the past.
Next-Generation Tools
No, these aren’t the electric hammers and drills used on construction sites today. Next-generation tools come more in the form of robots and machine learning. Exoskeletons are far more efficient than people. They push hardware and software to help improve processes on a job site. They can lift, carry, and pull more weight.
They can streamline construction jobs and cut the time it takes for people to do many jobs/functions. Although they are far too expensive to completely replace crews, having one or two of these for significant jobs, will significantly help enhance the way in which construction projects are undertaken in the future.
Full Integration & Software
Construction software has made everyone’s life easier on a job. It allows for seamless communication between the construction manager, lead electrician, designer, architect, and everyone who’s working on a project (even if they never or rarely meet in person).
Real-time information exchange is possible; in a way, it never was in the past utilizing this software. And, updates are instantaneous, so everyone involved in the project knows what’s happening, as its unfolding.
Wearables and Site Sensors
The use of wearable technologies is doing jobs, and construction works more efficient and safer. Personal protective equipment PPE), including hats, gloves, boots, and vests, are in place.
Wi-fi sensors, shockproof technologies, GPS tracking, and more, are integrated into PPE equipment today. This not only keeps workers safer, but job sites operate more efficiently as well.
Site sensors are also utilized. These sensors can be deployed to determine temperatures in an area of a construction site, dust particle levels, or even noise levels. All of this information can be gleaned to help determine the best points of construction, manners in which to work around such issues, and best practices for construction teams to complete a project when working on site.
Although machines and technology will never fully replace construction workers and teams, they can help make a job site more efficient and operable.
Furthermore, the right techniques can help reduce injuries, avoid costly mistakes, and also help increase profit margins by informing construction teams areas in which they can safely reduce costs and materials. With the right technologies in place, construction jobs are not only more efficient, but they are also going to become far more profitable for companies that choose to embrace them in the near future as well.
