Impact of Technology on the Construction Industry ~ Spot Migration

The construction industry has come a long way in a short period of time. Some of the common practices at construction sites today would amaze people a decade ago. Advancements in construction technologies have always pushed the construction industry to be more productive and more precise. 

The goal of any construction company is to work smart. To get the most out of labor hours and to maximize efficiency while keeping attention to detail. Technologies in construction have changed what that looks like, but it continues to increase efficiency, collaboration, and error-free results. Learn more about how Spot Migration can help your construction business by giving us a call at (312) 834-7980

The Impact of Technology on the Construction Industry in 2021

It is important to stay knowledgeable about the current technology for construction that is available. That way you can make informed business decisions about what technology would work best for your company and construction project. 

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has brought new automated processes to the construction industry workforce. When tasks are automated with technology, tasks can be completed without the need for human interaction. This method of construction frees up workers to get even more done in a shorter time frame. There are a lot of tasks that can be easily automated such as bricklaying robots. 

Not only does this speed up the construction schedule but it also increases worker safety and accuracy. Robots have unlimited energy and never make mistakes from working long hours as humans do. They assist construction professionals in fast-track construction projects. 

Artificial intelligence can analyse tasks and recognize when important information is missing. They can ask questions and change the plan when given new information. 

Machine Learning 

Machines turn raw data into usable information for many aspects of construction planning. They gather analytics and come to conclusions without error. They can make predictions based on complex data and patterns that would take a human hours to sort through. With access to these accurate predictions, construction costs can be calculated with precision. Companies can then make accurate construction bids, gaining a competitive edge over other firms. 

Virtual Reality

Augmented and virtual reality has had positive impacts on equipment and safety training. With virtual reality you give construction workers a chance to run through possibly dangerous situations, while in a controlled virtual space. For example, working from high up, in small spaces, or with loud noises. 

Workers can be trained to operate cranes and excavators with these tools. This helps to avoid an accident with future construction. Welding and other precise tasks can be trained with virtual reality as well. This creates a safer workplace when the workers are fully trained and comfortable with the equipment, skills, and environment. 

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

BIM is software that builds a 3D model of your project. This 3D building plan creates layers of metadata and organizes them into easy-to-use chunks that help you create an easy workflow. 

These models allow for collaboration when each member of the design team can add their own piece to the same model, rather than having multiple 2D designs. With BIM, the concept changes instantly every time new information is added transforming the design process. 

Users can try out different combinations and evaluate the results. Firms have new options to create the exact result from the project vision. This efficient problem-solving tool will bring your attention to any problem areas with the design before the construction phase begins.

Using virtual reality, you can walk around the BIM design gaining new perspectives and knowledge. This gives companies even more insight into the future finished product so that they can identify anything that needs to change before breaking ground.

Augmented reality is similar to virtual but it adds to your vision rather than completely replacing it with virtual reality. Both technology solutions bring clarity to the final project and what it will look like before getting started.

Cloud-Based Solutions

With portable devices and cloud services, construction teams have the opportunity to work together in one shared space, even when not physically in the same location. Cloud solutions provide a safe, shared space for documents between the office and the field. Spot Migration provides IT and cloud services to construction firms of all sizes giving them the support they need to manage their projects virtually without interruptions. 

The construction industry has said goodbye to paperwork with these virtual tools. You can now access information from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Collaboration

Information is shared in real-time across a team with cloud services. This creates a controlled environment for real-time communication and understanding. Any changes to the construction plan can be shared with everyone without delays. There is no more waiting around for information when employees have access to real-time data. 

Cloud solutions also leave less room for errors in communication among project teams. If there is new information to add to the picture, everyone will see it in real-time. Missing information when starting a project results in costly change orders. 

Changes to a design on the cloud prevents these mistakes. A construction business can create routines and processes that every worker is familiar with. Streamlining these processes is easier with cloud services because you have shared access to updates as well as communication tools. 

Security and Accessibility 

Well-coordinated projects save construction firms thousands of dollars. When information is in everybody’s hands, you can identify and resolve problems earlier before breaking ground. Fix the issues before you break ground and you have a huge increase in productivity. 

Cloud technologies connect your field workers with your office workers. Off site construction is connected to the main site with a clear scope of the project. This is ideal for project management and tracking individual employees’ work. Now your employees are making informed decisions throughout the project. 

Working smart saves time and money. Technology tools eliminate downtime with instant visibility to daily priorities. Project managers can look at company-wide performance, track progress, and access a project’s health. 

Mobile technology brings all of these tools to many elements of construction. Construction management has transformed with recent advances in technology in construction. The construction process has been made more efficient and allows for better collaboration between construction teams. The result can be predicted and automated allowing for more precision and accuracy. All of these benefits save a construction company millions and drive success.