The construction industry is in constant evolution and advancement because of technology. There are many tools of construction technology that did not exist years back. The advancements in construction technology are taking the industry to a whole new level and companies should be fast in adopting them.
With Drone survey construction technology, it is possible to construct stronger and more energy-efficient buildings or structures
Constructions sites are safer and employees are more efficient. Technological innovations increase productivity and enable industry collaborations as well as the ability to handle more complex projects, even when advanced technologies are applied to simple things like construction cones.
What is Construction Technology?
Construction technology can simply be defined as tools, software, modifications, and machinery innovations used in the construction industry. Such technological advancement is geared towards driving advancement and efficiency.
There are so many advancements that have occurred and keep happening in the industry. The internet is acting as the steering wheel in this development. Although it is viewed as the industry is slow to take in modern technology, the current and future construction depends on it.
Discussed in this article are some of the examples of construction technology that have heightened construction productivity.
1. Software and mobile applications
Technologists today in the manufacturing industry offer software and mobile solutions to help in managing every part of a construction project. Software solutions are used from the onset of the project to the end, talk of preconstruction, scheduling, project management, and evaluation.
Software solutions and mobile applications have proven their significance in streamlining construction projects and improving productivity.
The fact that most software and mobile applications are cloud-based implies that one can easily run updates on schedules, documents among others promptly.
When we talk of mobile applications, we referring to timely data collection and transmission. Workers in a project can report easily to project managers and submit important reports like expense reports, time cards, and even queries.
In any project, the software developer should be in a position to install software that easily integrates with others.
2. Safety, Training and Wearable Technology
The construction industry is termed to be one of the most dangerous as workers are continuously exposed to risks. One of the objectives of construction technology is to provide a solution to this challenge.
Employee safety and health should be a priority for any construction company. Many inventions’ target is to provide safety to workers in construction. Technology solutions like virtual training make it easy to train and monitor workers effectively and thus minimizing work-related accidents.
Wearable technology is installed in personal protective equipment such as safety vests, boots, helmets, and gloves. Its function is to monitor employees and their work environment to ensure safety. Wearables are equipped with location trackers, environmental sensors, and voltage detectors just to name a few sensors to monitor workers.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Data is important to any company more so those in the construction industry. With data, you can make better decisions, improve productivity, enhance workplace safety and minimize job-related risks.
Artificial intelligence (AI) enables construction firms to forecast projects based on data collected over time. It is a strategy to gain a competitive advantage when it comes to bidding and running estimates on construction projects.
With AI, managers can easily trace movements and their interaction with the project site with sensors. It implies that they can make necessary adjustments on how tools and materials are organized and make them accessible to employees. The result is reduced downtime and improved worker productivity.
AI also works best with robots and drones. It applies to monitoring progress and actionable data provision to improve productivity. One can also easily identify and report discrepancies or errors in the construction site.
4. Offsite Construction
This type of technology is utilized on projects with comparable floorplans or similar design layouts. Its similarity is drawn from the auto manufacturing plant. Here employees are provided with all the machinery, tools, and materials so that the project progresses continuously.
An evident advantage of this construction method is time management. It saves on production time and improves employee productivity.
Conclusion
Companies that are adopting construction technology can attest to the benefits they are reaping. Some of the notable rewards include an increase in productivity, enhanced employee safety, timely project completion all resulting in increased profit margins.
The adoption rate could be slow but many companies are investing in research and implementation of construction technology.