Photo by The Evolution of Technology in Construction
The construction industry has experienced both the good and the bad in the past decade. It’s an industry that’s always on the rise, despite dealing with labor shortages and material costs. Yet, the biggest mark of growth for the industry has been the evolution of technology, including solutions that promote efficiency and yield better results.
The use of technology in construction has increased significantly over the years.
While implementing new technology can seem daunting, experts believe it’s essential to continue thriving in the industry. There are solutions and tools for nearly every level of use, whether your company wants to go completely digital or ease into the tech world. The bottom line is that technology isn’t going away. It’s important for your company to figure out what solutions work best for you and decide the most beneficial ways to implement them.
Addressing Labor Shortages with Technology
Implementing new technology can also help alleviate the labor shortages that have been plaguing the construction industry. Younger generations now entering the workforce have grown up using technology their entire lives. Making sure that your company is staying up to date can help attract these younger workers to your field. According to a recent study by the Construction Industry Institute, 70% of construction firms struggle to find qualified workers.
The construction industry has been struggling with labor shortages for years.
Using Technology to Minimize Cyberattacks
In addition to labor shortages and material costs, one of the biggest issues hurting the industry is the increase in ransomware and data breaches. An estimated 50,000 to 60,000 companies are running their business on legacy financial systems or enterprise resource planning (ERPs), or even running them locally on-premise, said Dickinson. That carries a significant risk for cyberattacks versus going with a proven cloud-based offering.
The construction industry is at high risk of cyberattacks.
The Unique Nature of Construction
The construction industry is extremely unique in the nature of the business in that the work is performed at job sites that could be in different cities and states. Then when you factor in that you might be receiving government funding to work on those jobs, you have very unique reporting requirements that are specific to the industry… it’s at a higher compliance burden, further reinforcing the need to partner with a Human Capital Management (HCM) provider that has the ability to support that complexity.
A construction site in Alabama.
The Truth Behind Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a term seen everywhere. But what does this mean for construction? In short, AI is nowhere near dominating the industry. In fact, it’s still not as prevalent as one might think. Yet, using AI can bring more benefits to your company than you might think.
The use of AI in construction is still in its early stages.
Maximizing Digital Solutions
The industry has also utilized 3D printers for construction models. For example, the printer could make a model of a 10-story building that’s dividable by layer, meaning that each piece could be removed to look inside the facility. In a digital world, 3D printers still provide something tangible and physical.
The use of 3D printing in construction.
Creating Efficient Models
The industry has also utilized 3D printers for construction models. For example, the printer could make a model of a 10-story building that’s dividable by layer, meaning that each piece could be removed to look inside the facility. In a digital world, 3D printers still provide something tangible and physical.
A 3D printed construction model.
The Role of Sensors
Sensors can also be used in multiple ways. You can wear them to determine your health. Or you can use sensors on concrete to alert you when your concrete is secure. Everything is now virtual, Pratt explained. You can use technology to locate pieces of equipment on your job site, connect delivery schedules to your crane operation, or more recently, for automation.
The use of sensor technology in construction.
The Impact of Drones
What’s really changed the industry, however, are drones. Drones are now essential for site surveys and inspections. They can even simply be used to provide a bird’s eye view of your project. Prior to drones, companies had to hire helicopters to fly out and offer a top-down perspective.
The use of drones in construction.
Conclusion
Implementing technology requires initial upfront costs, as well as a learning curve, but the payoff is insurmountable. Your team can save hours of time by taking advantage of digital solutions; you can minimize the risk of cyberattacks; and you can continue attracting a younger workforce to your company.
The future of construction is digital.
