Creating the Future of Construction
The engineering, and construction (E&C) industry continues to grow and plays a significant role in a country's growth.
Construction is known for operating in silos, relying on antiquated technologies, and lagging behind other industries. The pandemic prompted many companies to innovate, and companies that integrated safety and communication technology will be better able to preserve themselves when the problem is over.
Safety, communication, and operations will be improved significantly by technology. In the construction industry, time and cost overruns are major concern, which influences productivity and efficiency.
Building on the changing dynamics of the construction industry, where innovation at all levels of business operations becomes more important,
digital transformation strategies are capable of improving quality, saving costs, increasing safety, reducing risks, and increasing profitability.
Construction businesses have an excellent opportunity to drive their digital transformation now given the growing internet penetration and rapid technical improvements across many countries.
By using emerging technologies and geospatial information to reduce project turnaround times, the industry is focusing less on traditional methods and more on intelligent construction management.
Using new technology to tackle challenges
The right implementation of technology affects several related processes and improves the overall construction process, so transforming the construction sector involves more than adding current technologies. To accomplish this, examine the current state of the company, develop a strategy for the future, and then make plans for how to get there.
The digital transformation of an organization involves more than just digitizing analogue functions - it involves a paradigm shift in how the organization operates to compete in the digital age. Ultimately, end-user adoption enables three important elements of transformation:
Growth is enabled by digital business,
Productivity and profitability are improved by digital processes, and
Usability for business needs is safely enabled by the digital infrastructure.
Building a strong framework for long-term success can be achieved by identifying and implementing effective digital tools, data-enabled devices, and software. Through innovative technology, it's possible to identify and quantify work tasks, minimizing or removing unnecessary efforts to maximize productivity and efficiency. Among the benefits of digital technologies are improved worker safety and morale, in addition to helping with project budgets and timelines.
Productivity and effectiveness are necessary to deliver results.
The construction industry is often saddled with antiquated practices that stifle productivity. In the last decade, productivity in the construction industry increased by only 1-2 per cent per year. Compared to other industries, which increase productivity nearly three times as fast, this industry lags.
Demand for construction services is growing at a rapid pace, and the construction workforce is ageing, so efficiency and productivity are key factors determining whether or not a crew is overworked and if customers are satisfied. Productivity is increased by digitizing procurement, leveraging the supply chain, improving on-site operations, and increasing automation.
Utilizing technologies such as AI, IoT, and VR can help construction companies modernize every aspect of their operations. It reduces the time required for designing, obtaining permissions, and calculating the resources required for project modifications.
Embracing digital technologies and systems early on has proven to be beneficial to businesses and sectors. As technology has improved safety standards, appealed to young workers, and improved efficiency, it has made it easier than ever before. The time is now for construction companies to evolve.
Connectivity and Communication
As new construction technologies advance, a reliable, robust backbone for connectivity is essential to support increased speeds and larger data transfers. With 5G and Wi-Fi 6, users will be able to exchange large drawings without sacrificing speed or performance, interact effectively and run resource-intensive applications. In addition, it can be used to deploy new and innovative technologies via a stable and secure communication network.
Construction Technologies Trends
Technologies used in construction refer to a wide range of technologies that have a special application within the building industry. Smart machinery, autonomous robots, virtual reality, 5G, and the Internet of Things are all examples of this. In addition, all of these systems have been developed and modified to enhance health and safety, enhance working conditions, and help the industry improve its efficiency.
A significant digital revolution is taking place within the construction industry due to technological advancements. With the increase in technical solutions, construction costs are being reduced and the process is speeded up. Technology has revolutionized many aspects of the construction industry today. As technologies rapidly shift, businesses no longer need to question whether or not they will digitalize their workspace, but when and how they will stay on top of and adapt to these changes. It provides an overview of the industry's technology landscape and its prospects.
Building Information Modeling & Digital Twins
Building Information Modeling (BIM) involves digitizing the physical and functional elements of a building and combining them to improve project cooperation throughout design and construction. It is emerging as one of the most popular building technology trends in recent years.
The technology allows you to create a digital 3D construction model. Compared to traditional CAD, it has new features that facilitate the design and cooperative work throughout the construction process. Your 3D model can include additional layers of information, like building requirements, pricing, lifecycle predictions, and performance scoring.
Modelling and planning, but also identifying collisions, analyzing the construction process and solving problems can be carried out using it. We share BIM models in real-time, which enables us to keep all stakeholders and project participants updated on the latest changes, ensuring the accuracy of information.
It is possible to create a visual representation of the construction process with BIM, which can be used to plan out each phase of a project. This, together with the constant need for remote collaboration and increased efficiencies, should continue to drive BIM adoption in 2021 and beyond.
Digital twin technology aims to create a virtual model of a building by integrating sensors, drones, and IoT to gather data on a completed or under-construction building. As a result of using AI software, advanced analytics, and machine learning, the virtual model is continually improved and learned from the real building. Optimising project scheduling, providing as-built information, and integrating it into building operations systems can be achieved through this.
Digital Collaboration
Using real-time, online data on the cloud, sharing instead of paper ensures transparency, cooperation, accurate risk assessment, quality control, and ultimately, better and more dependable results.
There are many reasons why the industry is low-productive, including the fact that it still manages its operations mostly on paper, such as blueprints, design drawings, procurement and supply-chain orders, equipment logs, daily progress reports, and punch lists.
Collaborative software is needed to allow communication between office and field, as well as with other stakeholders, including architects, suppliers, manufacturers of building products, building inspectors, and subcontractors.
In addition to project management, planning, time tracking, and field reporting, there are now new modes of working that have proven to be more efficient and effective. With increased ease, you will be able to complete administrative tasks such as staff budgeting and payroll as well as workers' compensation insurance payments.
Construction trends include the increasing use of digital sign-in apps on construction sites. The technology eliminates the need for paper and pen by creating a digital record that verifies a worker's, subcontractor's, or visitor's presence on a construction site.
In this area, the industry has already shown considerable interest, and software solutions allowing numerous users to collaborate in real-time to update data and complete tasks are becoming increasingly popular. As we continue to deal with the epidemic in 2021, collaboration software is likely to play a key role in keeping everyone connected and on the same page.
Artificial Intelligence
In the same way as BIM, AI is a technology that is used in conjunction with other technologies such as BIM, sensors, wearables, and laser scanners to gather data that it will use for learning and making decisions. In construction technology, machine learning, an element of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to find patterns in data and make decisions without having to be programmed, is proving the most influential.
Tool, supply, and equipment tracking can be done using artificial intelligence. Sensors embedded in objects and workers' clothing can be used to track movement, monitor workers and identify safety hazards, as well as familiar routes, and send a warning to the worker or safety manager so that they can take action before an accident. By using the data from the field observations, you can optimize your workplace for maximum efficiency.
The use of artificial intelligence can also assist in detecting and preventing errors. Using machine learning, Artificial Intelligence can verify the quality of excavation, plumbing, and electrical work with high precision. In addition to showing whether implemented systems are aligned with plans and basic models, AI also reveals if they are prioritizing tasks correctly.
Technology advances will allow the tracking and analysis of complex data to help optimize project supply chains, including forecasting cost overruns, risk assessment and mitigation, and predictive logistics. Eventually, construction sites will become safer, more efficient, and more productive as a result.
Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality
Augmented reality has changed the way workers interact with their tasks. It makes it easier for employees to assess problems. This tool can assist them with task analysis, construction, and maintenance.
Both augmented reality and virtual reality are emerging technologies for the construction business that are gaining traction based on development and acceptance. In construction, VR applications usually use BIM models to create virtual environments, reducing the need for modifications and enabling clash detection before building begins. Architects can better present their concept designs to clients and improve design, collaboration, and communication.
In areas such as safety training, equipment operator training, and building system installation training, virtual reality is helping business owners train and develop the next generation of construction employees. The worker could experience real-world scenarios in a safe setting where multiple scenarios can be presented while remaining safe.
Robots and Drones
Using robotics and drones in construction is improving safety and increasing productivity. For the foreseeable future, construction robots will be used to perform simple, repetitive, high-risk and complex labour-intensive tasks such as laying bricks, tying rebar, and challenging welding tasks.
Drone technology is already a dominant part of construction sites' on-site operations. Daily safety audits, tracking project progress, and identifying potential hazards can be conducted with drones. The drone gives construction crews an aerial view of the work site, conducts site surveys, inspects structures, materials, equipment, and personnel and makes construction sites safer.
Self-driving drones assist contractors in optimizing procedures, such as grading plans and identifying differences between actual and as-built plans, by capturing photographs and videos. An AI-powered application that makes use of drones equipped with cameras, laser scanners, and other data collection equipment to improve productivity at work.
As drone technology improves in terms of precision and accuracy, fewer humans will be needed in the future. There are numerous advantages and applications for drones in construction projects, which suggests that drone usage will continue to grow in 2021 and beyond.
IoT and Wearables
As part of construction technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable technology have already become crucial tools, transforming the way people work. There are huge implications to this since it means a smarter, more efficient and safer way to work has now become a real possibility.
You can provide staff members with safer working conditions using sensor-based technology. Construction wearables can be incorporated into employees' safety gear or clothing. The system uses GPS tracking, biometrics, environmental sensors, and other novel features to prevent accidents and monitor a person's well-being.
Wearables could track slips and falls, as well as other kinds of movements, as well as heartbeat, respiration patterns, and body temperature. An employee's heart rate, body temperature, and other vital indicators can be tracked using biometric wearables, alerting safety management if the employee is becoming tired or overheated.
By monitoring the job site, workers can be alerted to potential hazards, making the environment safer. Several parameters can be measured including noise levels, dust saturation, temperature, and volatile compound content. Sensors can alert nearby workers to a specific risk when they detect it in a specific region.
A proactive approach to worker safety is made easier with the ability to track and monitor your employees. We can expect wearables to be more popular as construction businesses navigate a pandemic in 2021.
By utilizing smart technology, a development can significantly reduce its carbon footprint. The vehicle's engine could be turned off when idle by installing sensors in the vehicle, or its waste could be measured and used to help plan the development structure to avoid cross-site travel.
Let's wrap up
Taking advantage of digital adoption now may help organizations boost their capabilities in the future, strengthening competitive strength and facilitating a successful future. Project management software and cloud and mobile technologies, as well as GPS, robots, drones, and other advanced technologies, can impact the development and design process of a project fundamentally. The digital transformation tool can be an effective tool for handling personnel challenges, developing new efficiencies, and creating an integrated platform to boost growth for future generations.
Using technology has simplified complex and risky construction operations in the construction business. Creating mind-blowing constructions that take a shorter period is made easier because of this technology. We've discussed the important technological advances and their beneficial effects on the construction industry in this blog post. The information will assist you in comprehending how each trend aids in detecting difficulties and disputes.
We assist Construction and Engineering companies with their digital transformation initiatives. Get in touch with us so we can help you define your strategy and ensure a smooth transition.
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