Cofounder & Chief Innovation Officer at Mighty Buildings.
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As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the construction industry is facing long timelines, many stakeholders involved in the projects, complex approval processes, lack of standardization and supply chain instability. All of this makes it a challenging sector to break into—of course, that hasn’t stopped new companies from trying.
Construction technology can help the industry increase efficiency and productivity by streamlining the process from start to finish. New technology can help reduce the time it takes to complete a project by automating tasks, providing real-time access to project data and providing digital collaboration tools that make it easier to share information and collaborate with other stakeholders. It can also help increase project visibility and transparency by providing better access to data and analytics. Finally, it can help increase collaboration and communication between stakeholders, leading to better decision-making and reduced project risk. Below are some examples of how construction technology can help in different construction stages.
A New Toolbox
BIM can help speed up the design stage by providing a 3-D model of the structure that allows the designer to visualize the final product. It can also help reduce design errors by enabling the designer to identify potential clashes between different elements and potential design issues. Additionally, BIM can help reduce costs associated with redesigns and revisions, making it easier to identify and resolve such problems early on.
In addition to BIM, the design stage can also be accelerated by evaluating the cost, life cycle assessment and operational costs associated with the project. It helps identify areas where cost savings can be made early on, allowing for more efficient use of resources. Additionally, evaluating the project’s life cycle assessment can help identify any potential long-term issues that may need to be addressed before construction begins. Finally, assessing the operational costs associated with the project can help ensure that the structure is designed to be as efficient as possible once it is completed.
Standardizing permitting packages and automating the verification of approval sets can also reduce confusion and errors, freeing up time for other areas of the pre-construction process. It can allow construction teams to move on to the next step without delay. Automated systems can help streamline communication between project teams and local governments, making the permitting process more efficient and reducing the time needed for projects to receive approval.
Micro-factories and prefabrication techniques enable parts of the construction process to be completed offsite and then quickly assembled on-site, saving time and money. Prefabrication is building a structure’s components in a factory or other controlled environment, then transporting and installing the components on-site. By using prefabrication, construction teams can reduce the time spent on-site and minimize risks associated with labor and materials.
Material procurement marketplaces and prefabrication can help accelerate construction projects and reduce supply chain and quality risks. By connecting buyers and suppliers, material procurement marketplaces can reduce the cost and time associated with sourcing materials.
Contractor marketplaces can help match contractors to projects, review their work, and provide ratings for their services. It can help to ensure that the best contractor is chosen for the job. Contractor marketplaces can also help to compare prices and services across contractors, allowing customers to make an informed decision. Additionally, they can help provide feedback and recommendations to help contractors improve their services.
The use of Industrial IoT and Computer Vision can give construction site managers real-time insights into on-site operations, such as the location of workers and equipment, the progress of construction and safety hazards. By utilizing this data, construction site managers can make informed decisions about the best course of action for the project. This data can be used to improve processes and ensure that the construction project is completed on time and within budget.
Robotics is being used to automate construction and create more efficient construction sites. Builders can reduce labor costs, increase safety and improve quality control with robotics. Intelligent tools and sensors can monitor construction sites and provide feedback to the builders, which can help them make real-time decisions about the construction process.
Finally, the use of drones, robotics, and machine learning can be used to improve safety, accuracy and efficiency in the construction process.
Picking The Right Tool For You
These technologies are still in their early stages, but their potential for improving the speed and efficiency of construction is enormous. As these technologies become more widely adopted, they will help to revolutionize the construction industry.
While the benefits of utilizing new technologies across all stages seem to be very attractive, construction professionals should be mindful of implementing new technology. Companies that have smaller projects and clearly defined project steps, including budget line items and schedules, might be able to use new technology faster. Engineering and architectural firms can start utilizing more integrated workflow across all stages. Companies must consider the cost of the software and hardware needed to implement construction technology, as well as the cost and quality of training staff to use the technology. The last piece might be the most unusual for construction companies as it will require them to create functional teams to gain and translate their knowledge within the organization. Additionally, companies should be aware of any potential compatibility issues with existing systems and processes.
To ensure that companies are making the right decisions when transitioning to a tech-driven construction approach, they should conduct a comprehensive analysis of their current process and the potential solutions available. They should also weigh the cost of implementation against the potential benefits, and the technology providers (startups) should build assessment frameworks to help these companies to have a clear understanding of the benefits and success metrics of the implementation. It is an exciting time for the construction industry and those involved in it.
The future of the built environment is looking very bright with these new technologies, tools and materials. With these innovations, the possibilities are endless, impacting the built environment positively.
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