The construction industry has long been booming. Even amidst the COVID-19 crisis, it has continued to thrive and flourish. Think of how residential renovation projects have surged during the pandemic.
We can attribute the continued growth and success of the construction industry to its digital transformation. Thanks to modern technology and digitalization, the industry has looked into improving its construction processes and applications. Its ultimate goal is to boost communication and collaboration, increase efficiency and productivity, and ensure the utmost safety.
Let’s take a look at how the construction industry undergoes digital transformation.
Automation in the construction process
The use of automation has become increasingly popular in various industries. The construction sector is no exception. Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)! They allow the automation of some construction processes. These processes require minimal human intervention and eliminate manual work.
A perfect example is building information modeling. Automation allows for proper planning, designing, and preparation for the construction process. It brings the construction data and designs of engineers, architects, designers, and general contractors in a unified platform. It allows them to identify crucial issues before carrying out the actual construction.
Real-time communication and collaboration
There are various key players involved in the world of construction. Think of the actual property owners, engineers, architects, and general contractors. But apart from them, you must consider the material suppliers, tradespeople, and subcontractors. As such, the construction process requires robust communication and consistent collaboration.
It’s good that the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a game-changer in the world of construction. All construction personnel involved can instantly communicate with each other. As long as they have mobile devices and access to the internet, they are good. For instance, your project manager can get real-time updates from your contractors working on the construction site.
The focus on the utmost safety and increased productivity
In recent years, there has been a strong push for increased productivity without compromising safety. As we are aware, working in the construction industry comes with some risks. The COVID-19 crisis has all the more amplified the threat to health and safety among construction workers. As such, contractors must strictly follow pandemic protocols even while working onsite.
It’s good that digital tools and technologies help promote health and safety in construction. One perfect example is the use of construction wearables. Some wearables include smart boots (detecting the risk of collisions), hard hats (alarming sleepy workers), and power gloves (avoiding physical injuries). They help contractors work efficiently without putting their health and safety at risk.
Cost-efficiency in the construction project completion
When it comes to construction, there is a project timeline to follow. The last thing general contractors want to happen is to delay the project completion. On the other hand, property owners hope to save on the construction project by sticking to the schedule. That is where digital tools and technologies come into the picture.
For one, consider the use of construction robots. These include factory robots for manufacturing functions and collaborative robots for carrying heavy equipment and machinery. Also, the use of drones proves to be beneficial in construction. They allow for having topographic maps, equipment monitoring, and even security surveillance. Lastly, digital innovation has led to modular construction in a controlled environment. That way, they can install prefabricated structures on the construction site.
Digital innovation in construction planning and design
Construction planning and design are a crucial part of the overall equation. These initial phases can determine the direction of the construction project and its overall success. It’s good how we’ve come a long way in these aspects through digital innovation. Key players have developed various digital tools and technologies for construction planning and designing to be more seamless, accurate, and efficient.
One perfect example is the use of 3-D printing, which allows for layer-by-layer creation. Engineers and designers find it easy to create models for construction. Another is the use of extended reality (ER) such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These digital tools help engineers, architects, and designers conceptualize the construction. They can present construction designs in AR format before the property managers for approval.
There are no signs of stopping and slowing down for the construction industry. Its digital transformation has paved the way for its continued growth and success. That said, consider all the digital tools and technologies recommended above. All these will lead to a boost in efficiency and productivity and promote robust communication and utmost safety. Ultimately, the future of the construction industry looks bright and promising.
