How emerging technologies are shaping the future of construction

Information is key to a successful construction project, and in the last ten years the amount of information digitally recorded on construction sites has grown exponentially. From jobsite photos and information on materials used to labour hours and equipment utilisation data, the ability to capture information without the worry of the paper trail is transforming the construction industry.

Construction sites are no longer simply a place for diggers, bricks and concrete – they are a hotbed of all sorts of data that are driving operations and improving efficiency. For example, capturing field data used to be a tedious manual process that involved clipboards and filing cabinets. The digitisation of that process now means construction workers can easily gather and share data with key stakeholders, both on-site and back at headquarters, using a range of tools including apps, smartphone cameras, drones and even robots.

Data collection through mobile devices is a strategy utilised by modern construction sites. Information reported and accessed using handheld equipment is a valuable resource to help firms stay competitive in an increasingly digital age and to understand how resources are used and how work is done. Facilitating better planning and preparation for what-if scenarios helps to make projects and companies more profitable.

The need for actionable intelligence is driving demand for artificial intelligence

The mass adoption of digital techniques, as well as the transition to the digital economy, is also playing an important role in transforming the construction industry. Historically, information has been stored in a variety of different places – floppy disks, compact discs, USBs, spreadsheets and even the human brain. But as data volumes become larger and the demand for actionable intelligence from these bodies of information grows, the need for adequate capture and processing will also increase.

For example, in 2010, 1.2 zettabytes (1 trillion gigabytes) of data was collected from smart building worldwide. By 2020, that figure is projected to be a massive 37.2 zettabytes. Processing this volume of data and providing actionable insights is the perfect use case for artificial intelligence – freeing humans to focus on what matters, and enabling new levels of efficiency when it comes to data processing. Linking man with machine will provide the construction industry with previously hidden insights into data that would take humans weeks or months to process and find value in.

Technology is a friend, not a foe

Too often, artificial intelligence is spoken of in terms of the perceived threat to human jobs, but the reality is actually that it helps businesses to become more productive. For the construction industry, AI presents an opportunity to optimise processes and improve results. For example, AI-enabled processes could be used in the planning and scheduling of construction projects, as they have the potential to assess endless combinations and alternatives based on similar projects, optimising the best path and correcting themselves over time.

Beyond AI, there are other emerging technologies disrupting the skillsets needed to work in construction. For example, autonomous vehicles for deliveries and drones for surveillance and map-building can bring increased productivity and help drive down costs. 3D printing and modular construction are other great examples, enabling better quality control and faster build times. Unlike traditional construction, these new practices mainly happen in a controlled environment which means weather delays, for instance, are no longer a factor. The reliance on machines also means many repetitive processes can be carried out at speed without any errors. Wastage is reduced, and resources can be optimised.

Focus on integration

The key to getting the most out of these emerging technologies will be integrating them effectively with existing systems and processes and their human counterparts. Technology is only ever as good as its implementation. We need to see closer coordination between back office, vendors and the field in terms of both quantity of communication and time of response to tighten the decision/reaction loops inherent in construction. Implemented effectively, businesses will benefit from greater transparency and fluidity of information. This will help ensure that decisions can be made at the appropriate levels within the organisation, allowing the back office to concentrate on strategic rather than tactical planning.

Effective adoption of emerging technologies will allow construction companies to focus on attending to growing client needs. It’s about embracing their benefits and crafting a plan to use them to complement your workforce, not replace them. The benefits can be redirected into growing the business and creating the world-class company that you, your team and your customers deserve.

Article submitted by Lance Gilmour, VP Enterprise and Partners, Sage, leaders in cloud computing software.

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