How Technology Is Changing the Way Construction Businesses Operate

Construction is notoriously a slow-moving industry, but in recent years there’s been a real acceleration of technology. AI, connected project data, robotics and digital management systems are all being used by the industry to address the usual problems of rework, the sheer volume of paperwork and the persistent labor shortages.

Business owners have to work out which technologies actually do anything for their business and which ones just add cost. With project margins so tight and customers demanding greater efficiency, the choice of technology is more important than ever.

AI Is Becoming Part of Everyday Construction Work

AI is getting a lot of attention in the construction industry, but the actual applications are often rather mundane than the headlines would suggest. Rather than having fully AI-driven job sites, many contractors are finding that AI can be of benefit in relation to the day-to-day tasks that consume so much of their time.

However, adoption hasn’t necessarily translated into measurable results. Recent research into AI adoption in construction found that only 32% of construction leaders had achieved or were approaching their AI goals. This suggests that while interest is high, many businesses are still discovering how to integrate the technology effectively.

Connected Data Is Bringing the Office and Jobsite Together

A very common pain point in construction is ensuring that everyone is working from the same information. A connected construction platform helps with this by putting all the drawings, all the schedules, all the project messages and all the field reports into a single shared digital space. No more having to go hunting through a million spreadsheets, a million emails and a million paper plans to try and find out what the current state of the project is. Everyone can access the up-to-date information and share changes in a much more effective way.

This can make a considerable commercial difference. An insulation specification, for example, needs to be communicated accurately across every stage of a project, from estimating and purchasing to installation and inspection. If that information gets lost in the transfer between systems or teams then you’re going to end up with errors, delays and expensive rework. That’s why it’s important for business owners to ensure their existing systems are working well together before they go out and buy any new software.

Robotics Is Finding Its Place on Real Jobsites

Automated layout robots can transfer digital building plans directly onto jobsite floors, reducing the time required for manual marking. Some are used for drywall finishing as well and automated surveying and reality capture tools can be used to check the finished work against the design model. They’re more useful in that they can do the job faster and more accurately and with less physical effort than a human. You don’t really expect a robot to be replacing an entire crew.

It’s still worth thinking carefully about investing in robotics. The equipment cost, the training cost, the maintenance cost and whether the tools are appropriate for your own projects all come into it. A contractor who does one type of work is likely to find robotics more worthwhile than a contractor who does a whole range of different work.

Making Technology Investment Pay Off

Construction businesses that are getting the most out of new technology are the ones that have clear business objectives. It’s about reducing rework, improving your estimates, getting the paperwork done faster, and using your labor more effectively. All of those are things you can measure. The way to go about it is to pick one area to focus on, see what the results are, and then build on that. That way you don’t end up spending your money on technology that simply won’t deliver a return.

Technology is already changing the way construction projects are designed, managed and built and that trend will continue. The contractors who are willing to embrace change will be the ones who increase their productivity, protect their margins, and provide their customers with a more reliable service.