Construction companies that adapt to efficient technology like estimating software are saving time and money. They are also improving their accuracy and gaining a competitive edge.
Modern technology allows a construction company to track everything through apps and computer software. It saves a lot of time because it facilitates real-time communication between the office and the job site.
Robotics
Robotics is an important tool in construction, especially when the current labor shortage is factored into the equation. The use of robots helps to minimize cost overruns and allows the project manager (PM) to stick to a fixed price for each phase of a construction project. This will help the PM to deliver projects on time and ensures that contractors get paid their fair share.
Robots are particularly well suited to repetitive, monotonous tasks that are prone to human error. They can also work tirelessly, without the need for breaks, which is a challenge for humans when working long hours on a construction site.
For example, robotic tools can perform drilling, painting and other hazardous tasks safely, while allowing humans to focus on more complex jobs like building structures or bridges. This could reduce overall labour costs and allow for more affordable housing options.
However, it is not clear whether or not automation will completely replace workers in the construction industry. As a result, it’s essential for E&C companies to understand how the integration of robotics might affect their teams and their workloads. Currently, robots are used to help in areas that require high levels of accuracy and precision, such as bricklaying, welding and painting. Robots can be programmed to do these tasks at a much faster rate than humans. This has the potential to save a lot of time, and in the long run, it will also improve the quality of finished projects.
3D Printing
New technologies in construction are evolving at a breakneck pace. What seemed like future tech ten or 20 years ago – things like connected equipment and tools, telematics, mobile apps, autonomous heavy equipment, drones, robots, digital takeoff solutions, and 3D printing — is now becoming reality on jobsites around the world.
Interest in 3D printing is growing for a variety of reasons, including cost-effectiveness, speed, precision, replicability and reduced waste. Additionally, it’s an environmentally friendly way to build because it doesn’t require concrete or other materials that aren’t needed for the structure. The technology could also help address the housing shortage by enabling developers to create houses quickly and cheaply.
The 3D printing market for construction is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, with the building segment dominating the market. The building sector comprises commercial, industrial and residential construction. Various companies are partnering with 3D printer providers to construct buildings using this technology. For example, in March 2021, construction company 3Strands partnered with ICON to print two- to four-bedroom homes in Texas.
As these trends continue to develop, contractors that don’t adopt and implement technology will quickly find themselves out of business. By leveraging the power of AI, contractors can improve their preconstruction processes and deliver accurate and timely estimates. They can also use AI to improve customer service by automating repetitive tasks and freeing up staff to focus on value-generating work.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is a subset of machine learning and uses algorithms to identify patterns in data to predict future outcomes. In construction, this can mean improved design and cost estimation processes. For example, software programs like Zebel help contractors streamline processes and automate tasks that are prone to human error. They also provide predictive analytics to identify potential issues before they arise, so project managers can take action early on.
Specifically, AI can speed up the takeoff process by automatically extracting and analyzing digital drawings to create material quantity reports in seconds. This enables construction firms to deliver accurate estimates and proposals in a much shorter timeframe, which improves client satisfaction and profitability.
It can also reduce project costs by enabling efficient procurement planning and reducing the risk of over- or under-estimating materials. It can even detect issues with existing designs to prevent costly mistakes.
Additionally, AI can improve security by identifying and responding to threats before they happen. This can be particularly useful for the construction industry, where cybersecurity is a top concern. By detecting potential security risks, AI can prevent hackers from gaining access to confidential information. This can significantly decrease the risk of a data breach and other security issues that could compromise projects or cause financial losses.
Analytics
Construction companies can use big data to make more informed decisions and avoid failures. It can also help them optimize project schedules, reduce waste, identify potential safety hazards and improve collaboration among teams. The technology is being deployed at a breakneck pace. What seemed like futuristic tech 10 or 20 years ago such as warehouse robots, connected equipment and tools, telematics, mobile apps, autonomous heavy equipment, drones, 3D printed buildings and digital takeoff solutions are now commonplace.
Traditionally, cost estimates in construction have been based on historical data. However, these costs may be misleading if prices change significantly over time, such as when labor or materials are influenced by commodity price changes. This type of bias is one reason that cost estimates often have a tendency to understate actual construction and operating costs.
Cost estimates are a crucial part of any major construction project. Unfortunately, they can be subject to a variety of factors that result in cost overruns. The good news is that many of these overruns can be avoided by implementing new technologies such as artificial intelligence, which can speed up the process and eliminate human error. Additionally, drones can be used to quickly and accurately complete site surveys and provide photos that can be used for digital takeoffs. This can save a lot of time and money for both contractors and clients.