Construction is one of the oldest businesses in human history. We always built structures and the way we did so changed little throughout centuries. However, new technologies started to impact all fields of business, and construction was not left out.
With the list of 5 ways that digital tools are revolutionizing construction job sites, you can be sure that safety cones will soon be forgotten.
1. Sensors on Equipment
IT-equipment is one word to put it. Machinery enhanced by digital technological advancements is another. What it means is that machinery used in the construction business is geared with sensors, that notify managers of incoming problems before them happening.
For example, if a motor is working and its fuel consumption or temperature starts rising, sensors can tell required people to seize the work. On the other hand, if such sensors are not present, machinery would continue to work until they break.
It is almost like future-seeing powers, and it can save a lot of time and money. Just imagine that every machinery that cut on site could have been saved before the break and be fixed before it!
Taking it to another step, sensors can deliver valuable data about machinery performance. It can give insights on how to work more money and time efficiently.
All around, the digital data these sensors provide is invaluable, and its benefits will only increase with time, as digital technology advances.
2. Project Management
If you are in the construction business, you must know how time-consuming it is to manage all aspects of a large project, such as materials required, workers schedule and more. Not only that, but highly-paid managers are required to do it all. But it is changing, as some IT companies have already begun to solve this problem.
There is some software which puts managing into digital form, meaning everyone who requires it can access construction materials, working schedule, and even progress through a cloud.
It means there is no need for hardware with extensive storage capabilities, as everything is saved in the servers. It results in easy to access and more efficient managing and planning.
3. Laser Scanning
Previously, the project site plan had to be put on paper manually, and it was a tedious task. Not only it took a lot of time, some places just could not be measured.
Today, construction companies use laser scanning to have a complete view of the project on their digital devices. It allows for rapid quick fixes for projects, and it is even calculated that using laser scanning is saving companies a jaw-dropping $0.85/square foot.
Not only that, but it helps construction companies to show their progress made throughout a week with an easy laser scan.
To put the cherry on the cake, there are even robots engineered, who do the project scanning autonomously. Such task performed automatically without any human supervision saves even more time and money, which can be put to the other aspects of construction.
4. AI for Workers’ Safety
Artificial Intelligence software can protect the safety of your workers. However hard you try to make your workers follow safety guidelines, some believe that they know better and it can result not only in money loss but even a tragedy.
However, these days, AI can help to oversee workers, by indicating which workers are not wearing the required equipment or are not following safety rules. To go further, in the foreseeable future AI will be capable of supporting the workflow of your workers, which will indicate workers that are doing their job as intended from those who enjoy slacking off.
5. VR and AR
Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies were at first used for gaming. Full immersion in a fictional world allowed to have unmatched gaming experience.
To construction business owners, though, it has presented another opportunity. Using VR and AR technologies can help to plan and model projects from start to finish. It not only can satisfy the clients when they are seeing the result before it is even beginning to be built but also help construction businesses to achieve the promised result.
Final Word
New technologies, especially the digitals one, tells a promising future for construction businesses. We are yet to see what tomorrow has to unfold, but right now there are already numerous tools which help all aspects of construction. From planning and managing to safety and efficiency.
