Technology continues to change the world as we know it. Not only has technology connected us more than ever, but it has also influenced how we do business in certain industries. The industrial and construction industry is no exception. Here are a few trends and tips to know that are revolutionizing the construction industry.
Trend 1 – Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has made leaps in the technology industry over the last few years. AI influences the construction industry by quickly analyzing data and creating blueprints based on project requirements. The use of AI in the construction industry helps reduce errors by analyzing large amounts of data during the planning phase, including costs, timelines, design plans, and risk identification.
AI also involves the use of cameras and sensors, which can help automatically identify parts of a job site that may pose a safety risk. In construction, AI can also help by making suggestions based on previous simulations to maximize efficiency and safety. You can even use AI at your current job site to monitor low-safety equipment and device inventory, ensuring crew members always have access to the materials they need to stay safe.
Trend 2 – Safety Prioritization
Many industries recognize the risks of construction work. Safety protocols and regulations have become a priority in an attempt to protect today’s laborers. Tools like AI allow crew leaders to understand the built-in risks of projects better. You can use these safety models and risk assessments in your business to choose laborers with the right skills and qualifications.
You can also use modern technology to create an overall safe work environment. You can access inventions like an industrial dust collector, which prioritizes the cleanliness and air quality of your job sites. Staying on top of the most common safety risks in the construction industry allows you to prioritize employee safety, which helps minimize costs and promotes better company morale.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is responsible for overseeing the safety of laborers, also continues to make updates and changes to its many safety policies, further working toward a safety industry. A few recent changes include rules that clarify protective equipment standards and requirements for notifying workers of potential risks. Staying up-to-date on the latest changes and OSHA requirements can help you maintain a safe work environment. Ongoing safety training for all crew members and supervisors also ensures everyone is aware of the latest in safety standards.
Trend 3 – Sustainability
Sustainability is a priority for many of today’s construction crews. In an aim to be more environmentally friendly, crews are shifting toward more sustainable materials. They’re also finding ways to make sustainable or eco-friendly materials more cost-effective to clients, improving the chances of them integrating them into their plans. In fact, many of today’s project managers list sustainability as a top priority, and this number is likely only to increase as technology makes it easier to improve efficiency. Adopting a sustainable and efficient mind frame now can help project managers and crew leaders be at the forefront of new technologies in the construction industry.
Trend 4 – Automation
More and more tasks in the construction industry rely on automation. Using modeling and planning programs, you can better estimate costs and labor needs with greater accuracy. Automation tools can also auto-generate pricing models that allow clients to understand their options based on build and material differences. Construction resource management programs also allow crew leaders to be more efficient when planning projects.
Trend 5 – 3D Printing
3D printing also helps companies better visualize projects. Using technology-generated designs, you can more accurately predict the number of crew members, necessary tools, and safety risks that may be present on a project site. 3D printing also makes it easier for you to create materials that may be otherwise too difficult to source. 3D printing allows for the exact measurements necessary, which also means less waste, making this tool a part of the sustainability trend.
Trend 6 – Drones
More and more construction projects involve the use of drones. Modern job sites can use drones to capture hard-to-see footage of job sites to better understand the project’s unique requirements. Fly-over drones can also be beneficial in monitoring ongoing work and tracking project progress toward completion. This helps clients evaluate the quality and progress of work without having to drive to the job site physically. Drones can also be important in legal disputes on the job site, whether following an employee injury or a loss of materials.
Keeping up with the latest technologies and trends in the construction industry helps you stay ahead of the competition. Crew leaders and project managers can also use these tools to ensure a productive, safe work environment for all crew members and clients. Less waste and more sustainability also help construction companies maintain a positive reputation.
