With the construction industry’s roots in tradition, it’s taken longer than other industries to adopt modern technological solutions. However, with pressures from inside and outside the industry, many businesses in this sector are beginning to adopt innovative new approaches and reap the benefits of today’s tech.
Various types of technology–old and new—can improve your organization’s efficiency, productivity, safety, and profitability. Every new tool, device, or solution plays a unique role, but the ultimate goal with embracing new technology is to simplify and streamline the right tasks.
Benefits of Embracing Construction Technology Solutions
76% of construction and engineering executives indicated they plan to invest in digital technology over the coming year. This overwhelming push only reinforces the benefits of embracing tech, including:
More efficient operations
Though there’s always a place for putting pencil to paper, the days of drawing structures by hand are dwindling. Today, architects and designers can use advanced technology to create building plans, collaborate on projects, and check for errors.
Enhanced productivity
Technology solutions allow your construction organization to streamline processes and even automate functions entirely to improve your overall efficiency.
Smarter (more durable) structures
Technology allows architects and engineers to produce 3D models before beginning work, which ensures thorough testing, adherence to regulatory standards, and the creation of more sound overall structures.
Improved safety
Construction is a hazardous industry by nature. Any technology that can help identify and control risks to reduce workplace accidents and injuries is a worthwhile investment.
Reduced costs
By using technology to collect and analyze data, your organization can find more ways to minimize costs and maximize profits.
Better insights
Technology also delivers vital insights that can give important information about the industry, a given project, and customer preferences to drive better business decisions.
Greater client satisfaction
Technology improves the overall client experience by enabling seamless, real-time communication and thoughtful collaboration between coworkers, business partners, and clients.
More innovation
Staying up to date with top-of-the-line tech will keep your organization at the forefront of the industry, allowing you to adapt, adopt, and grow more quickly than the competition.
10 Construction Technology Solutions to Improve Your Operations
AI and Machine Learning
Where artificial intelligence (AI) enables us to make quick, automated decisions, machine learning enables our tech to learn from data analysis and past experiences. From analyzing the efficiency of a job to examining and improving safety standards, both technologies have tremendous potential within the construction industry.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) allows you to layer digital data on top of your view of the real world. In other words, construction professionals can use mobile devices with AR capabilities on-site to digitally display a foundation or building, get measurements, identify potential hazards, and visualize different possibilities.
Wearables
Construction workers and other professionals increasingly use wearable technology for safety benefits. With our industry’s high risk of falls, electrocutions, and other injuries, wearables like smart hard hats and power gloves can improve overall safety and employee satisfaction.
Drones
Drones continue to make solid contributions to the construction industry. Small drones mounted on cameras can be used to fly over job sites for security surveillance, equipment tracking, and mapping.
Robotics
While robots have yet to see widespread adoption in the industry, some organizations have begun incorporating them to supplement human laborers, particularly in factory and manufacturing settings.
3D Printing
Using 3D printing, designers and developers can create physical 3D versions of projects before beginning construction. This is helpful for project development and as a sales tool. Additionally, 3D printing can be used to produce certain building materials like fascia and cinder blocks.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Building information modeling (BIM) creates and manages the digital details for each aspect of a project. Using BIM, contractors can build a project virtually before they begin work. This allows them to identify and correct any challenges or inefficiencies in advance.
Laser Scanning
Laser scanning allows you to collect fast and accurate data about a construction site. Instead of waiting for someone to perform a site assessment, 3D scanners can give you the information you need quickly, saving time and reducing potential errors.
Computer-aided Design
Many engineers and architects now rely on computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed drawings of construction projects. These solutions can be used for proposals and collaboration with business partners, clients, and regulatory agencies. They can also be easily modified, saving time and money during the planning and construction phases of a project.
Software
There are many software solutions designed specifically for the construction industry that have a wide variety of uses. From robust project management applications to in-depth accounting software, these solutions allow you to track project progress, manage vendor and client relationships, and handle the financial functions of your business with ease.
We know software.
At New Lyfe Accounting (NLA), we’ve helped clients save thousands by embracing today’s best tools for construction accounting, project management, payroll solutions, and more. NLA can recommend customized (and cost-effective) software solutions so you can improve your operational efficiency and remain competitive. Acting as an extension of your organization, we’ll help you determine the right software and consult with the software’s implementation team.
Beyond strategizing which software is right for you, we can also help implement your chosen solution by providing team user training. Having been through this process before, we know what to expect and how to guide your organization through a transition. Whether you’re looking to streamline your existing solution or implement an entirely new software, we’ll help you identify what’s best for your organization.
If you’re curious about our software consulting or construction accounting services, we offer a free strategy session where we can help pinpoint your financial priorities and answer any questions you may have about our approach. Get your strategy session on the books today.
