Technology is changing almost every part of the construction business today – from 3D building plans to equipment on job sites. By picking the right solutions, contractors can finish projects faster, safer and deliver more value to clients.
In this post, we’ll look at seven essential ways small and mid-sized construction firms can use technology to boost productivity, collaboration, safety and growth.
Table of Contents
So here are 7 ways to Use Technology in a Construction Company:
1. Go Digital with Project Design and Planning
Moving away from paper to digital formats has huge benefits:
- 3D building information modeling (BIM) creates interactive visualizations of the structure with detailed materials and sequences. This helps architects, engineers, contractors and clients visualize the spatial design clearly.
- Digital plan rooms allow teams to collaborate, review, and update documents in real time remotely. No more printing plans or driving copies across town.
- Virtual walkthroughs let clients experience their finished building before it’s built.
2. Improve Real-Time Collaboration on Projects
Cloud-based construction management platforms enable teams to collaborate seamlessly:
- Share project drawings, models, documents from any device.
- Get visibility into task timelines, progress and milestones.
- Track issues, changes, risks and action items in one central spot.
- Integrate with estimating, scheduling, accounting tools.
Better real-time collaboration means fewer mistakes and less time wasted.
3. Automate Repetitive Management Work
Automating repetitive coordination and paperwork removes inefficiencies:
- Digital transfer and tracking for submittals like RFIs, change orders and safety forms.
- Workflow tools to properly route documents for fast approvals.
- Mobile apps to log progress, flag issues, approve invoices on the go.
Automating repetitive processes lets staff focus on high-value work.
4. Track Jobsites, Equipment and Teams Digitally
Innovations like sensors, wearables and drones provide detailed site visibility:
- IoT sensors monitor environmental conditions, equipment, materials.
- Wearables track worker locations and safety.
- Drones survey progress from above and monitor stockpiles.
- Tags inventory equipment for better maintenance.
Real-time tracking means smoother coordination and forecasting.
5. Use Technology to Work Smarter and Safer
Emerging tech also improves equipment use and safety:
- Telematics collects vehicle and equipment data to optimize utilization.
- Automated machinery enhances precision, consistency and capabilities.
- Augmented reality displays needed info to workers onsite as required.
- Virtual reality simulates hazardous scenarios for improved training.
Deploying the right tech significantly boosts productivity, training, and safety.
6. Modernize Business Operations
New platforms also optimize vital business functions:
- Mobile apps and cloud accounting solutions to automate field data collection and reporting.
- Digital document management to eliminate paper-based processes in HR, accounting, compliance.
- Integrating finance, payroll, CRM and project data together for accuracy.
Updated systems mean better reporting and forecasting.
7. Use Technology to Attract Customers
Finally, leverage tech to boost customer experiences and marketing:
- Online 3D configurators for customizing selections – finishes, fixtures, and more.
- Drone photography to capture compelling project videos and images.
- Digital customer portals that provide real-time updates on timelines.
- Virtual/augmented sales centers that immerse prospects in the building experience.
The right technologies provide a true competitive advantage and fuel growth.
Adopting Construction Technology Thoughtfully
While promising, deploying new solutions isn’t always straight forward:
- Older legacy systems may not integrate well with new tech.
- Must assess cybersecurity impacts and put proper protections in place.
- Change management helps drive user adoption across the company.
The key is investing in technology strategically – focus on aligning tools to business goals and work flows.
The Future is Now for Construction Tech
As technology reshapes nearly every facet of construction, the future favors the insight. By going digital across processes, forward-looking firms can unlock new levels of efficiency, collaboration and client experiences. Don’t leave potential on the table – the time to build your construction technology strategy is now.
FAQs
Automating repetitive tasks, spotting problems via sensors/drones, tracking issues in real-time.
Ransomware, data theft, hackers accessing control systems or surveillance cameras. Security is a must.
Look for intuitive, easy-to-use solutions. Provide ample training and start with smaller groups of users.
In certain applications automated tech can supplement crews. But skilled tradespeople remain essential.
Some government and nonprofit groups offer construction innovation grants, but funding is very limited currently.
