Nevertheless, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Construction stakeholders need to become better at utilising the emerging digital solutions to their full potential. For this to happen, though, they need to be aware of the latest trends in the industry.
Like that, they can always stay on top of what’s coming next for the sector and plan accordingly. In other words, people in construction don’t need to work harder but smarter.
With that thought in mind, here are five of the most noteworthy contech trends which are expected to transform the construction industry as we know it.
1. BIM
The uptake of BIM is very promising for the present and future of the construction sector. It goes without saying that it is expected to have some groundbreaking effects on the long-term strategy of the sector.
BIM empowers the vision of a more joined-up collaborative approach, as it supports the cornerstone of digital construction which is a connected information flow that is available to all stakeholders in each individual project.
BIM is under constant development and it is expected to develop even more in the near future given the remarkable work being done by training institutions and groups (eg. BIM 2050 Group) and universities. On top of that, a steadily increasing demand for BIM skills is noticed.
In that aspect, the earlier we become familiar with the advent of BIM in construction the easier it will be to prepare the ground for a bright digital future.
2. Construction software
A few years ago construction software was sometimes seen as a superfluous luxury but thankfully this has started to change. It has become clear that software solutions can provide construction stakeholders with valuable help in regard to decision-making, project and resource management.
The power of such tools is on the quality of the data that they collect and analyse. As a consequence, the arrival of digital solutions on the field has become the reason for a more efficient and open in terms of collaboration construction industry.
Simply put, the use of a trustworthy construction software tool can ensure that the numerous project stakeholders are always on the same page and work together in harmony.
3. Data is king
A while ago, the Economist identified data as ‘the oil of digital era’. This description isn’t far from reality if we take into account the countless ways in which data is used not only in construction but in every aspect of our social and personal life.
Unfortunately, construction appears to have significant problems when it comes down to taking good care of its data. The good news is that the sector is gradually becoming better both in storing and reading the collected data.
In that manner, we can get one step closer to a smarter and more insightful building process where information on various project parameters such as the weather conditions or the existing legal regulations based on project location will be accessible with the click of a button.
4. Internet of Things
IoT (also known as Internet of Things) is anticipated to have a tremendous impact on the job site and the ways in which tasks are carried through. Remote operation, construction equipment, and tools tracking as well as supply replenishment are some of the most noteworthy IoT examples.
IoT technologies have already entered the construction industry and steadily shifting the way people in the sector operate. Undoubtedly, we talking about an automated approach of the construction process which will help project managers regain and maintain control.
What is more, project delays and high rework rates are expected to be reduced thanks to the increased accuracy when it comes to the numerous details around a construction project.
The use of real-time data can ensure that everything and everyone will be at the right place on site at the right moment.
In a sentence, no more people wandering around not knowing what they are supposed to do or where their equipment and materials are.
5. Knowledge workers are taking over
Last but certainly not least, the upcoming changes in the industry’s workforce. It is no exaggeration to mention that the future construction workers will be knowledge workers and data managers.
In that aspect, it’s extremely important for anyone in the sector to understand the multilevel role of data in the construction process. Moreover, with the extensive use of robotics to be around the corner the need for tech-savvy individuals who can adjust easily to the new reality is of great importance.
In a nutshell, digital technologies have generated a unique opportunity for the construction industry to attract fresh ambitious talent with high specialisation digital technologies.
Final word
All in all, it becomes evident that the construction industry is undergoing a substantial paradigm shift. Digital technologies are leading this change and a more efficient and digitised construction sector is much closer than many might think.
About the author
Anastasios Koutsogiannis is Content Marketing Manager at GenieBelt. He has a master’s degree in Cognition and Communication and a professional background in communication and content creation. Geniebelt are exhibiting at DCW 2018 (Stand A59), it is an online construction project management software that helps you to run projects with ease and save budget.