Construction companies have very “hands on” responsibilities. For example, one struggle can be visual inspections – a task which typically requires crew on-site to perform. How can someone on-site adequately describe a troubling situation in a manner that a repair crew knows what the problem is without being physically present?
Technology can be intimidating, but it provides opportunities that otherwise would not exist. For example, rather than just describe a situation, photos and videos can be stored digitally via the cloud and provide all information necessary for a repair crew to know what they are walking into before they arrive, as well as contact their PoC in real time.
Let’s take a look at some of the many ways technology can drive a construction company’s Return On Investment (ROI) while increasing efficiency and safety.
Technology And Construction Companies
Technology can assist with small and large efficiencies. But, small or large, the ROI can be significant over time. Think about the example above. How much time would a repair crew spend trying to decipher handwriting, understand the handwriting, and interpret that writing into a visual representation of the concern? How much information can you get from a voicemail? What if the status has changed since it was first reported and now there is no direct way to convey those changes to your point of contact?
Drone Technology
Drone technology is coming to the forefront of efficiencies in construction. No matter what size the construction firm is, drone technology can provide value. The ability to survey large properties and get aerial shots of otherwise hard-to-reach places is crucial to helping small teams make the most of their resources and manpower. Improved efficiency can make a difference in ROI no matter what size your company is.
Multiple engineers can work on other tasks if a drone can complete some of its quantity analysis responsibilities or other tasks that crew would normally be dedicated to handling. In addition, flying a drone daily over a worksite can save a great deal of time.
The efficiencies possible due to drone technology allows a company to focus on what is next and what is going to bring their business to the next level. Drone technology can be put in use immediately and implemented with little training. Drones are user-friendly and, unlike people, can get right to work while users can quickly learn the skills to operate them.
Additionally, drones can go in places where people should not go. Thus, they allow people to remain safe while still accessing 3D visuals of the area in question. This is especially useful for enclosed spaces and hazardous sites.
Benefits Of Additional Technology In Construction
Technology can improve the daily work in construction in several ways. Here are some additional technologies that are being used in construction and their benefits.
Radios
Radios provide communication abilities in real-time, which helps to avoid delays due to the inability to communicate.
GPS
GPS allows teams to know exactly where an object or person is. Not only can this easily portray which phase of work a person is up to, but it also will show if there are delays. These delays could be due to a safety concern. Can you imagine how long it may take to find a worker if there is a catastrophic event and no GPS? Time is not only money but could be a life.
Software
Different types of software help to create designs, track procedures, materials, and more. Without technology, forecasts can be faulty and delay projects. Estimation and takeoff software may allow a miscalculation to be caught far more early on in a project, and will account for variance within a margin. This catch can save money, time and increase the chances of future contracts.
Hardware
Hardware can be handheld, mounted in vehicles, or at headquarters. Choosing a device depends upon their application and needs of the user as well as the location needed.
Un-manned Rovers
Rovers can help with safety. For example, if a survey needs to occur at a site that may be hazardous, a rover can accomplish the task with no risk to human lives. This efficiency is possible because a rover can provide just as much visual information as a person physically going to check out the conditions, while allowing the operator to document their findings safely and remotely.
Interactive Technology For Construction Companies
Each of these technologies can proactively reduce issues that result in downtime and can positively affect your ROI through client confidence, more accurate estimates, and shortened lead times. Financially, this proactivity can keep a business thriving. Conversely, being slow to adopt modern technologies that offer time and efficiency benefits allows a construction business to fall behind the more streamlined services that other companies offer.
The more proactive and efficient your business is, the more your business can grow and be hyper-competitive with others in the same industry.
Achieve Growth Through Technology
At Construction Technology Partners, we specialize in helping you effectively understand how new and emerging construction technology can drive productivity and grow your business. We work with all brands, so you can get the most out of your technology investment. Think of us as your one-stop shop for machine systems, site setup, training and data solutions.
As our industry rapidly grows, the skilled labor shortage increases too. But schedules stay just as tight, and there’s still an expectation of the same quality. The sad truth is, if you don’t keep up, you’re going to be left behind. Construction Technology Partners will help you get the most out of your technology investment, so you can reduce your risk of onsite problems, increase the likelihood of your projects being completed on time and stay competitive. Contact us today, and let’s talk about how we can help you stay ahead of the game.