Utilizing Technology to Maximize Operational Efficiency in Construction
Operational efficiency in construction refers to your ability to deliver projects in a cost-effective manner, without sacrificing work quality.
A good way to maximize operational efficiency is to use technology such as drones, wearable technology, and a field operations software system.
In fact, technology has proven so effective that half of all construction firms are investing into construction technology.
In this mini guide, we’ll explore how you can harness the power of technology to maximize operational efficiency, while examining some of the latest digital solutions available.
Key Technologies for Maximizing Operational Efficiency in Construction
If you’re thinking about maximizing operational efficiency, these technologies are a good starting point:
- Building information modeling (BIM)
- Field Operations Management
- Drones and aerial imaging
- Wearable technology
- Autonomous equipment
- Internet of Things (IoT) and smart sensors
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
BIM is technology that uses virtual models to create and manage information related to your construction project. These virtual models help you visualize buildings to identify potential design flaws.
Field Operations Management
Having an efficient field operations management software system allows you and your team to streamline entire projects through a single platform. For example, a field ops tool like SiteCapture provides the ability to complete project scopes, create estimates, track projects end to end, capture photos and data, and deliver real-time reporting all from a single app on your mobile device.
Drones and Aerial imaging
Drones and aerial imaging have become an industry standard over the last few years because they conduct inspections in a fraction of the time it takes a human to do it, shortening project completion time.
Wearable Technology
More and more businesses are empowering construction workers with wearable technology such as exoskeletons, smart glasses, and medical alert pendants. It keeps workers safe and streamlines process improvement.
Autonomous Equipment
Autonomous equipment is anything that uses sensors to identify humans and obstacles. A few examples of autonomous equipment in construction include autonomous vehicles, robots, warehouses, and factory systems.
Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Sensors
Internet of Things (IoT) are systems that connect with one another to automate tasks that humans typically complete.
Think about sensors that manage site conditions, software that track equipment fleets, and wearables like smartwatches and AR (Augmented Reality) goggles.
Benefits of Utilizing Technology for Operational Efficiency in Construction
Here are a few reasons why construction companies are utilizing technology more now than ever:
- Communication improvement
- Increase accuracy and productivity
- Resource optimization
- Enhanced safety and risk management
- Streamlined capacity planning and change management
Communication Improvement
The most significant benefit that construction technology offers is improved communication and collaboration.
For example, if you’re utilizing a field operations tool, employees in the field can seamlessly use their tool to communicate with their back-office teams and keep the entire team updated.
Increased Accuracy and Productivity
You can also use software to create and store confidential documents such as contracts, invoices, drawings, specifications, and legal files.
This allows you to hand in documents on time and accurately, in compliance with government regulations. Since everyone in your team knows where this information is, they can access it quickly, boosting productivity.
Resource Optimization
AI in construction is becoming popular because it lets you easily manage resources and labor for a project. You’ll know precisely how much concrete, brick, and wood is needed and can prepare when running low.
Enhanced Safety and Risk Management
When you analyze big data, you’ll notice patterns that often lead to on-site accidents. Maybe there are missing guards on the equipment, or there’s an increase in falling objects. With this insight, you can introduce new safety measures, promoting continuous improvement.
Streamlined Capacity Planning and Change Management
An excellent way to stand out when making a bid is to create a 3D model of your project using AI.
This detailed planning shows the client, as well as your employees, how you’re going to design and construct a building. 3D models also streamline project planning and lean management down the line because everything is already laid out; there’s no need to improvise along the way.
How SiteCapture Increases Operational Efficiency
SiteCapture is cloud automation software system for field operations built around the needs of construction companies. It allows you to manage all your field activities from one place, giving you complete control over your project.
With the ability to fully customize forms and templates, teams can outline all of the required information needed to calculate costs allowing your field teams to complete project scope and create estimates in real-time.
In addition, SiteCapture allows you to fully customize surveys. These custom surveys are then easily accessible out in the field on your team’s mobile devices. They’re able to easily go through the survey, capture photos right in the app, and fill in the essential fields with the required data. This eases the process for your field teams and keeps projects moving on track at a fast pace while ensuring all critical data is captured.
In the end, managers are able to deliver custom-branded PDF reports that include all of the project data captured at a simple click of a button. All of this cuts down on unnecessary time wasted on a project and ultimately increases operational efficiency.
The Biggest Challenge You’ll Face when Utilizing Technology in Construction
The most common problem we see businesses face when integrating technology into construction is employee adoption.
Most workers already have a clear process they follow when completing a job. Although it isn’t the most efficient process, it’s a process they’ve used for years and know well. There will naturally be pushback as soon as you introduce something new to this process.
This is why we recommend providing training and best practices to show employees how workflow efficiency can improve their lives. Demonstrating the benefits up front and making it easy on them is critical to successful user adoption.
Maximize Operational Efficiency with SiteCapture
Using technology to maximize operational efficiency is no longer optional; it’s necessary for business success.
So if you’re thinking about utilizing technology to save money, improve standardization, and speed up your construction projects, consider SiteCapture.
SiteCapture is built around the needs of construction companies as you can manage your entire project in one dashboard. This gives you complete control, allowing you to offer your services at affordable prices and without harming your profit margins. Sign up for a free SiteCapture trial today!
