The construction industry is one of the oldest and largest industries in the world, but it is also one of the most inefficient. Construction projects are often late, over budget, and riddled with problems. However, information technology (IT) is rapidly changing the construction industry, making it more efficient, productive, and safer. Below are some innovative ways IT is solving industry issues of the past. 

Data Collection Apps

One of the most important ways the construction industry is being transformed is through data collection apps. These apps allow construction workers to collect data on the job site in real time. This data can then be used to track progress, identify problems, and make better decisions.

For example, one data collection app called Fieldwire allows construction workers to track the progress of a project, submit photos and reports, and communicate with each other in real time. This app has helped to improve communication and coordination on construction sites, resulting in fewer delays and problems. 

Fieldwire app for construction

Drones

Drones are another way that IT is transforming the construction industry. Drones can be used to survey job sites, inspect structures, and deliver materials. This can save time and money, and it can also help to improve safety.

For example, one company called Skycatch uses drones to survey job sites. This allows the company to create accurate 3D models of the site, which can then be used to plan and execute the construction project. Using this multiplier has helped to save Skycatch’s clients millions of dollars from all of the data and modeling their drones produced.

Drones for construction

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software

Building information modeling (BIM) software is a powerful tool that can be used to create a digital representation of a building. These digital models can be used to plan, design, and construct a building more efficiently and cut down on design costs.

BIM software can also be used to simulate the construction process, which can help to identify and resolve potential problems before they occur. Some examples of BIM software are AutoCAD, Navisworks, Infurnia, Vectorworks Architecture, Autodesk Revit, and Autodesk BIM 360. DataCAD is one of the longest active service in the industry at 30 years. No matter what software is chosen they all purport to save time and money, and try to help improve safety. 

BIM software for construction

Virtual Reality and Wearables

Virtual reality (VR) and wearables are two other technologies that are being used to revolutionize the construction industry. VR can be used to create a virtual environment that allows construction workers to experience a building before it is built. This can help to identify potential problems and improve safety.

Wearables, such as smart glasses and headsets, can be used to provide construction workers with real-time information about the job site. This information can help workers to be more productive and to make better decisions. 

Companies like XYZ Technologies boast new development in hardware and software integration product like their new system call the Atom which they say ” The Atom is a powerful, custom-built engineering tool combining a construction safety headset, augmented reality displays and in-built computing power.  With the Atom, construction teams can view and position holograms of 3D design models to millimeter accuracy onsite. ”  Systems like this are the cutting edge of what is available and adaptable for what’s to come. 

Virtual reality in industrial design white paper from VARJO

3D Printing

3D printing is a technology that is being used to create prototypes, molds, and even entire buildings. 3D printing can save time and money, and it can also help to improve safety.

For example, one company called Apis Cor uses 3D printing to create buildings. Apis Cor’s 3D printers can print a house in just 24 hours. They also state on their website that they “Not only have we constructed the largest 3D printed building in the world, we additionally printed a commercial building in Boca Chica, Texas and received the highest awards in NASA’s Space Habitat Challenge. Now, we are ready to bring automated construction to every builder in America. This is much faster and cheaper than traditional construction methods.” (Apis COR) The techniques used by Apis Cor and others like them will hopefully address a variety of problems troubling the housing industry.

3D printing for construction

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another technology that is being used to revolutionize the construction industry. AI can be used to automate tasks, identify problems, and make better decisions.

For example, one company called Pavegen uses AI to monitor the energy consumption of construction sites. Pavegen’s AI system can identify areas where energy is being wasted, and it can then recommend ways to improve efficiency. 

Artificial intelligence for construction

The construction industry is constantly evolving, and information technology (IT) is playing a major role in this transformation. The specific technologies discussed in this article are just a few of the ways that tech is changing the construction industry. As these technologies continue to develop, they will have an even greater impact on the industry, making it more efficient, productive, and safer.

Here are some specific examples of how IT is solving industry issues of the past:

• Data collection apps are helping to improve communication and coordination on construction sites, resulting in fewer delays and problems.
• Drones are being used to survey job sites, inspect structures, and deliver materials, which can save time and money, and improve safety.
• Building information modeling (BIM) software is being used to create digital representations of buildings, which can help to plan, design, and construct buildings more efficiently and cut down on design costs.
• Virtual reality (VR) and wearables are being used to create virtual environments that allow construction workers to experience a building before it is built, which can help to identify potential problems and improve safety.
• 3D printing is being used to create prototypes, molds, and even entire buildings, which can save time and money, and improve safety.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to automate tasks, identify problems, and make better decisions, which can help to improve efficiency and safety.

The construction industry is facing a number of challenges, including rising costs, labor shortages, and environmental regulations. However, emerging technologies can help to address these challenges and make the construction industry more sustainable and efficient.