It can be challenging to differentiate in the wide ecosystem of the construction industry. Within each subset of engineering, design-build firms, or specified products – there are tremendous similarities in each category. One of the most effective ways of overcoming this “sea of sameness” is to consider the problems of tomorrow that you will be solving. Your ability to demonstrate your capacity to solve new problems and incorporate new technologies can set you apart as a potential partner with the capacity for innovative thinking and experience to bring new ideas to any project.
According to Research and Markets, the global construction industry is expected to reach an estimated $10.5 trillion by 2023, and it is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2018 to 2023, at this pace pen, paper, and traditional spreadsheets are quickly becoming less common as they tend to be less cost-effective and efficient. We speak to construction companies often and the need for innovation and thought leadership in this space is paramount. Increasing urbanization and a growing population both ensure that the outlook for global construction industries is good and these six technology trends for construction companies are on the rise!
Use of Drones in Construction
One of the latest innovations in construction is the use of drones for aerial inspections and data collection. 26 percent of SMB construction professionals are either using them already or plan to use them by 2020.
Additionally, surveying can take up to a month to complete a detailed survey of the construction site. Self-flying drones can ensure that the same work gets done in minutes, saving time and physical labor costs.
Virtual Augmented Reality
Virtual and augmented reality have been going strong across a variety of industries. It makes sense that they are showing up as future trends in construction. It allows for improved collaboration, 3-D modeling, and even increasing worker safety. However, the cost is still considerably high, making it prohibitive for many construction companies. Surveys have shown that many construction companies are interested in using it in the next several years once the cost comes down a bit.
Wearable Technology
One exciting new construction technology is wearable technology. For 2018, we feel this is an experiment well worth trying out! Even some professional football teams are utilizing wearables as the most advanced and efficient form of communication with the coach. Various forms of wearable technology are being used in the construction industry, primarily for safety. This includes being able to detect a fall as well as balance issues. It can also help to improve communication between workers who are on site with the managers who may be in a corporate building somewhere else.
Robotics
There is a lot going on in the world of robotics happening, making it one of the 2018 trends to be looking for. While the robotics industry has a long way to go, they’re capable of introducing a cheaper, faster, and safer way to work on a construction site. There are already quite a few examples of robotics in the construction field, including masonry construction robots and self-driven vehicles. By using these, it boosts productivity across the construction site because you can use skilled labor for what they are good at as opposed to the menial tasks that they may have to deal with throughout the day.
3D Printers and Scanners
3D printers are one of the trends that more and more construction professionals are taking advantage of. The cost of implementation is considerably lower than it has been in the past. Only approximately 4% of contractors are using the technology, showing that there still is a significant amount of room to grow. 3-D printers can be used to create models for selling a home or building before the construction is done. It can also be used for creating templates on site for workers to use for consistency.
Cloud-Based Construction and Management Software
Construction and management software are future trends in construction. Located in the cloud they offer a number of benefits as well. It is entirely accessible in the field, eliminating the need to be sitting at a desk. The software can provide real-time data and provide detailed data to help with decision-making. It offers construction professionals with a higher level of accountability, efficiency, and transparency. If there are problems, such as low-efficiency rates or budget overruns, using some level of project management software can be the best possible solution.
The software can be used in the field on smartphones and tablets as well as at the office. It’s the beauty of having the software found in the cloud. Plus, the data will be spread across multiple departments, giving you insight into the entire workings of the construction project at hand.
Construction technology trends for 2018 will continue to grow as the need for modern technology in the construction industry continues to grow. With so much technology available, it’s important to know how it can benefit your construction company. Don’t assume that the technology is for another industry. You may be able to create a safer workplace and improve efficiencies on many levels. It simply a matter of knowing how it will help you with growth.
It’s a good idea to calculate your growth building score before you begin investing in a strategy. You can identify and prioritize the profit opportunities that exist for your business.
How does Your AEC Firm Measure Up?
If you’re interested in how to improve AEC Marketing and grow revenues, one of the best ways to start is with a Calculation of Your Growth Score. Your Score! is a measure of your ability to grow your firm. The diagnostic assessment measures 65 points across 10 essential Growth “Cores”.
