Digitisation has enabled businesses in various sectors to carry out operations efficiently, resulting in higher productivity and eventually increased profits. The construction industry but has seen low adoption of digitisation when compared with other industries. But things are changing slowly, but surely. Here’s a look at the current state of digitisation in the construction industry.
The penetration of digitisation in the construction sector
The changing dynamics of the construction sector have led to increased adoption of digitisation. Some factors that have contributed to the adoption of digitisation in construction include:
Changing client expectations
The expectations of customers have changed significantly in recent years. When individuals are looking to buy a new property, they are now looking for tailored customised homes. Properties are being looked at as products, and individuals want customised products that help them stand out from the crowd.
Homes, offices, and other properties where individuals spend their time daily are expected to make their lives feel ‘connected.’ They want real-time information about their homes and office spaces, even if they are not physically present. This has given rise to the adoption of IoT devices that help individuals get real-time information. Users are also able to carry out most of the tasks simply by interacting with IoT devices.
New-generation startups
A new generation of leaders has emerged not only in the construction industry but across all sectors. The startup culture, led by young entrepreneurs, is flourishing and is seeing significant growth. These dynamic young entrepreneurs are technologically aware. They very well realise the benefits of various technology. And they have embraced technology in many forms.
Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision see prominence, and rightly so. These technologies can be utilised in many ways, such as in IoT devices, and these technologies help streamline many work operations in the construction industry. These technologies are easily accessible and can even be used on mobile devices across various mobile operating systems. The adoption of digitisation in the construction industry is only expected to grow further, with new startups entering the construction industry every day.
Advancements in technologies
There have been significant advancements in hardware and software over the years, in general. It wasn’t long ago that we had clunky black and white display mobile devices, and now we have mobile phones that can display around a billion colour combinations.
Similarly, advancements in technologies have enabled construction companies to streamline their work processes. It has helped improve collaboration at construction sites and offices. The growth of digitisation in the construction industry can be attributed to advancements in technologies such as artificial intelligence, which has given rise to predictive analytics that has helped construction companies better forecast project outcomes.
For instance, with technology such as AI, ML, and predictive analytics, one can accurately predict the cost of land for sale in future years, the most efficient design of the building, and how to proceed with the construction process, significantly helping the businesses involved.
The benefits of digitisation in the construction industry
The penetration of digitisation in the construction industry has brought along with it a plethora of benefits. Here’s a look at some major benefits the construction industry has seen.
Simplified project management
Digitisation has enabled us to manage a project through mobile and desktop web-based apps easily. Moreover, apps with artificial intelligence capabilities can automatically divide resources and define the period for completion, depending on the task.
These apps also help track the work progress in real-time and send alerts to authorities if a task is running behind schedule or is seeing financial overruns. Thus, every bit of information is available within the app, and project management is simplified.
Improved collaboration
The construction industry has teams at the office and construction sites, and employees need constant communication and collaboration to ensure work moves smoothly. But, employees always have faced a communication gap, which has led to arguments between employees and resulted in work delays.
Digitisation helps improves communication as it provides tools for real-time collaboration and data updates. Employees can check the timely progress of tasks and carry out risk assessment at the earliest.
Increased savings
Naturally, improved communication results in fewer delays. This means that your projects are progressing as planned. This helps save costs associated with delayed projects. It helps prevent cost overruns as tasks can be carried out with the highest efficiency.
Digitisation has entered the construction industry and is here to stay. It is expected to penetrate the sector even further, paving the way for tremendous growth for the sector. Companies involved in the construction sector should embrace digitisation at the earliest if they have not done it already. Or else they risk losing out on competitors.
