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Technology has revolutionized how we do things, and the construction industry is no exception. From using drones to the adoption of 3D printing and virtual reality (VR), the construction industry continues to embrace new technologies that can help contractors minimize costs, improve efficiency and create safer worksite environments. Yet, these are not the only benefits of technology in construction. There is more for contractors, construction managers, construction companies and even employees to gain from the tech, which explains the continued uptake in the use of these technologies. 

Traditionally cautious in technology adoption, players in the construction industry are changing their mindset. According to KPMG’s 2023 Global Construction Survey, 81% of energy and construction (E&C) firms are adopting mobile platforms with 40% using robotics process automation. In addition, 78% of the respondents in the 2023 survey stated that the adoption of technology influenced the success of their organizations in dealing with disruptive events. 

To further appreciate the role of these technologies, we’ll explore some of the main advantages of information technology in construction. 

Examples of Construction Technology

Construction technology is a collection of machinery, software, applications and various tools applied in various stages of the construction process. Before diving into the benefits of modern technology in construction, let’s look at five examples:

• Drones: In construction, drones are used to conduct site inspections to identify potential hazards, survey job sites, identify maintenance needs not visible to the human eye, and more. 
• 3D printing: This technology allows architects and engineers to create detailed 3D models of buildings and structures. 3D designs are more accurate and reduce errors.
• Building information modeling (BIM): This software provides construction teams with digital representations of a project’s physical and functional characteristics.
• Virtual reality and wearables: Virtual reality can be used to simulate the construction process, identify potential problems and test different solutions before beginning construction. Wearables help ensure the safety of construction workers.
• Mobile technology: Mobile applications can be used for data collection and virtual meetings.

These technologies are changing how the construction industry operates, and new technologies will change how future projects are constructed and completed. One of the advantages of using modern technology in construction is that it places construction firms in a strategic position to swiftly adapt to changing technological trends. Companies already using these technologies will find it easy to adopt new iterations of these technologies in the future. 

Construction Technology Benefits

Like any other investment, it’s in your best interest to know the benefits of the tool or product you want to purchase. Construction technologies have been used long enough in the industry to bear remarkable results as evidence of their usefulness. 

Here are some of the major advantages of technology in construction.  

1. Increases Productivity 

With the increasing demand for efficiency in the construction industry, construction firms have embraced various types of technologies as reliable tools for boosting their productivity. Each construction project can be different and require different processes, materials and expertise, making it difficult to standardize the process. However, with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), you can automate and streamline many processes and improve your team’s productivity.

Traditional approaches in construction and project management involve manual processes or outdated systems. It is difficult to share real-time information with these traditional systems. For example, designers had to manually draw sketches and send them to relevant construction personnel or clients for approval. With technologies like BIM, 3D printing and other construction software, construction managers can share sketches or illustrations and receive real-time feedback. 

BIM facilitates efficient collaboration and communication among engineers, architects and other construction managers, leading to a more streamlined project management process. This communication minimizes errors and ensures projects proceed according to the plan. 

Although adopting these technologies may require significant initial investment, these tools ultimately save you time and money. In an industry where project timelines are as important as the finished product, construction managers would be willing to invest in anything that can help them deliver quality results before the clients’ deadline. 

An additional benefit of information technology to the construction industry is increasing opportunities for more business. By finishing projects faster, you have time to take on more projects, and clients can see the quality workmanship of your finished projects. 

2. Improves Safety

The construction sector has traditionally been one of the most hazardous industries. Workers are exposed to hazards such as falls from rooftops and being struck by equipment. This is why construction companies take safety training seriously. The safety of construction workers has greatly improved through the adoption of technology. For example, drones are used to monitor various safety aspects of construction sites. 

Drones can be used to conduct inspections at height while the operator is safely on the ground. They are also used to monitor workers and ensure they adhere to various safety protocols set for the construction site. The drones have sensors for monitoring the quality of air and notifying people of unsafe air. 

Here are more examples of how construction technology has improved safety at the workplace:

• Virtual reality and augmented reality: These technologies are used in safety training programs to simulate actual construction environments. Workers are immersed in virtual construction environments and learn how to identify and respond to various hazards.
• Wearable devices: Smart vests and helmets are equipped with sensors to track location and vital signs. The devices provide instant alerts when emergencies occur, allowing for swift response.
• BIM: This software allows for the identification of potential safety issues during the design phase. This early detection makes it possible to develop preventive measures and ensure the project’s safety is observed from the beginning.  

Mobile devices also grant workers immediate access to safety manuals, protocols and checklists. They allow personnel to retrieve important safety information on the move, ensuring workers are aware of potential hazards. Workers can also use their phones to request assistance in case of emergencies. 

3. Help Overcome Labour Shortages 

CNBC reported in July 2023 that the American construction industry is facing an extreme labor shortage, estimating a shortage of 650,000 workers. CNBC also reported that greater use of technology is among the solutions experts recommend to bridge the gap. There are insufficient skilled construction workers to keep up with the growing demand for houses, schools, hospitals and other structures. As skilled employees retire, they’re not being replaced by the younger workforce. 

With the shortage of skilled workers, construction managers and contractors face the following challenges:

• Projects taking longer to complete
• Overworking current employees
• Higher chances of accidents
• Reducing productivity and quality control

According to a survey by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), 91% of construction companies face a hard time finding employees to hire. As more skilled construction workers retire, the adoption of modern construction technologies can help attract and retain younger tech-savvy workforce. In addition, technology can help reduce on-site work time using tools such as BIM. 

Many construction companies use drones, self-driving machinery and robotics to replace humans and perform tasks more accurately and efficiently. One drone can replace five people for expansive safety inspections and site monitoring. In addition, robots used for bricklaying or tying rebar can do the job faster without needing breaks. A quality control personnel can set the robot to work independently. 

Although labor shortages remain a problem, one of the key benefits of construction technology is bridging this gap to help contractors finish projects on time with fewer workers at the site.

4. Enable Efficient Collaborations 

Some construction sites can be large and involve many decision-makers, and progress can be slowed without reliable communication and collaboration tools. Construction managers no longer have to rely on emails to make project changes, offer suggestions or answer questions. Applications designed for communication and collaboration ensure information is shared in real time and encourage quicker and better decision-making.  

Data is collected and stored in a single source where authorized personnel can access and comment, make changes or respond in real time. In addition, project managers, contractors, architects, and clients can see how the project is progressing, and they can work together to complete the project on time and within budget. Messaging and video conferencing applications make it possible to have live communication and minimize the need for in-person meetings. 

5. Improve Project Qualities

One of the advantages of construction technology is that it allows contractors to use the most efficient tools available in the industry. A sketch drawn with the aid of software is of better quality than one drawn manually. By taking advantage of the best tools in the industry, contractors can improve the quality of their projects. Construction firms that use technologies can develop smarter structures by making better designs from scratch.

Construction software allow construction managers, architects and other relevant parties to share ideas, 3D models and sketches, making it possible to create smarter structures from the beginning of the project. In addition, the models can be simulated and tested for accuracy before work begins, ensuring no time is wasted constructing low-quality structures. 

3D printing also makes it possible to design buildings with concrete walls to withstand disasters. Building materials have been developed to protect buildings from tornados and hurricanes. 

6. Mitigate Project Uncertainties 

The construction process has various dynamics that can change the operations in specific stages. For example, a sudden change of weather may stall the construction process, eating into the time scheduled to complete the project. Contractors and construction managers must always prepare for these uncertainties and make plans for alternative processes to ensure project goals are achieved at each stage. 

Construction technology can help prevent or manage project risks by:

• Helping in contingency planning: Contractors can use past project data to collect information on actual risks that occurred and use the information to develop measures to prevent similar occurrences in future projects.
• Providing better communication channels: Open communication channels and real-time information sharing can help reduce misunderstandings. Poor communication can lead to poor project outcomes.
• Identifying and preventing safety risks: Tools like BIM can visualize the effect of changes before they’re implemented. This use case minimizes design errors and the likelihood of rework. 
• Detecting emerging risks in real time: Modern technologies provide you with real-time data you can use to detect and mitigate risks before they have a major impact on your construction project.

Virtual reality applications are some of the most useful tools for mitigating uncertainties in the construction industry. The applications allow contractors to make changes in the middle of construction to accommodate new requests or meet specific requirements. 

You put the virtual reality headset on, and you can virtually move forward in time or go backward to asses every possibility and make adjustments accordingly. This technology can help contractors identify and mitigate risks that can be potentially costly or hazardous. This demonstrates how construction technology can help you detect problems before you even start digging the foundation of your building project. 

7. Employee and Client Satisfaction 

One of the advantages of construction technology is that it makes it possible for construction firms to take advantage of automation. Construction technologies can automate repetitive tasks and free up time workers can use in other activities requiring critical thinking. In addition, these technologies make work easier, safer and more meaningful. A worker tasked with the responsibility of inspecting sites at height can now use drones without fear of the potential dangers associated with at-height sites. 

Before the innovation of these technologies, project managers, construction managers and other key decision-makers had challenges communicating efficiently with their clients. The clients had to frequently visit the sites to monitor the progress of their projects. Modern cloud-based construction technologies allow clients to stay updated on the progress of their projects without the need to visit the sites. Sketches and 3D models can be shared with the customers in real time for their approval. 

Why Invest in Construction Technology

We have not fully exhausted all the advantages of new technology in construction, but you can appreciate the significant impact these tools have in the construction industry. Imagine tools that can help you prevent accidents, secure the workplace, fill employee shortage gaps and enhance team collaboration. Yet, some construction companies have not embraced these technologies. 

Many contractors are unwilling to invest money and time in learning better ways of doing things they already know how to do. This explains why the construction industry historically has been one of the slowest sectors to innovate and digitize. A shortage of skilled labour, strong demand for infrastructure and increased stakeholder pressure for data integration and transparency are accelerating the adoption of construction technology. 

Embrace New Construction Technology With SITECH West  

Modern construction technologies can help streamline your operations and take your business to another level. In addition, in an industry with changing customer needs, having these technologies means you’re ready to take on any projects that come your way. SITECH West can help you get the right technologies for your construction projects. We serve the construction market’s advanced technology needs, with solutions ranging from engineering software and GPS systems to machine control systems and more. Learn more about our construction technology solutions and contact us for your construction technology needs.