Technology Helps Contractors Handle Project Complexity

Brief 

Digital technologies are increasingly providing the answer for builders challenged by new and growing demands complicating their projects on several fronts. Jim Stephen of Microsol Resources explores solutions that leverage artificial intelligence, software, virtual and augmented reality, and data analytics.

Insight

The increased demand for high-quality, affordable buildings and structures has made construction projects more complex. Also, the fight against carbon emissions, environmental exploitation, and waste disposal problems is pushing the construction industry to adopt safer solutions.

As a result, there is an increasing integration of digital technologies in the construction industry in all facets of operations from the design phase to project completion. This is being done to make processes more efficient and safer. Here are some digital technologies applicable in the construction industry and how they help enhance efficiency.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence has become a vital tool in the construction industry that helps perform complex tasks faster. Using Artificial Neural Networks, constructors can predict costs based on the project size, contract type, and materials to prevent cost overruns.

This will help the construction company create a successful bid while maintaining its profit margins. Also, the building information modeling solution helps contractors create 3D models that give them insights to plan, construct, design, and repair buildings efficiently.

Construction projects have some risk factors, especially the bigger ones with multiple contractors working on different sites. Using AI, the project manager can determine the job site with the highest risks and allocate more resources to mitigate them, saving time and resources for the entire project.

The construction industry has the highest rate of workplace fatalities. But with AI, companies can use drones and cameras to detect careless workers’ behaviors that could lead to accidents, such as lack of protective equipment.

AI also helps improve productivity. Companies can now use self-driving construction machinery to perform repetitive tasks. This allows the team to focus on more labor-intensive jobs, reducing the time required to complete a project.