ConstructConnect Blog

Building product manufacturers are faced with several challenges that big data and predictive analytics are ideally suited to solve. The key to unlocking the power of all this information is finding ways to structure and analyze the data collected data to make actionable decisions to improve their bottom line.

People are excited about autonomous cars and wonder if they'll forever change passenger transportation. However, the promise of autonomous machines is also making waves in the construction sector. How might it facilitate improvements in this industry soon?

This article was originally published on December 5, 2018. Last updated: April 16, 2020. What do a pickup truck, a nail gun, a portable circular saw, a cement mixer truck, and a modern hydraulic excavator all have in common? The obvious answer is that they are all tools and equipment commonly found on construction sites today. Another correct answer would be that they are all pieces of construction technology that didn’t exist 100 years ago.

As the light shines brighter on construction technology companies, it has become evident we are in a period of change in the industry. Equipment is getting smarter and rental companies are now able to do more with less.

With the spread of COVID-19, the construction industry has gone through drastic situations with the continuous loss of business and the suspension of projects. Considering these difficult times, the construction authorities and the government have imposed strict control regulations even for the construction declared essential.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has incredible implications for the field of construction. It's already proven its value in health care, manufacturing, transportation, and other industries where automation and systems management are critical. With its many applications, it has the potential to improve productivity and safety on jobsites.

Contractors are increasingly adopting new technologies to give themselves an edge over the competition. According to a recent study from USG Corp. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 74% of contractors expect to adopt advanced technology within the next three years. The majority of them are doing so to increase labor productivity.

Construction has been one of the slowest industries to adopt technology. That’s partly cultural—folks in the industry like to solve problems with their own ingenuity. Many firms are still family owned, and there’s still a lot of reverence for tradition. Finally, this is an industry with thin margins, where the first funding priorities are equipment and personnel.

The construction industry has a history of sticking to tried-and-true traditions, but the shiny newness of the digital age is making its way in. Many construction managers might be receptive to implementing new tech, but need strategies on how to secure companywide buy-in. Investigating options and benefits allows every worker to reap the benefits of a streamlined workplace.

Technology is rapidly changing how we design and construct the built environment. It's allowed us to build stronger, taller, and more energy efficient structures. Technology has made construction sites safer and workers more efficient. It has allowed us to increase productivity, improve collaboration, and tackle more complex projects.