Construction has been an on-site job ever since humans developed the need for stable shelter. However, technological advancements have redefined how work is conducted on construction sites, leaving room for remote work. While much of the laborious work is still hands-on, technology is modifying on-site roles.
The global construction market is expected to grow from $10.43 trillion in 2023 to $16.10 trillion by 2030. To keep up with this projected rapid rise, technological adoption has become integral to enhancing safety, efficiency and productivity in sites. Here’s how construction technology is influencing jobs in the industry:
1. Project Management and Collaboration
In the olden days of traditional construction, on-site project management involved constant back-and-forth communication between the job site and the office to coordinate all the project facts. Unfortunately, the absence of a single team member can immediately affect communication, especially if data is siloed and expectations are poorly defined.
Today, cloud-based software and mobile apps bridge construction technology with management to streamline the process. The entire team has access to real-time updates and can collaborate on the go. These tools expedite access to documents, schedules and project timelines to improve workflow efficiency and reduce delays.
For example, construction managers can use software to track timecards, expense reports and other critical documents from their mobile devices without traveling from site to office. This eliminates the need for paper-based systems and helps to keep all stakeholders on the same page. The implementation of mobile apps ensures that project managers and on-site workers can communicate instantly and share data on task completion and equipment availability.
2. Improved Safety Monitoring
Because construction is a high-hazard industry, prioritizing worker safety is paramount. Technologies like drones, wearables and artificial intelligence (AI) give safety officers the confidence to monitor the job site remotely. This enhanced safety means there’s no need to walk around the site to verify and describe risks. Additionally, construction personnels’ overall health and well-being also become easier to monitor.
Drones, for example, have become invaluable for site assessments and inspections. Tasks that used to require human workers to climb scaffolding or ladders are now safer as drones equipped with high-definition cameras easily survey areas. Drones can also track construction progress in real time, allowing project managers to assess timeline alignment.
Wearables like smart helmets and vests have become game-changers for on-site safety. These devices provide real-time data on worker movements, fatigue levels and environmental conditions. For instance, smart helmets with the latest construction technology, such as augmented reality (AR) capabilities, can warn of potential hazards, while smart vests can track vital signs and detect abnormalities.
3. Site Security Monitoring
Construction site theft remains a persistent issue, with approximately 12,000 burglaries occurring each year. Perimeter breaches can lead to costly project delays and damage to client relationships, especially if critical equipment, tools and materials are stolen or damaged.
Fortunately, emerging security technologies such as remote surveillance cameras, motion detectors and smart sensors provide new opportunities to protect assets and improve overall site security. These systems allow 24/7 remote monitoring to detect and address suspicious activity quickly.
4. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Technology has always been instrumental in developing the construction industry and today the use of AI across the sector is yielding notable advantages.
Generative design software powered by machine learning analyzes large amounts of data to suggest more efficient, cost-effective building designs. It helps reduce material waste, construction time and the likelihood of cost overruns. In addition, AI tools optimize energy-consuming components like HVAC systems and lighting, finding the most sustainable and energy-efficient design solutions.
AI also benefits supply chain management and proactive equipment maintenance. Leveraging predictive analytics ensures the timely procurement and delivery of materials, helping to prevent shortages or overages and optimizing inventory.
5. Enhance Remote Oversight
For many years, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been a groundbreaking technology in the construction industry. As tools have advanced, so too have their possibilities. BIM allows project teams to assemble intricate 3D building models before construction. Because these models are available remotely, engineers, architects and construction managers can collaborate and monitor progress from anywhere.
Integrating BIM with other tools, like drones and AI, allows teams to produce a live, virtual image of the building site. This degree of thorough, real-time control simplifies identifying issues early and making adjustments, all without interfering with the project’s general progress. Additionally, gaining remote access to BIM models enhances communication between all project participants, lowering the possibility of misunderstandings and errors.
The construction industry is evolving rapidly, and remote work is becoming integral to the transformation. While on-site workers still perform essential tasks, new tech enables construction companies to manage projects more efficiently, enhance safety and ensure smoother collaboration across different teams.
As remote monitoring and data analysis become more prevalent, the roles of on-site workers and project managers will continue to change, allowing for better oversight, fewer delays and improved safety standards.
Want to get started on a construction career pathway that aligns with your interests? Check out CareerStarter! This FREE resource supports job seekers, employers and educators interested in making connections in the construction industry.
