New Technology, New Opportunities

Today’s construction software is designed to help streamline and simplify everything from payroll and HR to project management and estimating. Yet, the construction industry is notoriously slow at adopting technology. A 2020 National Construction Payment Survey by Levelset reported only 53% of construction businesses used some kind of digital application to coordinate real-time field work — and more surprisingly, 20% don’t use any construction software at all!

No matter what your company struggles with, technology can help better your business. On the next page, we discuss some of the top software and technology trends this year, all developed with our industry in mind.

Mobile data capture

Documenting a project from start to finish is critical. But let’s face it … your team can’t be everywhere all the time (even though it seems like they’re always traveling to and from jobsites). With mobile data capture, everything that’s documented in the field can be instantly uploaded and accessible to others both on and off the construction site, which reduces communication delays. Collecting real-time data makes your team more efficient, helps save time (and errors) and allows project leaders and stakeholders to make more informed, data-based decisions.

Sensor technologies

Wi-Fi connected sensors can be used to track materials and better manage construction equipment by collecting data that can be used to identify maintenance issues or repairs. Wearable sensors are also a powerful risk management tool on any jobsite. By collecting environmental and worker data, they can be used to prevent injuries and accidents through alerts and analytics. Using this technology, even on a small scale, can have big benefits. Consider incorporating PPE with wearable sensors into your next safety budget to better analyze and improve worker safety.

Drone Technology

Drone technology isn’t new. They’ve long been used in the military, but are only recently being adopted in civilian industries like real estate and construction. Why? Because they’re valuable tools with nearly limitless applications. Today’s drones are equipped with GPS, cameras and thermal and infrared sensors, allowing them to quickly survey large landscapes and send data back for teams to better visualize large-scale projects. Plus, their aerial views are unmatched, giving clients a bird’s eye view of a project’s progress. Drones can also be used as site surveillance to help prevent damage or theft of site equipment — and keep projects moving on time and on budget.

Implementing new technologies can come with challenges, but the accessibility you’ll get from today’s connected devices keeps you in the know at all times, no matter where your jobs take you. Investing in technology is a worthwhile solution to solve inefficiencies, increase productivity and create new opportunities to boost your bottom line.