Time is money. Whether you like it, dread it, hate it, or disapprove of it: it is true. Time is crucial in the construction industry. Those companies that have gone digital understand the adage as they have witnessed the repercussions of low-quality communication and coordination.
The architecture, engineering, and construction (ACE) companies and industries aren’t immune to these repercussions. It is time that we have a good look at this and address the issue directly.
How bad are hours and work lost due to avoidable issues?
The construction industry is laden with many avoidable and unavoidable issues, problems, and circumstances. It is unfortunately a complicated industry and due to avoidable issues, workers lose around 48 hours of work solving petty issues and looking for project information.
The inefficiency in the construction industry is rife. It is something construction companies find a hard time managing. It is also an issue no one can even afford to let go of or even ignore.
Building information modeling (BIM) and cloud-based technologies go hand in hand – how so?
The creation of building information modeling (BIM) and cloud-based collaboration technologies is a key player in revolutionizing approaches towards construction projects. Despite the availability of the needed tools and technologies, their adoption has been a far cry as per modern standards.
However, some companies have made things quite better. More than 75% of them provide employees and managers with mobile devices to keep things in check. However, less than 1/5th of them use them and associated apps consistently. The main usage has been text, phone calls, and email.
Technology in most construction companies is underutilized. If utilized in the right margin and direction, then any and all technological inefficiencies will be eventually resolved. But if technological underutilization exists then a missed opportunity for cost optimization and efficiency goes out of control.
Forensic delay analysis experts have witnessed a lot of technology companies adding clash automation, issue tracking, and mobile technologies with cloud-based collaboration tech and methods. They are essential for each construction project present.
These technologies combine Two-dimensional CAD and three-dimensional building information modeling in a unified digital environment. This can be viewed easily and accessed by the entire construction project management team on-site and off-site.
Clash detection technologies are a much better addition. They help companies look for any construction and design disputes, and manage them to a proper resolution. Collaborative issue-tracking modules help resolve costly removals and errors before they metastasize into delays or reworks.
The proven benefits of combining Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Cloud-based collaborative technologies
Combining BIM and cloud-based collaborative technologies has proven and undeniable benefits. The former allows for improved visualization, improved communication, amplified coordination, and seamless decision-making.
Combine them all with cloud-based tools and technologies, the impact is monumental and quite positive. They help facilitate real-time streamlined communication, smoothen workflows, process automation is possible and a unified source of information is available for all executives and stakeholders in any project. Teams are hence enabled to work smartly.
Are the success stories of using such technologies real? If so, why is the industry hesitant to amend?
The successes of using these technologies are real and undeniable. The industry however has become habitual of legacy technologies. This results in a lot of issues like construction claims, Project Advisory, work being delayed, etc.
The reasons why construction companies are hesitant to invest in such technologies are wide and many, ranging from regulatory burdens and fragmentation in decisions to a lack of investment in technology and Research and development (R&D).
Yet, the cost of inaction in this regard is quite high. Construction companies are at risk of delays, expenses getting overrun, and issues in quality without proper communication and coordination. Hence the construction industry cannot afford to ignore the available digital tools. Otherwise, the whole industry will end up in a circular conundrum.
When should construction companies be able to fix things?
The time for companies to change their approach towards technologies must change now. Yes, the tech is available and the benefits are clear. Construction companies can work with tech companies to help improve their communication processes to boost coordination and become more efficient. All of this however requires a strong commitment to making amendments and changing ways of working.
Industry professionals understand why companies lag behind. They also have an urge and feeling to help change the ways of work. They also feel that things need to change and become better than ever. Hence, challenging the status quo is a must, and striving for continuous improvement is key.
If God forbid, these changes do not happen; the industry will be back in a circular conundrum which can potentially cause its eventual downfall. A hybrid mix and set of technologies can be a good start but modernizing is key for the construction industry to thrive.