Once notoriously slow to adopt new technologies and ways of working, the digital construction marketplace is now growing by the day and projects are being transformed by advances in digital technology. Improvements can be seen across the board, from overall commercial performance to supply chain management and employee safety.

We take a look at how the industry is starting to embrace the digital revolution and which technologies are driving digital transformation in construction.

Construction in the cloud

Many paper-based, classroom processes such as workforce inductions and workforce management, have now been moved online thanks to the cloud.

For high-value construction sites, this can save thousands of site hours per year and this effective solution also translates to a reduction in the number of accidents, lower worker absenteeism and therefore lower insurance premiums for companies.

Moving workforce management to the cloud also increases productivity, due to the increased efficiency in job scheduling, real time performance dashboards and lower administration costs.

Surveillance cameras

The motives behind site surveillance cameras and cameras on machinery is expanding. Originally used solely for security purposes, they are now largely used to improve on-site safety.

Site footage can be collated and analysed, creating data to understand behaviours on-site in a bid to improve safety and become more efficient. 

4D and 5D construction modelling

Systems that allow 4 and 5D modelling of construction projects are hugely beneficial for companies.

Not only does it allow costs to be controlled but waste can also be reduced through this method of optimised planning. These systems allow the generation of complete and digital representations of construction projects, enabling full visualisation of builds should certain routes be taken.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

AI in construction, when it is properly trained, can analyse and categorise data much faster than a human operator, enabling enhanced decision-making and a clear picture of potential issues on a construction site.

Visual footage captured from on-site cameras can be scanned by AI and potential hazards or safety breaches can be flagged.

Autonomous equipment and robotics

Automation and robotics, including drones, are both allowing big advances in safety and efficiency on construction sites. Drones, for example, can be used to inspect safety issues on-site, saving the time of a technician and also preventing them having to scale potentially high scaffolding.

Driverless machines, such as diggers can also improve site efficiency, speeding up processes and allowing workers to remain away from any potentially hazardous situations.

These are just a few examples of how construction companies are now adopting a more digital-based approach to drive productivity and innovation. As a specialist construction finance provider, we’re excited to see how the evolution of digital technology will continue to shape the industry and provide new opportunities for the built environment.