Let’s take a look at the key construction trends and see what we should prepare for:
Construction Technology Advancements and Integration
Adoption of new technology is one of the basic construction industry trends to look out for. Imagine bringing a site by being able to view a 3D plan or BIM model through VR glasses, visualizing the plan whilst standing on the incomplete site. Digital twins and predictive design through augmented/virtual reality and BIM during planning can minimize costs and accelerate the development timeline for huge and complex projects. More number of construction companies jump in the digital era and see the advantages of introducing these technologies with their processes.
Artificial intelligence, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, Augmented reality, digital twins and robotics are terms that we will undoubtedly be hearing more and more. The benefits of 3D printing in construction have just been explored and benefited by in many construction companies around the globe. Reducing waste and automated production not restricted by site staff’s working hours are a few of its advantages over conventional construction.
Drones, obviously, are as of now already taking a large place in technology in construction. They are already used for performing inspections which can be dangerous for a human to surveying huge areas in short period of time. Unquestionably, they have hugely contributed to increased efficiency and providing a more secure environment and will keep on continuing to play an important role.
Higher Material Costs
In a more vulnerable post-Brexit scenario and potentially a weaker pound, the costs of the construction materials will inevitable increase. This is another construction industry trend to be ready for. It may have a strong negative impact on the financial management in construction companies as many of the materials are brought from abroad. Businesses should be prepared for a fluctuation in the cost of the construction materials or would need to start assessing the costs and advantages of trading directly with manufacturing organizations in the UK. Unfortunately, the cost could indirectly be affected by import or delivery delays too. We know delivery delays happen as often and furthermore it is common that a project may be postponed whilst waiting for the right materials. Site staff not working is extra labour cost everybody can do without.
Future-Proof and Sustainable
Over the recent years, construction companies have been exposed to a growing number and stricter environmental regulations. Improved effectiveness and limited carbon emission are basic. That, of course, has considerably affected service designs for quite a while. Energy efficiency, better thermal performance, recycling old materials and reducing waste are a few of the important areas that construction companies would need to keep on remembering and streamline.
Better control over your materials spends and usage promotes more sustainable operation controlling spend for resources that the project may not necessarily required. It is also important that the cost of wastes materials is unquestionably more than simply hiring a skip. Your business needs to account the cost for the construction materials that go to waste, the labour that will handle with the waste materials on location and any extra costs identified with storage, disposal and so on.
Labour Shortage
Finding qualified and loyal work force is a challenge in each industry now-a-days. However, it is even more in construction. Not only are labours and trades hard to recruit but they can also drive the costs up. This is because of both a tight market and limited time. When deadlines are looming, most of the construction businesses will try to accelerate the project delivery by employing extra labour.
With the swirl of uncertainty originating from the various prospects of Brexit, the workforce in the construction industry will be vigorously affected. An expected 7% of the construction laborers are EU27 nationals and if we look at the numbers for London, we see the stunning 28%. Takeoff from the EU could lead to shortage of skilled workforce and potentially increased cost because of demand outstripping supply.
Improved Safety
Another key construction industry trend to watch out is the use of exoskeletons. We could speak for quite a long time about the apparent advantage that exosuits could bring to the sector. Grown initially for military and introduced in healthcare, exosuits are metal systems fitted to increase the laborer’s strength. Moving heavy loads or holding up heavy hand tools for a long period of time when a laborer is ‘suited’ mean less injuries due to overwork or accidents, less fatigue and better workmanship. Having different variations and design for example arm support, back support or entire body suits, exosuits are not just upgrading natural abilities and quality of life, but also certainly having an effect on the industry and the years to come.
Digital Security
Security is and should be one of the principle reasons why organizations in general think about moving to the cloud. Maintaining your business from the cloud will be one of the trends to watch and for a reason. In world where cyber crime is a daily occurrence, we all try to protect identity, sensitive data and vulnerable business data. While compromising key data is difficult is likely to occur if laptops gets stolen or hacked, breaching the cloud security is troublesome. It provides unparalleled security for your data and enhances cooperation on various levels – between departments, with partners/providers and with your field staff. Could this be the start of ‘connected construction’ and end of miscommunication and inefficient meetings?
Smart Project Management
All in one integrated digital solutions tailored to the business allow entrepreneurs and directors to profit from real time data and report to make better informed decisions managing resources, controlling expenses and maximizing margins. These new technologies take project control a long ways past the cost overrun calculations and construction delays documenting. They improve the way in which construction companies make decisions and run their organizations. With an all-in-one software solution, business pioneers have full visibility on their projects, cost to complete and anticipated margins identifying and addressing to any issues early. Having an integrated solution allowing you to make some real-time detailed overview of your business turns into a competitive advantage.
