By Patrick Hogan, handle.com

The construction industry has witnessed firsthand how technology has rapidly evolved in the last decades. Tools such as portable saws and nail guns were once considered fancy innovations, but they are now a staple in almost every construction project.

Other than highly advanced equipment, specialized construction software and other automation devices are also starting to become more popular among construction companies. This is because advancements in construction technology not only promote speed and efficiency, but they also boost worker safety and cost effectiveness in every project.

Below are some of the popular and emerging construction technologies that are currently available in the market. If you are a subcontractor and you are looking to improve your work practices across all aspects, you might want to consider investing in the following construction techs.

1. Building Information Modeling

Building Information Modeling or BIM technology is a digital innovation that allows you to model the physical and functional characteristics of a facility. BIM tech helps create an accurate model of a structure even before it is built, and the high degree of accuracy reduces the need for change orders during construction.

BIM technology also lets you collaborate with multiple stakeholders. It can even act as a central database for all documentations and other references, which increases transparency and improves communication lines among owners, contractors, subcontractors, and other parties.

2. Virtual Reality (VR) Technology

Virtual Reality or VR technology allows users to experience a simulation of real-life scenarios. In construction, VR technology can be particularly helpful for safety and operator training. It immerses your workers and operators in virtual reality situations, which makes training more efficient and meaningful.

Similar to VR, augmented reality or AR increases efficiency in the workplace. AR devices are able to supplement one’s knowledge about a worksite, and it can be great for identifying safety hazards. For example, wearing AR goggles can help you identify if the workers that you see are wearing proper protective equipment or not.

3. Wearable GPS and Sensors

To improve worker safety, you may want to consider investing in wearable technology. There are wearable GPS and sensors that can be used for geofencing among other functions. Geofencing is when site managers identify hazardous locations in a job site. If a worker steps into a hazardous area, the sensor will trigger a warning to prevent the worker from getting into an accident.

Wearable technology can also monitor the user’s posture, heart rate, and other info that can help flag possible health risks. If a worker is suffering fatigue, for example, the technology can alert the supervisors to act accordingly.  

4. Robots and Drones

Robots and drones are increasingly becoming more popular among construction businesses. These pieces of technology can handle repetitive tasks in ways that humans are not able to. For instance, robots are able to lay bricks and tie rebars continuously without needing to rest. However, robots still require humans to oversee their quality of work and to ensure that they do the job as expected.

Drones are also useful for aerial site inspections and for identifying possible safety hazards. They can also be used for asset management and inventory tracking, and also for taking images continuously in order to monitor and forecast project progress.

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Instead of relying on limited human capacities, using artificial intelligence or AI systems allows construction businesses to manage their data better. AI systems are able to process huge volumes of data and therefore help businesses make data-driven decisions.  

AI systems can be applied to different aspects of construction, from project schedule optimization to credit risk assessments. AI is also an emerging field in technology, so the construction sector can expect more sophisticated AI tech in the future.

6. 3D Printing

3D printing is the process of creating three-dimensional objects by printing layers of materials to form certain shapes and designs. This technology can be used to print construction materials such as pipes, fittings, and formwork.

Not only is 3D printing more efficient than traditional methods, but it is also less wasteful. 3D printing is also more cost-effective, especially when it comes to fabricating project-specific materials and tools.

7. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is essentially a simple database that can be accessed by multiple users. But unlike most databases that rely on a single authority for data management, blockchain is decentralized and can be managed across different networks. Blockchain can help subcontractors stay on the loop with higher-tier parties such as property owners and prime contractors.

Using blockchain technology promotes transparency and efficiency in construction project management. Blockchain is also slowly becoming more popular in construction as it addresses issues that usually happen due to the fragmented structure of construction projects.

8. Specialized software

There are numerous available software systems that are specifically designed to improve construction practices. An invoice management software, for instance, can help subcontractors and other construction parties optimize their accounts receivable processes by tracking and monitoring their invoices efficiently.

There are also web-based solutions for filing preliminary notices online that help construction companies file notices and mechanics liens properly. Filing mechanics liens can be daunting, especially if you deal with multiple cases of payment delinquencies. By taking advantage of mechanics lien apps, you put yourself in better shape to recover your payments successfully. 

About the Author: 

Patrick Hogan is the CEO of Handle.com, where they build software that helps contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers with late payments. Handle.com also provides funding for construction businesses in the form of invoice factoring, material supply trade credit, and mechanics lien purchasing.