Connected Construction Sites: The Future In Construction Technology

Last Updated on April 16, 2022 by Admin

Construction projects contain a lot of moving parts, and keeping track of all of them is critical to project success. Connecting construction sites is one approach to assure seamless operations. Creating standardized workflows and integrating data at each stage of the construction process guarantees that each stakeholder has access to the correct information. Read the article and find out how the technology involved in smart connected construction sites revolutionizes the construction workplaces!

Using AR, VR, AI, robotics, and wearables, connected construction sites bring people, processes, and information together. Predictive logistics is enabled by IoT technologies combined with AI to increase worker safety during construction while also optimizing inventories to reduce wastage and related expenses.

Computer vision connects building sites to the main office, allowing for immediate assistance and instruction. Managers may make faster and more informed decisions using real-time data with such systems.

Table of Contents

What is Connected Construction?

To produce the “smart, linked job sites of the future,” connected construction might be defined as “an ecosystem of connected job sites, machines, and workers that promotes operational effectiveness and safety.”

Technology enables communication and promotes visibility and control of process flow during the design and construction process in a linked construction environment. Sensors and tags link job sites, machines, and workers, providing managers with real-time visibility and analytical capabilities.

Connections between machines in multiple places, a collaboration between diverse worksites, and enhanced control of worker safety are all possible with this construction technology.

Asset tracking, synchronized time clocks, computer vision, augmented and virtual reality, real-time data analytics, and predictive maintenance are all examples of connected construction components. All of these components work together to facilitate centralized administration and decision-making.

The connected network is always on, providing a steady stream of data and analytics to aid project management. It’s a single platform with capabilities that transcend every phase of development.

It helps during the design, planning, and building phases in the field or in the office, as well as during the handover and commissioning phase when facilities are handed over to facilities management.

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How connected construction is changing the industry?

To various people, connected construction means different things, but it always has one thing in common. Connected construction establishes a framework for open communication by integrating multiple teams, technologies, and information engaged in a building project utilizing technology.

By incorporating linked construction into a project, we can ensure that there is no room for miscommunication and, as a result, no data is lost at any point in time. There will be a very tiny likelihood of any blunders if the teams are kept up to date and have all of the relevant knowledge regarding the project.

The rise of connected construction is ushering in a new era of strong collaboration, transparency and control, and data-driven decision-making in the building industry. These changes will have an impact on more than just the day-to-day operations of the businesses that utilize them; they will change the entire approach to developing and managing construction projects in unexpected ways.

In the big picture, it’s about reducing risks, boosting product quality assurance, increasing collaboration, and offering better time certainty. With reduced downtime, equipment and staff may be used more effectively. Predictive insights that activate automated processes can help people make better decisions. As workflows evolve in new ways, new opportunities for technology application will emerge.

Benefits of Connected Construction

By breaking down data silos and enhancing collaboration and coordination across project teams, connected construction will address some of the difficulties on the Jobsite, such as data loss and miscommunication. Here are some more advantages of connected construction:

Real-time updates, with a single log-in, to reduce risk and issues on-site.

Having one source of truth is one way to look at the term “connected construction.” That is, the information is stored in a single location. A change made once is reflected everywhere, ensuring that everyone has access to the most up-to-date information at all times.

With real-time information – whether it’s RFIs, submittals, or blueprints – project stakeholders can be sure they’re working with the most up-to-date data, reducing onsite errors and risk. This will also shorten reaction times, making the construction process more efficient.

There is a sense of visibility into issues before they occur because the information is accessible to the entire team.

Tool interoperability eliminates redundancy and improves quality.

Software that connects well with other programs and hence boosts efficiency is referred to as connected construction.

By automating the sharing of information and minimizing the duplication of tasks, connected construction reduces risk. Information may be updated once rather than switching between systems with an integrated and networked platform, reducing data loss and saving time and money.

Data may be readily shared between teams by linking technologies, resulting in a centralized hub containing project information, enhancing productivity and quality.

Making better and more informed decisions

The advantages of linked construction include having correct information accessible and available for the client, design team, and construction team at any time during the process. Having the capacity to adjust to unforeseen developments and having real-time information available assists in delivering a high-quality project to the client.

The clearance process is smoother and there is responsibility across stakeholders when information is connected on a single platform. Teams can better coordinate and communicate, allowing issues to be resolved sooner in the project lifecycle and delivering more value to the Owner.

Consistent communication and collaboration among all parties involved

There is a lot less delay with any new adjustments or developments around the real project scope when project teams are on the same page at the same time. You can interact seamlessly and efficiently across all platforms when your staff is using the same interface.

Connected construction can eliminate or restrict any communication or data loss, allowing for a smooth transition of information from design to engineering to construction for all project stakeholders. Connected processes speed up decision-making by increasing reaction times and insight into discussion points.

It also entails being able to assist others while avoiding duplication of work. When someone takes off, for example, others prefer to draw a model. It can then pass this along to the BIM department to gain a head start on sketching with connected construction.

Lower project costs and construction conflicts

Connected construction enhances project outcomes by aligning stakeholders on end goals and criteria from the start. Having as much project knowledge as possible across the team members aids in keeping the project on track and anticipating future challenges.

Connected construction helps teams to quickly detect and handle concerns, lowering costs before they become a problem. Because everyone has access to the data and understands where things are, the approval process is considerably cleaner, resulting in less finger-pointing and rework.

Cases for Connected Construction

The ecosystem approach to engineering and construction brings together a number of disparate stakeholders on a single platform. Higher collaboration, lower project risks, more efficient portfolio management, and better outcomes for all stakeholders are all possible as a result of this.

Consider the following implementation architecture for a connected construction site:

Develop and implement a strategic sourcing strategy for ecosystem participants.

For their ecosystem strategy, E&C firms should consider implementing the strategic sourcing mindset but frontload the approach with strong relationship development. Other things to think about:

Collaborate with and create relationships with people who share your values and enthusiasm.
Concentrate on building bidirectional relationships in which you bring your difficulty or opportunity to them, but they also bring things to you, ensuring a give-and-take dynamic.
Agree on how these partnerships’ worth will be measured.

Determine which skills should be developed in-house

While external partners might provide speedier access to smart use cases and technology, engineering and construction businesses can likely scale those benefits by improving certain in-house skills and capabilities.

Determine which qualities set your company apart and help you achieve your long-term goals. Consider using the ecosystem to detect and respond to them. Determine which vendors are best suited to provide support.

Consider whether capabilities should be continued to be sourced through the ecosystem’s collaborations.

Limitations of Connected Construction

Data security and safety concerns: For organized criminals, an IoT database may be a treasure of sensitive information. A bad actor may readily get a list of where all your machinery is now located or where expensive goods are housed if they were able to break into a company’s IoT database. It is critical that IoT databases remain private and secure from illegal access.
Privacy concerns: Now that security concerns have been addressed, most IoT worries revolve around the concerns that many people have about tracking workers’ physical movements. Many people, as well as labor organizations, would object on privacy grounds.
Cost: While most IoT devices are inexpensive, many job site owners will need to be persuaded that they are worthwhile. It may appear superfluous to spend money on sensors and learn to utilize a dashboard for smaller locations when all checks may be completed in a matter of minutes. For the time being, IoT construction solutions are more likely to be deployed on large construction and civil engineering projects.
Deployment can be a steep learning curve: Sensors, like any other technology, are only as useful as the way they’re used. When the primary risk on a site is heat, it makes little sense to invest money on moisture sensors, for example. Sensors must be strategically positioned and chosen. Before they can properly benefit from these tools, many construction firms will have to go through a steep learning curve. Placing IoT sensors around a facility will not fix problems on its own.

Conclusion

In the world of design and construction, a connected construction project is nothing short of revolutionary. More tasks can be completed faster because of the seamless data interchange and integrated workflow.

Connected construction is, without a doubt, the AEC industry’s future. A successful construction project necessitates collaboration and keeping everyone informed about progress, challenges, and adjustments. The use of connected construction can help achieve a significant reduction in risk.