How Does Technology Improve Productivity in Construction?

The world of construction is under constant change and reinvention. Safety standards and regulations adjust with the times—as does the technology required to ensure these standards are met.

Yet, adopting new technology can feel overwhelming, as it does require time and financial investment. However, this initial effort will be instrumental in helping ensure improved efficiency, safety, and ultimately, continued success for any construction company.

So, how does technology improve productivity in construction? Below are several key ways:

More Time for Decision-Making

Completing a construction project entails managing always-shifting timelines and deliverables. As such, it is crucial to manage and track changes and decisions throughout the process. Adopting the appropriate technology will allow contractors and project managers to not only visualize their plans more clearly—but to have additional time to make informed decisions over the lifetime of the project.

Automates Information in Real-Time

The traditional method of documentation in the infrastructure construction industry: pen and paper, is officially outdated. To remain competitive and innovative, construction companies should incorporate technology and mobile devices to record data, employee hours, and progress tracking. They should also be able to submit data and reports to the field office without driving into an office. Using digital tools to inspect and generate reports both eliminates the use of paperwork and streamlines information and approvals while eliminating the errors and inefficiencies caused by traditional paperwork.

Easier Collaboration Between Staff

With a wide range of stakeholders, it’s essential to keep in constant communication to deliver a successful project. So, how does technology improve productivity in construction? Technology allows for easy, quick contact between the field and the office and with stakeholders, as well as between individuals in the field. Professionals such as laborers, architects, designers, engineers, and owners can remain in constant contact which empowers rapid review and approvals of any adjustments.

Reduced Construction Waste

Using robotics in the construction industry increases construction speed and safety while simultaneously helping reduce construction waste. Robotics ensure that skilled workers can spend more time overseeing products and handling complex tasks that drones, for example, cannot complete. Drones can inspect dangerous and difficult to access locations and can therefore improve worker safety and can help reduce time to delivery. For example, where a bridge previously had to be closed or at least have lanes closed during inspections, drones can now fly without having to close any lanes of traffic. While robotics do require a significantly higher investment, they can help prevent material overuse and reduce wasted time and materials with their accuracy, speed, and precision.

Improving overall productivity in construction requires additional help and streamlining. At HeadLight, we provide construction material tracking software that will help compare performance between suppliers and contractors, offer real-time visibility, and reduce documentation errors. If you have any questions about our software, please contact us today and we’ll help you get started.