Connected construction ecosystems are radically evolving industry dynamics, enabling greater access to project insights within seconds. The digital transformation of construction processes drives greater productivity, efficiency, and profitability across project types. In fact, there is a significant potential for improved productivity gains of around 15% and cost reduction of around 4% when companies adopt modern digital technologies. 

The origin of connected construction ecosystems initiated from the inherent requirement of greater integration across processes, teams, and technologies. Enterprises were leveraging disconnected applications for functional-based processes. Software for financial analysis, ERP management, CRM, project management, and inventory handling was used to solve unidimensional challenges. As a result of these initiatives, there was limited access to real-time data, delays in communication, and issues with timely information updating. 

Construction firms, therefore, started integrating their technology portfolio through the leveraging of AI powered construction management software. These solutions provided functional tools, strategic roadmaps, automated workflows, and integrated data analytics capabilities. They also help connect remote workers, driving greater productivity and efficiency for streamlined execution. In fact, with 72% of firms prioritizing technology investment over the next five years, tech integration is a significant goal. 

Additionally, through the unification of all processes and resources, companies can experience better returns on technology investment. With only around 16% of global companies gaining sustained results from digitization, there is significant scope in improving ROI through more connected ecosystems. Process unification through connected solutions can also help lower the cost of execution while reducing the risk of overruns. Firms can integrate solutions such as 3D printing, drones, robotics, and IoT, with existing software systems for a seamlessly communicating construction ecosystem. 

The evolution of technology adoption in construction

Construction firms are shifting focus from single BIM and ERP solutions to a more connected construction ecosystem. Firms are using the best construction management software solutions, such as Zepth, to align all teams while improving the output of all processes and operations. Workflows are being standardized and automated using connected construction solutions while giving complete control to managers to monitor the progression of various project stages. 

With the pandemic shifting perspectives within the construction industry, there is also greater attention being given to risk reduction through technology. Firms are transitioning from simple software tools to complete integration for better site activity visibility. Nearly 53% of construction firms are investing in technology to adjust to new industry dynamics, in part due to the inherent risks present. Real-time monitoring and remote connectivity are helping solve site challenges dynamically within the greater connected construction ecosystem. 

Decision-making is also evolving under the connected construction model, with greater leveraging of AI-driven site analytics. Automation is optimizing all workflows within the construction purview, providing richer insights to managers for agile decision making. Accessibility to remote sites is also improved, enabling faster connectivity to team members as well as a seamless data flow to centralized dashboards. Most connected construction solutions are also cloud-based, allowing for anytime connectivity via mobile devices for on-the-move decision making. 

Focus on process optimization through automation

Nearly 2 in 3 construction firms are accelerating their adoption of digital transformation technologies, in part due to larger global macroeconomic trends. The digital representation of on-ground activities is a key advantage that technology offers, which empowers several firms to gain greater control. Workflows are standardized and automated, freeing resources to focus on issue resolution, innovative delivery, collaboration, etc. Additionally, key metrics can be attached to processes, such as procurement, financial analysis, and resource scheduling, for better lifecycle tracking. 

Connected construction ecosystems also streamline the progress updating and reporting of various milestones within process maps. Daily automated reporting and monitoring tools allow managers to gain better clarity on on-site work, as well as key tasks necessary for subsequent stage completion. Manpower logs, material consumption, equipment usage, variable costs, overruns, and other relevant reporting items can be easily scheduled without requiring manual interventions. 

Sustainability is also more easily accomplished within construction projects when adopting connected construction solutions. With close to 79% of global firms believing sustainability to be a key priority over the next five years, the industry is seeking technology solutions that can radically optimize strategic planning. Processes integral to sustainability, such as design, material procurement, collaboration, and site inspections, can be standardized and tracked comprehensively. 

Transitioning to a common data environment

A critical challenge for several developers working with multiple stakeholders is leveraging a common data environment. Several documentations, submittals, compliance reports, and daily financials need to be uploaded, stored, and organized intelligently to improve their utility. Additionally, construction firms need a centralized housing solution to monitor the accessibility and security of these documents as they are required throughout the lifecycle of the project. 

The significant time savings associated with connected construction solutions is one of the main reasons behind its growing adoption. Firms can integrate all processes, hardware, and software solutions via a unified digital dashboard and generate meaningful insights in real-time. As a result of leveraging a data-based connected construction ecosystem, construction firms can lower 5-10% of their build costs due to the efficiencies of better accessibility and real-time decision making. 

Another critical benefit of improved data accessibility and scalable analytics is better forecasting of construction processes. Key areas, such as material forecasting, ROI analysis, labour requirement, and portfolio assessments can be significantly enhanced through data analytics initiatives. With connected construction solutions increasing the volume and quality of data available, project managers can improve the accuracy of their cost estimates, margins, ROI, variable costs, timelines, etc. 

Remote connectivity benefits through connected solutions

Connected construction ecosystems are significantly impactful for firms that have remote sites and a wider network of workers across regions. The increase in collaboration due to connected construction solutions helps improve execution efficiencies while enhancing visibility. This saves time in communicating key challenges and ensuring that all teams are unified within a single solution. Through remote meet and visual connectivity solutions, teams can also be aligned to specific objectives, which helps in improving productivity significantly. 

The industry is also evolving to leverage cloud-based solutions that empower managers to transition from paper-based processes. Internal and external documentation management tools provide a single source of project truth, which can be updated frequently without significant challenges. Information is also securely stored, making it easier for construction firms to scale connected construction ecosystems without worrying about data theft. 

Future of connected construction technologies for projects

The future of connected construction solutions is tied to the evolution of the industry. While early adopters will continue to experiment with integrated sensors, remote connectivity, and mixed reality solutions, most of the industry will adopt digitization at some scale within the next decade. Technologies, such as Bluetooth beacons, soil monitoring sensors, equipment health solutions, weather tracking drones, and IoT work output measurement tools will provide integrated results for several construction firms. 

A chief innovation introduced by the leading construction technology platforms is an integrated construction robotics solution. These solutions connect hardware robots with cloud software management features, providing a comprehensive remote monitoring and assessment solution to firms. Project managers can gain high quality real-time automated insights about site inspections, work progression, worker safety issues, material quality, etc. The overall result of adopting connected construction solutions is improvement across variables, such as cost, timeliness, quality, and accessibility. 

  

Source: https://posteezy.com/connected-construction-and-evolution-industry