When you think you've seen it all, modern technology comes up with something new. As construction management technology develops faster and faster, solutions to all sorts of problems are often just a few months away.
Who would've thought ten years ago that by now, we'd be flying drones through construction sites, using nanotechnology to create new materials, and sporting all sorts of wearable devices?
Check out what the future holds for us in terms of construction technologies:
Mobile, Big Data & the Cloud
Mobile, big data and the cloud are probably familiar to you now. Yet, it can't be stressed enough what a difference they've made so far and will continue to make. This industry has seen rapid development with the adoption of these technologies by construction managers and contractors.
Construction management software can help you review projects from A to Z on your mobile immediately. Check. You can also check 'paperless' while you're at it since such solutions offer the possibility of moving away from endless paperwork—entirely or partially, that's up to you.
Phablets have also seen considerable growth on the side of consumers and are gaining popularity across various industries. Yes, phablets. This is a midway device between a phone and a tablet (such as the latest iPhone 6 Plus). It's not as bulky as a tablet, yet not too small, so you can't read on it properly or use the construction management software you recently implemented. Which is where? Precisely, in the cloud. You are making it convenient, safe, and accessible.
As for big data, the sheer amount of information generated during construction is well worth collecting. Once this information is fed into databases and analyzed scrutinously, it can yield valuable insights and ideas. These then fuel the creation of the next round of construction technologies.
Construction Management Software, Planning, Modeling, and More
With your devices, big data, and the cloud in hand, you can do plenty. Construction management software is making its way to the furthest corners of the construction industry and for a good reason. Enterprise resource planning solutions offer the possibility of having one whole project, with all the processes accompanying it, in one place.
This kind of software can replace stand-alone systems that break a project into different pieces. It can help you keep an overview and have everyone on the team equally involved and informed. From accounting to planning, execution, inventories, communication, and reports, it's all in there. If that sounds overwhelming, you can usually stick to the most relevant modules for your project.
Near-field communications (NFC) are also on the rise, mainly on-site. NFC-enabled devices can receive and transmit data through certain (physical) tags. For example, NFC technology permits you to track tools, equipment, and materials and receive information about their status, upkeep, and location. Or you can track workers and their safety and problems and issues on-site.
And there's also plenty going on in planning and modeling. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) related technologies permit 3D laser scanning of buildings to model energy performance on the fly or prefabricate materials in a flexible way that doesn't constrain the design.
Augmented Reality, Nanotechnology, and Robotics
It might sound like science fiction, but some technologies have already entered construction sites. Augmented reality, which superimposes a virtual image on a user's view of the natural world, is still new to the game but quickly gains speed. Just two months ago, augmented reality developer DAQRI launched their Smart Helmet. Much like Google Glass (also increasingly used on sites), it makes it possible to overlay a digital image beside or on top of what one sees through GPS mapping.
As their website nicely exemplifies, this can (in due time) make BIM data more accessible and workable. Currently, such data is often available to the few knowledgeable people who know how to work with BIM software. Augmented reality and wearables can help tackle this problem.
While long in use in manufacturing, robots are also increasingly entering construction. In 2012, a team of Swiss architects demonstrated how drones could, in the future, perform tasks around construction areas and transport materials. A quick look on YouTube also offers plenty of aerial footage of drones on construction sites worldwide.
Finally, while not directly related to making construction management more accessible, it must be mentioned that nanotechnology also works in construction. Such technology can impart high-performance characteristics to materials, making them super-strong yet lightweight or increasing the metal's conductivity.
Nanotechnology has also been used to create concrete with increased structural strength and durability. This type of concrete repels water yet lets air through so it can breathe.
Coming to a Site Near You Very Soon
It's true, and the future is here. And with it, plenty of exciting new technologies will make construction more efficient, durable, safe, and generally fantastic. Construction projects that may seem ambitious at first will surely be no challenge.
Are you using any of these technologies? Or can you think of any that haven't made this list but deserve a place? Leave us a comment; we'd be happy to discuss this further.
