The global construction industry is expected to be worth $10.5 trillion by 2023. It is currently experiencing a CAGR of 4.2%. That will encourage more and more companies to aim for the top spot. And as always, the most adaptable to change will win here. Hence, the company which will integrate the most mobile technology in construction will gain a competitive edge. Mobile technology is a top priority in construction.
What Needs Does Mobility Fulfill?
Not surprisingly, mobility has been the chief concern for many construction businesses from the mid-2010s. The factors driving this concern are reduced costs, improved efficiency and the growing need for real-time information.
A survey conducted by Sage Software of over 600 construction professionals from construction firms showed varying interests in mobility. Thirty-three percent wanted to improve communication, 32% wanted to streamline processes, and 80% listed it as a high or moderate priority.
Why Is Mobile Technology a Necessity for Modern Construction?
1. Cost Savings
A survey conducted by Center Software identified the chief reason for increased costs as reworks. This is the number one process that demands optimization and reduction. Through the integration of mobile technology in construction, there is a greater chance this will happen.
Reworks are so incredibly cumbersome because of the lack of sharing of information among employees. The project is held up or compromised due to lack of information about the pending rework. Mobile technology will reduce errors and improve informational flow throughout project teams and companies.
The number of hours lost annually will be reduced greatly due to this improvement. Mobile technology is a top priority in construction and its integration will allow companies to target cost incursions and remove them at every turn.
2. Improving Efficiency
Nearly 80% of construction professionals already use mobile devices during project management. However, a lack of uniform software experiences throughout a team blocks seamless workflow. The integration of better mobile technology software and operating systems will solve this problem. It will ensure that most everyone is working together and is on the same page.
At present, the most common use for mobile technology in construction is accessing job and customer information (48%). Other uses include accessing drawings, documents, and schedules (47%), daily field reports (38%), and job costs and project reports (36%).
Further adoption of mobile technology will allow for free flow of information. This will reduce hiccups and bottlenecks in the overall workflow. It will also reduce the occurrence of accidents and errors, thereby making the entire process more efficient.
3. Improving Workflow and Documentation
Construction involves painstaking documentation relating to ordering raw materials and approving projects. This workflow stops several projects to the point of expensive delays. Mobile technology helps in speeding up workflow so that delays do not occur and projects are completed within the deadline.
Mobile technology can help this process become faster and more productive. Through digital documentation, approvals can be sent within minutes. Mobile technology will allow for contractors and architects to communicate clearly in real-time regardless of where they are. Documents can be checked quickly so that errors and omissions can be caught immediately. This will speed up workflow for several construction companies and improve the approvals process as well. It will be especially useful for smaller businesses that can’t afford to delay projects lest their reputation is damaged.
Mobile technology will also help to hire more remote construction administrators for individual tasks that need to be completed quickly. This will help improve the approvals process and he workflow documentation process even more which is another reason mobile technology is a top priority in construction.
4. Proliferation of Data
The 2014 Construction Report by JBKnowledge found that 50.1% of construction professionals surveyed used some sort of tablet device. It also highlighted that the number of company-owned tablets was growing. Hence, greater volumes of data will be available to companies from which to ascertain patterns and solutions to problems.
This will lead to a greater understanding of the processes that are advancing or hurting an enterprise. The exact hold ups and bottlenecks to progress will be identified so as to remove them or alleviate them.
The proliferation of smart devices will also allow for the monitoring of every employee to improve the standards of safety. Managers and supervisors will be able to identify recently marked unsafe areas to warn their employees. Employees will also be warned or informed immediately if a threat has emerged in a certain sector of a construction site.
5. Real-Time Analytics
Construction suffers from a huge problem which is delayed response. Problems with the construction site aren’t reported in real-time leading to accidents. Crucial raw materials and equipment isn’t available on site because of which progress is halted. Majority of these problems can be solved through mobile technology construction.
Workers will be able to document individual events and problems within their daily reports as they encounter them. This will lead to more detailed reports being compiled for a better assessment of the project’s progress.
Mobile technology will also allow for crucial materials and equipment to be ordered within minutes of their need. Mobile technology will also facilitate the timely distribution of information to fix safety hazards.
Construction supervisors will also be able to observe their workers in real time. Their progress, or lack thereof, will be noted instantaneously. This will allow for a more accurate assessment of a worker’s progress. Measures can also be taken to ensure that their progress can be improved and workflow can be sped up.
Mobile technology has helped to revolutionize the workplace in many respects. More people can now work from home than ever before. More information can travel thousands of miles than ever before. The integration of this technology in to construction will revolutionize the industry as well.
To stay ahead of the evolution, consider working with an Online Business Manager for your construction business. We will help you streamline your business and manage your day-to-day business functions so you can focus ON your business and not stress IN your business. Contact us today for a Client Discovery call.
Join the Conversation