As we talk about technology, it can be exciting and frightening at the same time. With the rise of IoT, AI, machine learning, and smart PPE, the construction world is slowly trying to adapt to revolutionary changes brought by technology.
That said, here are some of the ways on how IoT is transforming the future of the construction industry.
1. IoT in PPE
You may have noticed by now, but a lot of PPE and wearables, such as safety vests, hard hats, goggles, and the like are now embedded with technology. There’s a logical explanation for that. Not only does this ensure the safety of the workers, but they also work great for improving overall efficiency.
Aside from that, in the construction industry, major equipment manufacturers are also investing in these concepts as they are quite confident they’re going to enjoy its positive impact later on. As of the moment, these types of devices make preventive maintenance possible, and it also determines optimal operating procedures and prevents theft and misuse of equipment as well.
More and more sophisticated systems are also being used to monitor information regarding the construction project. Depending on the software used, one can receive various levels of analysis that could help in the decision-making process. Wherein, better data and analytics could result in overall success.
2. Equipment Manufacturers Plan for IoT
Just like what has been mentioned earlier, the growth of intelligent machines is slowly taking place for several years already. Wherein, incremental changes happen each year, and this leads to better-performing systems. Users are starting to become accustomed to these technological advances.
Where is this all leading us? Just like how car manufacturers update their technology every year, we can expect that in the construction industry, machinery and equipment would be regularly updated as well.
3. Impact of Technology on Contractors
Contractors have to face a lot of problems and issues whenever they’re working on a project. They also have to figure out how much an unscheduled downtime costs when a machine breaks down, why a piece of equipment consumes 40% more fuel than the other, etc.
To prevent issues, it’s their responsibility to stay updated with the latest technologies available in the market. If they’re in the market for a new machine, they also have to lay down some criteria before deciding to invest. It would always be best to put your hard earned cash into one that would last for several years. Likewise, think about the possibilities of what could happen later on.
4. BIM
As we discuss IoT technology, it wouldn’t be complete without mentioning BIM modeling For the past few years, IoT in construction has completely changed the design and construction process. Now, we can evaluate 3D models, giving us an idea if it’s already good, or something should be modified. Aside from that, through BIM, we can also make buildings more advanced by placing sensors in them.
What’s the future state of IoT in construction then? We can say that there’s a long way to go, and one thing is for sure– it would really help the construction industry in several ways.