Starting a construction business may seem like a lot of work, but that is the easy part.
Most new business owners think that getting the company off the ground is the important part, and it is – it’s just not the most challenging part. That part is staying competitive in a cutthroat industry. Clients are expecting buildings to go up faster, taller, and better than ever before and meeting these high demands takes skill and modern technology on your side.
Technological advances have changed the construction industry for the better; below are five ways to use technology in your construction business today:
Building Information Modeling
The process of building information modeling (BIM) is heavily reliant on technology to support it. BIM involves the generation and management of digital representations of the characteristics of the structure of the building. These are then used by every team involved from its design mock-up right through to the creation.
BIM is used for the duration of the building’s life to operate and maintain it and its physical infrastructures like gas, water, and electricity.
3D Printing
3D printing is a modern method of construction that manufactures elements or entire buildings by using a 3D printer. These buildings and construction elements are commonly made using concrete, metal, or polymers and are constructed layer by layer.
That is beneficial to a construction company because it means that supply chains are shorter, and the design process is quicker. There are far fewer logistical problems than you would find with the traditional building methods, and 3D printing generates less waste.
Tech greatly benefits business, especially with 3D printing and modeling.
Cloud-based Construction Software
Cloud-based isn’t a term commonly used in construction, but it is disrupting the status quo and benefiting construction companies on a global scale. There are so many reasons to move to cloud-based construction software, but the most advantageous include the following.
- Single Version Copies – create a single version of what is up-to-date and relevant and make it accessible anywhere, at any time. Data stored on the cloud can be accessed securely and updated in real-time.
- Increased Productivity – Decisions can be made faster and with far fewer risks to your business. Access to real-time data significantly boosts productivity.
- Role-based Licenses – That means that the software is built to fit the needs of each user. There is the ability to add or remove licences, which means that you can quickly adjust to project or business changes and growth.
Unmanned Aerial Photography
Unmanned aerial photography is achieved by using state-of-the-art drones, and it can massively benefit your construction business. It allows you to obtain mapping and survey data faster than ever before, which means you can plan and analyze each step of your building as it goes up.
Drones can also make the construction site safer by monitoring risks and identifying problem areas where workers may be in danger.
3D Design
Construction projects that are built using 3D design programs benefit from better lead times, more accurate costing, and increased safety and stability. 3D design technology offers designers and architects a space to be creative and experiment with design options.
Aerial photography should regularly be used with 3D designing to review ongoing construction projects and monitor progress. Technology should be embraced in every business, but for the construction industry, it is a no-brainer!
