The use of technology in construction is a reality. With the advent of Industry 4.0 and 5.0, the sector is undergoing major changes. One of them is the emergence of so-called “smart construction sites” that use technological resources to make the construction more efficient, sustainable, and integrated.

To maintain competitiveness, many companies invest in technologies, and engineers need to know how to implement them so that they do not fall behind. 

Continue reading to learn more about this process. By the end of the article, check out:

• Simplifying the term “smart construction sites”

• What is technology in construction?

• How to implement technology in construction in your company

• How Construct IN can help you implement technology in construction?

Simplifying the term “smart construction sites”

The “smart construction sites” are modernized construction environments with the implementation and integration of various digital technologies. They facilitate real-time communication among all parties involved in the project, improving planning, monitoring, and overall management of the site. 

- Read also: Smart construction: check out 6 news from the sector

What is technology in construction?

Technology in construction refers to the use of digital tools, advanced equipment, and materials that help optimize planning, execution, and management of construction projects. 

This includes everything from design software, worksite monitoring, and project management tools to robotic construction equipment and innovative materials. The goal is to improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase safety, and minimize the environmental impact of construction.

How to implement technology in construction in your company

1.  Technology in construction should address your pain points

Many project managers look at new technologies and think they need to be innovative. They begin hiring various tools, often those that won't actually improve day-to-day operations. All of this just to avoid falling behind.  

The ideal is to reflect on your routine and your problems and think about what goal the hiring of this technology will help you achieve. 

There are several you can choose from: 

• Make documentation more credible; 

• Reduce bureaucracy;

• Integrate data;

• Make access to information faster;

• Improve accuracy in project execution;

• Reduce inspection time;

• Cut costs with team relocations and travel.

In short, these are just some of the many pain points that technologies can address. Of those listed above, many can be resolved with the hiring of our platform Construct IN, for example. 

With it, you can monitor works remotely, gather information from the site, communicate with the team, make notes, and generate reports. 

2. Know the major technological innovations

It is very important that you always stay updated with changes that can impact various areas, including civil engineering, such as:

BIM (Building Information Modeling): 

BIM 3D uses digital information to create detailed three-dimensional models of constructions, incorporating both graphical and non-graphical data. In BIM, these models are organized in a secure and easily accessible environment for information sharing.

Advancing to BIM 4D, it adds the dimension of time to the 3D model, improving planning and monitoring of schedules in construction projects. 

Finally, BIM 5D expands this model even further by including material costs and other financial resources, providing a more integrated and detailed budget planning.

Reality capture (as-built reality)

It is a technology that involves the use of laser scanners, photography, drones, 360° cameras, and other tools to create accurate and detailed digital representations of physical structures and environments. 

The technique facilitates precision and efficiency by allowing engineers to visualize and interact with actual physical conditions within a virtual environment. These digital models are used for analysis, monitoring, and planning in civil engineering, aiding in the maintenance, renovation, or expansion of existing projects. 

Digital Twins 

Digital twins, also known by the term Digital Twin, are digital replicas of physical objects, processes, or systems. They utilize real-time data obtained through sensors, cameras, and other sources to describe, diagnose, and predict the state and behavior of these elements. 

This technology allows engineers and managers to monitor, analyze, and optimize operations and maintenance of infrastructures in real time. By integrating AI, IoT, and data analytics, digital twins can foresee problems before they occur, improving the planning and execution of projects and operations. Our Construct IN platform, for example, can be considered a digital twin.

- Read also: 3 technologies for the digitization of construction

Artificial Intelligence (AI): 

A field of computer science where algorithms are designed to perform tasks that normally required only human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, etc.

- Read also: Artificial Intelligence in construction: importance and uses

Internet of Things (IoT):

It is a network of physical objects (“things”) equipped with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet, without the need for direct human intervention.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): 

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that creates completely immersive environments, replacing the real world with a virtual scenario. It is widely used by devices such as VR headsets.

Augmented Reality (AR), on the other hand, combines elements of the real world with virtual elements, overlaying digital data onto the physical environment, visible through devices like smartphones and special glasses.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

A technology that uses radio signals to identify and track objects through tags that respond to radio frequency readings.

3. Know what technological devices are available

Various devices are innovations of technology in construction. The most used equipment on the smart construction site includes:

• Smart helmets: integrate sensors and cameras to enhance worker safety, monitoring working conditions and alerting to potential dangers;

• 360° cameras: capture images of the entire work space and  document progress much more easily than using regular cell phone photos;

• Drones: can perform aerial mapping, inspection, and monitoring of construction;

• Autonomous equipment: robots and machines to perform specific tasks and reduce manual labor;

• Smart labels (QR Code): facilitate tracking and management of materials and equipment by allowing quick access to information through a simple scan;

• AR glasses (Augmented reality): project digital information onto the real world, assisting in the visualization of projects and accuracy of tasks. 

4. Choose tools that will truly solve your pain points 

Before selecting any technology in construction, understand which processes can be digitized to improve efficiency. This study helps identify areas where problems most impact productivity and efficiency.

Only then can the company choose more effectively which technologies are most suitable for its specific needs. For example, companies struggling to monitor works in different cities or states may use Construct IN to address this. 

Just keep in mind that some technologies may not be compatible with each other. This makes it difficult to integrate new systems with those already in place.

- Read also: ERP for builders: main benefits and when to hire

5. Gain the engagement of employees

Always explain the usefulness of these tools and how these innovations will not replace employees' jobs. Explaining how they can facilitate everyday tasks helps break any possible resistance.

6. Invest in training

After choosing the best platform, always invest in adequate training for your employees. Look for technologies and tools that are easy to use, such as Construct IN for managing works, to achieve a high level of productivity.

Just bear in mind that employees will need time to adapt to new systems and processes. This means that the increase in productivity will not be immediate. 

7. Continuous monitoring and evaluation 

Allow the team to closely follow the performance of technologies in construction and evaluate their real impact on productivity and efficiency of the project. Regular feedback should also be encouraged to identify areas that need adjustments or other improvements.

How can Visi help you implement technology in construction?

Our software for remote construction management provides the best resources to monitor your works. Those who hire our tool enjoy several benefits from the technologies listed in this post: 

• As-built reality using 360° cameras;

• Artificial intelligence monitoring the use of PPE;

• Total integration with BIM and much more!

We also have a Customer Success department that implements a system implementation plan, with follow-ups at 45 and 90 days. After that, it offers weekly training on the platform for new employees or refreshers. 

Join over 200 satisfied clients, including major retail names and leading construction companies, who have already increased daily productivity.

- Read also: Innovation in construction: main challenges and solutions