The construction industry is a multi-trillion dollar industry worldwide, yet due to efficiencies in the workplace, the industry is losing money year over year. There are several reasons for this; however, the most significant challenge to this growing cost stems from the need to redo previous work that was incorrectly completed. The construction industry has slowly adapted to technology and trailed other sectors. Technology plays a pivotal role in the construction industry. If workplace efficiencies increased by 3%, it would result in a $1.6 Trillion increase for the bottom line of this sector.
5 Ways to Increase Efficiency
Use technology more effectively
Implementing new technology into daily work routines may sound complicated, but it is really just an app that can be uploaded to a smartphone or tablet. By using new apps that help streamline daily functions, the efficiency of the company can start improving almost immediately. When everyone is on the same page and using the same software, it means there is better communication with all members of a project. When changes need to be implemented, that can be communicated to everyone involved immediately.
Technological advances include innovations like 3D technology, where a project model can be constructed before the raw materials have been ordered. This allows the team to view where there might be deficiencies in the plans and make adjustments before any money has been spent on labor. Another way technology can help the construction industry become more efficient is the use of drones or robots to survey construction sites for any issues in terrain. These robots can also do repetitive jobs, leaving workers with more complex tasks and saving everyone a lot of time.
Get Building Materials Delivered
There are companies who will deliver your building materials on the same day to your site without you having to use any of your own labor or spend time searching for what you need. Companies like The Buildclub will get you your construction materials with same-day delivery. If your site is in the Southern California area, you can book a van or flatbed to pick up your materials and have them delivered within 1 hour of processing your order. This means that money doesn’t have to go out ahead to secure building materials and have them sit doing nothing for weeks or months. Once the plans have been finalized, you can go onto the website for The Buildclub and choose what you need.
Improve the planning process
There are software programs for all levels of the planning process for the construction industry. From the smallest task to the largest, everyone’s job productivity can be improved by implementing streamlined planning processes and instituting software apps in place of outdated methods. Real-time planning software that can be viewed by all stakeholders, regardless of location, can improve the process by getting feedback from all parties simultaneously. This means that the majority of issues can be dealt with immediately and save a lot of money in the long run by reducing the instances of cost overruns in a project.
Use prefabricated materials whenever possible
There are a lot of building materials that can be prebuilt offsite and then shipped to the construction site. This means that the project will take less time because the materials are already ready to use, it will cost less money because these items are usually purchased in bulk at a discount, and it will save labor costs because these prefabricated materials take less time to install. The prefab materials are generally of higher quality and made with consistent quality, so there is less likelihood of having to redo a part of the construction.
Make safety priority number one.
Safety on the worksite is a real danger for construction workers, and if your project is halted because of an accident that takes your skilled workers off the job, then that costs time and money. This is where technology can help to improve the job quality on your site. When there is a dangerous task, a drone or robot may be able to perform it rather than a human being, which reduces the risk of injury. This kind of technology may cost more upfront, but the money it will save in lost work, insurance claims, and other injury-related costs will be more than worth it. You will also be keeping your skilled labor safe from harm and better able to concentrate on complex parts of the project.
Hire experienced managers who are tech-savvy
When it comes to a leadership role within your organization, hire managers who are experienced with the innovative technologies occurring in the industry. You may not need to hire outside for this, but train your current managers in new software applications so they can implement the changes. When you are trying to be competitive in your industry, you want the people who work for you to be aware of the innovations in the industry and be able to implement them immediately so you can start to see results right away. Doing things the old way doesn’t help a company become more efficient and profitable. Hire people who have their heads in the future rather than the past.
When it comes to improving the efficiency of the construction industry, even small adjustments can make a huge difference. Software applications and other technological advancements can help to streamline the aspects of a project, such as planning, materials, labor, and safety, as long as everyone is on the same page and sharing the same information. Turning your company into a modern and efficient competitor in the construction industry can be as simple as getting your managers to use an app on their cell phones or building a 3D model of the finished product so all stakeholders can view it for deficiencies or improvements before it is built. Now is the time for the construction industry to embrace technology and become more efficient to save time, money, and resources. Minor improvements can have a dramatic impact on the industry’s bottom line.
