Construction has changed a lot over the years. Projects are getting bigger, more complex, and have higher stakes than ever before.
As the space continues to evolve into new directions in 2022, project managers must stay up-to-date with the latest trends so they can anticipate future challenges and capitalise on opportunities for their business.
From machine learning to cutting-edge software programmes, we look at three hi-tech ways to boost your construction project management practices in 2022.
Collaboration technologies
Construction can be a tough industry to work in. There are many aspects to the sector, including design, installation, and budgeting. The need for technology has grown as the industry has evolved, and there are now different kinds of collaboration tools that can help construction managers with their project delivery schedules.
Collaboration tools can be used to deliver the latest data about the project, enable the design team to work on plans in real-time, and collaborate with stakeholders like developers and contractors.
Collaboration tools will also allow the construction company to remotely manage projects, which can lead to cost savings by limiting expensive travel requirements for site visits.
Remember that construction involves a lot of unknown variables. Should something unforeseen arise, the project manager must be able to make decisions in real-time.
This can be made possible by keeping the lines of communication open at all times via collaboration technologies.
If you and your team can coordinate with each other amidst all the budget changes, input costs, and other contingencies, you will have more time to keep a close eye on your project’s finances.
Note that communication in a construction worksite must be clear and concise. To help facilitate a professional tone in your worksite, clearly set out a flow of communication from one person to the next using collaboration technologies.
A work execution platform that syncs all worksite activity and documents in real-time is a must, as it can help ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page, making communication more efficient.
AI and machine learning
The use of AI in construction project management is a new but growing trend.
AI can be used to gather the latest data about the project, and then use that information to make the best decisions possible for the construction company.
For instance, one persistent problem in construction is the difficulty of measuring site progress. AI systems like Doxel try to solve that problem by analysing images of the construction site taken at various points in time, which will allow the project managers to accurately measure progress on the job site.
“One of the biggest trends of 2021 has been the use of cloud-based software to implement automation in the workplace – this trend looks set to grow even bigger in 2022”
AI-powered tools will allow the digital models to collect more site progress measurements that can be used in real-time for planning purposes. This also has the potential to save costs by reducing the need for physical surveying and other measurement methods prone to human error.
SmartVid, for example, uses its AI engine, Vinnie, to spot potential risks in productivity, quality, and safety by gathering information from an array of construction systems – including Procore, Autodesk BIM 360, and Oracle Aconex. This helps reduce the risk of human error on a project, and can also make it possible for construction companies to accurately forecast their costs upfront.
The use of AI in the world of construction will be an exciting development to watch as industry experts build out new applications that can improve every part of the process, from planning to execution.
Smart construction management systems
One of the biggest construction technology trends of 2021 has been the use of cloud-based software to implement automation in the workplace. This trend looks set to grow even bigger in 2022.
By using a smart construction management system that provides analytics into the project’s workflow, managers can make better decisions about where to place resources to keep the project on schedule while minimising costs.
Project management involves numerous exchanges of spreadsheets and status reports between team members. With the addition of smart construction management systems, managers will be able to rely on their automated tools to collect all the necessary data and make decisions based on that information – instead of having to constantly monitor progress themselves.
Construction apps help make tedious tasks like inventory management and equipment tracking simple – saving time for managers who are already overwhelmed with other responsibilities.
Smart construction management systems can also help monitor safety on the job site. AI algorithms can be used to spot potential accidents at and then alert nearby team members so they can immediately respond if necessary. This will not only keep people safe but also reduce costs by keeping workers from needing medical treatment for injuries on site.
Image credit: Fit Ztudio/Shutterstock. Article written by Sophia Young
Read next: Five robotics specialists set to change the face of construction in 2022
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