5 Ways the Construction Industry is Embracing the Digital World
Technology has transformed our lives in ways our great-grandparents could never have imagined. From self-driving cars to drone deliveries to the internet, the world has changed and grown a lot in just the last 20 years. As new technology becomes more affordable and reliable, the construction industry has taken on recent advances to help work more efficiently, more safely, and with greater ease.
3D Printing
3D printing can be used in many ways in the construction industry. It has even been used to create some homes from scratch. While a fully 3D printed building may not be a possibility for many of us in the near future, 3D printing can have a number of benefits for any construction business. 3D printing can create spare parts without the hassle of ordering in new pieces and with zero waste. It can also be used to create scaled models of construction projects.
Drones
Drones are an excellent way to survey land and identify any hazards before work begins. As drone technology becomes more advanced, they can precisely take measurements, monitor progress, and be used for 3D modelling. They also increase site safety by reaching places that it may be unsafe for a team member to get to.
New Software
There is some excellent cutting edge software available to construction businesses that can reduce the amount of time spent estimating and doing other calculations manually. One great example is builder estimating software from Rapid Quote UK. This software streamlines the estimating and quoting process, freeing up a business’s valuable time.
Accessibility
The ability to access all manner of construction products at the click of a mouse has made a massive difference to the construction industry. As with many other industries, the advent of the internet has increased innovation and skill sharing to huge advantage.
Outreach
Many construction businesses now have their own web-based platforms to attract new customers. This is an excellent way to promote sales and increase business. Social media is another great way that many in the construction industry are getting their businesses out there and seen by a vast audience.
Sustainability
With the increase in the use of technology has come a brilliant amount of innovation in construction sites and businesses becoming greener. From software that allows companies to go paperless to an increase in the accessibility of ethically and sustainably sourced materials, there are many ways that any modern construction business can reduce their carbon footprint.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) is a rapidly developing area of technology. VR already is gaining a toehold in construction and as the advances in the technology continue VR is set to further grow in popularity. VR can be used to allow remote site visits, provide educational opportunities for new staff and can be used to supplement traditional site exploration methods. While it still has a way to go before it becomes the norm in construction businesses, it has the potential to become an incredibly useful tool.
