The global construction industry has undergone massive changes in the last decade, and now even more technological change is set to make a big impact on our industry’s future. As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies continue to advance, the hope is that these technologies can avert many of the most common roadblocks and delays.
However, these both long-standing and developing challenges, remain. Many contractors are still struggling to find enough skilled labor, and supply chains remain impacted by disruptions and cost pressures. On top of all that, sustainability needs are growing.
New technologies will play a critical role in helping construction executives and project managers meet these challenges moving forward. Here are four key areas to watch as technology continues to transform the way the construction industry operates:
Multi-Cloud Supports Business Interoperability
Cloud adoption is ramping up in the construction industry, and multi-cloud is the next horizon. Companies can also turn to industry cloud platforms, which unite software, platform, and infrastructure-as-a-service capabilities to offer solutions for various industries.
Soon, all systems of record will be required to be interoperable to keep up with greater digitization in the sector. Unified, intelligent platforms that work together to address modularity, security, performance, and other key areas will be an expectation for organizations continuing to modernize operations.
As a result, construction firms will look toward end-to-end solutions that unite enterprise resource management, human capital management, accounting functions, and industry-specific technologies. These platforms give industry players an easier approach to manage workloads and accelerate change against the specific data, compliance, and other needs of their industry.
AI Goes Beyond Predictions
After the explosion of generative AI last year, we’re likely to see use cases emerge across the industry that demonstrate how AI is going beyond simply predicting outcomes and actually driving efficiencies both on and off the jobsite. Ultimately, increased adoption of generative AI and large language models may streamline construction processes and drive efficiencies across the full construction lifecycle. This includes planning, design, and jobsite execution.
Practical applications of AI that support user level efficiency are likely to become standard. An increase in field automation will help address labor shortages thanks to new tools like robotic scanners and autonomous drones. AI can also help ongoing talent gap issues by easing the onboarding process for new workers through the creation of job aids that draw from historical knowledge and data.
And lastly, AI will help firms prioritize worker safety and productivity.
High-Compliance Data Security Becomes Standard
With the exciting increase in AI use cases comes greater needs for data security. What is considered high compliance today will become tomorrow’s expectation of standard compliance.
This means firms will need to evaluate their cyber resilience to help ensure they are meeting these stricter standards. Stronger data practices will help organizations demystify data analytics and make better, faster decisions.
Technology has, and will continue to, reshape the way the construction industry operates. It is a powerful instrument in confronting the many challenges projects face every day. From enhanced standardization and project management platforms to automation options that increase speed and reduce costs, these new tools offer increased flow within offsite construction projects. And the companies that embrace and use these tools to their fullest extent are likely to be the successful ones moving forward.
Mark Webster is senior vice president and general manager at Oracle Construction and Engineering
