What is the best use of technology in construction?

The last few decades have seen revolutions in technology that have transformed the way we live, but few industries have been as affected by tech as construction. Modern construction sites rely on an array of construction tools and technology to get the job done with precision and efficiency. Most processes that were previously completed manually are now automated, and many tasks that once necessitated human labor can now be completed by machines.

It’s debatable whether this shift is entirely good, but it certainly has produced some benefits for construction professionals. Construction sites are arguably safer and more efficient because of tech innovations—and the following are some of the best uses of technology in construction equipment.

Robotic Process Automation

Many people lament the automation of tasks that previously required human labor. These concerns are valid, but when it comes to construction, the benefits of robotic process automation are undeniable. In construction, RPA can be used to manage project controls and complete routine finance calculations. The use of algorithms allows this automation to be optimized and likely performed at a higher rate of accuracy than a human would be capable of producing. Robots can use data collected from multiple sources in order to efficiently deliver cost estimates, inventory reports, and many other tasks that were previously completed by people, making the data used for construction faster and more accurate.

Building Information Modeling

Initially conceptualized in the 1970s, rapid improvements in technology enabled BIM—or building information modeling—to evolve substantially throughout the 2000s. What was once a novelty now offers fully functional digital representations of physical spaces and their characteristics. For construction professionals, BIM offers advantages such as the following:

• Virtually construct a project before starting physical construction
• Simulate potential construction outcomes to measure expense
• Collaborate with subcontractors to ensure accurate information input

These benefits make BIM one of the best construction tools available. Current incarnations are typically generated by programs such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks. No matter what part of the construction process you play a part in, BIM will be one of the most important tools you use.

Geospatial Technologies

Geospatial technology is one of the best construction tools. Utilizing data from multiple sources—global positioning systems, remote sensing, and geographical information systems—geospatial tech produces information about the earth that can then be used in construction simulations, model building, and analysis. This construction equipment, when combined with devices such as drones, allows for simultaneous capture of imagery and geospatial data. Surveyors can capture aerial imagery via drones that are also equipped with tools for the collection of GPS and RS data. The result is a virtual snapshot of the physical characteristics of the site as well as its topographical qualities.

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