The future of construction will be a fully automated end-to-end design and build process that enables streamlined flow from design to construction, real-time visibility into the construction process, and data-driven construction project management. Discover several methodologies construction companies need to embrace on this transformational journey.
In the age of the fourth industrial revolution (also known as Industry 4.0), ways of automating the complete design and build process are becoming more and more critical. According to McKinsey, the construction industry is moving towards a manufacturing-like system of mass production, relying on smart technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and cloud computing to conduct end-to-end design and build automation. The use of these techniques could boost the sector’s productivity by five to tenfold. According to research from the Boston Consulting Group, full-scale digitization may help the construction industry save between $1 trillion and $1.7 trillion annually worldwide.
The steps to adopting automated construction technology
Construction of the future will be a fully automated end-to-end design and build process that enables streamlined flow from design to construction. This is garnered from real-time visibility into the construction process and data-driven construction project management.
Design talks to manufacturing
Future construction will be all model-driven. BIM-enabled (Building Information Modelling) fully integrated construction is set to drive the complete process from design to manufacture, fabrication, and installation.
Adopting this technology, is a very simple and straightforward process. Intelligent cold formed steel (CFS) manufacturing systems can interpret a building design model and produce all the required building components autonomously.
Smart factories
Increasing complexity in construction and surging resource costs require a smart factory where cutting-edge technologies, such as robotics and the internet of things (IoT) can identify potential operation bottlenecks, boost the efficiencies of construction component fabrication, predict future demands and increase employee health and safety.
Smart systems that are connected to the cloud via the industrial internet allow operation and management teams to understand the real-time production progress of construction projects from anywhere in the world via a web browser. The smart analytics of your construction production data allows first-hand insight on how to improve your operational efficiency and maximize your return on investment (ROI).
The data must flow
Embracing and analyzing the intricate data that flows across your construction projects and operations promises to unlock exceptional efficiencies. Downtime reduction, real-time inventory management and improved quality control can be achieved by having a fully integrated data analysis platform to record and monitor production metrics.
Industrial IoT means the construction of the future will be alive with data coming from sensors and other devices, interconnected by technologies such as RFID tags, drones, and GPS tracking. With the availability of artificial intelligence and scalable big data analytics, you can get business knowledge and wisdom that you never expected which could help transform how you get your next project, maximize your profits, and reduce your operating costs.
It’s a journey
The extent to which some of these potential developments will affect how you operate today remains a big question. The good news is you don’t have to start the journey knowing in advance where all the developments will lead.
Leveraging the next-generation smart technologies to keep your organization competitive in a dynamic and changing market is an ongoing and iterative process. The ultimate benefits lie in improved efficiency, quality and of course, a better bottom line.
But you don’t have to – and in fact, should not try to – get there all in one giant leap.
Instead, it’s important to assess your situation and work with a steel framing market leader that can partner with you to embrace the future of construction.
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