Imagine, if you will, a world where every item you use every day, from the cup of coffee in your hands to the smartphone on your desk, tells a story not only of design and manufacture, but also of a journey .
This journey, often invisible to the end consumer, is made possible by the logistics sector, a complex network of processes that ensure that goods move seamlessly from factories across continents to you. Now, consider the buildings around you. Each is a testament to the construction industry’s ability to turn visions of steel, glass and concrete into realities.
Both sectors, logistics and construction, form the basis of our modern lifestyle. Both have also historically been slow to adopt new technologies, relying on manual and professional processes, viewing technology with skepticism due to concerns about cost, complexity or disruption to well-established workflows. However, in recent years, logistics has made significant strides in integrating technology, leveraging tools such as robotics, the Internet of Things (IOT) for real-time tracking, artificial intelligence for ‘optimization of routes and platforms that improve coordination throughout the supply chain.
The construction industry is now on the brink of its own digital age. With rising material costs, labor shortages and increasing project complexity, construction professionals are beginning to see technology not as a disruptor but as a necessary evolution to meet the demands of the 21st century .
By emulating logistics on its technology journey, construction can achieve greater efficiency, improved safety and better project outcomes. Here’s how.
Digital solutions for unified communication
In logistics, as in many industries, fragmented communication methods, from faxes (yes, faxes) to phone calls, text messages and emails, have historically led to delays, inefficiencies and increased operational costs. Recognizing these challenges, the sector has turned to new solution providers who have developed unified digital platforms to streamline communication. These platforms have been proven to help break down silos within supply chains and improve collaboration. The impact has been tangible, with one such solution, Fourkites, suggesting its platform helps customers achieve savings of 15% to 20%.
In the construction industry, the development and widespread deployment of similar digital platforms could significantly improve project management.
Imagine a logistics-like platform that enables real-time collaboration between construction managers, engineers, financial planners and various other parties. These centralized communication platforms, with features such as advanced notification systems and customizable alerting capabilities, could significantly reduce time lost due to delays and miscommunications between critical project components such as design, procurement teams and financial management. Real-time cross-project updates and personalized alerts would ensure that all stakeholders are uniformly informed. This approach could lead to better time management, cost savings and increased productivity.
Adopting adaptable and scalable technology
Leveraging the approach of the logistics sector, where artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things have bridged the gaps between disparate operational functions, the construction industry can make similar improvements. For example, in logistics, AI analytics has been widely applied in recent years to predict and proactively address potential disruptions, while IoT real-time tracking ensures the flow of goods by continuously gathering information on along supply chains, such as inventory supply, transportation conditions, and equipment performance.
Translating this to construction, the integration of adaptable technologies such as AI and IoT could offer a customized approach to managing projects of varying sizes and complexities. AI could play a critical role in analyzing large amounts of project data, tailoring the information to the specific needs of each project, whether it’s a small residential building or a massive infrastructure development. Similarly, IoT devices could be customized to monitor the specific types of materials and equipment used in different construction projects, ensuring accurate tracking and allocation of resources.
Implementing AI and IoT solutions could provide the construction industry with both predictive and responsive strategies aimed at avoiding or reducing project delays, budgeting more efficiently, and adjusting on the fly to unforeseen issues.
Welcoming robots to the workplace
In logistics, the implementation of robotics has significantly transformed operations, especially in warehouses such as those managed by Amazon, where robots sort, pack and move goods with efficiency and precision. This automation reduces manual work, speeds up processing times and minimizes errors, showing the benefits of robotics in streamlining supply chain operations.
In construction, this precedent suggests great potential. Robotics could be more widely adopted for precision tasks such as troweling and painting, or for handling complex assemblies, improving speed and accuracy. Robots could also replace humans in hazardous tasks, such as handling hazardous materials or working in extreme temperatures. The increased application of robotics could lead to safer work environments, reduce physical strain on workers and accelerate construction timelines, ultimately reducing costs and improving project delivery outcomes. As the construction industry continues to struggle with labor shortages, now is an opportune time to take a page from logistics and encourage greater investment and adoption of robotics.
As construction embraces the dawn of its digital transformation, the urgency to embrace the technological lessons of logistics has never been clearer. Now is the time for construction leaders to champion this evolution. We don’t just build; we build smarter, safer and more efficiently by making technology the cornerstone of our industry’s growth.
Scott Cannon is the CEO of BigRentzan online marketplace for heavy equipment rentals
