Webster
The global construction industry has undergone massive changes in the past decade, and now even more technological changes are expected to have a major impact on the future of our industry. As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies continue to advance, the hope is that these technologies can avoid many of the most common roadblocks and delays.
However, these challenges, both long-standing and developing, remain. Many contractors still struggle to find enough skilled labor and supply chains continue to be affected by disruptions and cost pressures. In addition, sustainability needs are growing.
New technologies will play a critical role in helping construction executives and project managers meet these challenges in the future. Here are four key areas to watch as technology continues to transform the way the construction industry operates:
Multi-Cloud supports enterprise interoperability
Cloud adoption is increasing in the construction industry and multicloud is the next horizon. Businesses can also turn to industry cloud platforms, which bring together software, platform and infrastructure-as-a-service capabilities to provide solutions for various industries.
It will soon be necessary for all registration systems to be interoperable to keep up with greater digitization of the sector. Unified and intelligent platforms that work together to address modularity, security, performance and other key areas will be an expectation for organizations that continue to modernize operations.
As a result, construction companies will seek end-to-end solutions that bring together enterprise resource management, human capital management, accounting functions and industry-specific technologies. These platforms offer industry players an easier approach to managing workloads and accelerating change based on their specific data, compliance and other industry needs.
AI goes beyond predictions
After last year’s explosion of generative AI, we’re likely to see use cases emerge across industry that demonstrate how AI goes beyond simply predicting outcomes and actually drive efficiency both inside and outside the workplace. Ultimately, greater adoption of generative AI and large language models can streamline construction processes and increase efficiency throughout the construction lifecycle. This includes job planning, design and execution.
Practical AI applications that support user-level efficiency are likely to become standard. Increased automation in the field will help address labor shortages thanks to new tools like robotic scanners and autonomous drones. Artificial intelligence can also help today’s talent gap issues by easing the on-boarding process for new workers by creating job aids that are based on insights and historical data.
And finally, AI will help companies prioritize worker safety and productivity.
High compliance data security becomes standard
With the exciting rise of AI use cases, there are more needs for data security. What is considered high compliance today will become tomorrow’s expectation of standard compliance.
This means companies will need to assess their cyber resilience to ensure they meet these stricter standards. Stronger data practices will help organizations demystify data analysis and make better, faster decisions.
Technology has changed, and will continue to reshape the way the construction industry operates. It is a powerful tool to face the many challenges that projects face every day. From improved standardization and project management platforms to automation options that increase speed and reduce costs, these new tools provide greater flow within offsite construction projects. And companies that adopt and use these tools to their fullest are likely to be the ones that succeed.
Mark Webster is Senior Vice President and General Manager in Oracle Construction and Engineering
