Technology and innovation is an aspect that cannot be evaded in this century. Most industries are embracing this due to the rules and trends that are changing every day. The commercial construction industry is not an exemption. Technology is not only improving the efficiency of commercial construction but it is also cost effective. Below are ways in which technology is changing commercial construction:
Delivering the project in good time
Delays put off clients. Technology has assisted in speeding up commercial construction process as information can easily be shared from the office to the job site through a mobile application. Miscommunication which is a major contributor of delaying the construction process especially through reworks is therefore minimized. Information can also be shared easily and efficiently to the clients. For example, automated signature applications have eased the processing of documents for approval hence the construction process continues without being put on hold frequently.
Cost effectiveness
With technology, managing sites is possible now without frequent physical appearance of the managers. Information is well packaged and shared easily to the staff in the construction site easily. The manager can gather information from the site in real-time as well as allocate materials to the job site in the same. This assists the manager to pay attention to other aspects of the project thereby hastening the process. The use of computer and mobile technology in this process cuts the costs due to reduction of movements.
Improvement of accountability
Before the advancement of technology, once a project manager left a site, it became hard to monitor the field workers. However GPS capabilities have made this easier now. The manager can easily identify time spent by a field worker in the commercial construction site. Additionally, technology has enabled tracking of equipment possible. Real-time information on the location and maintenance schedules of equipment is also made available. This subsequently improves the accountability of all the officers in the project.
Monitoring and ensuring safety compliance
Commercial constructions sites like any other constructions sites also have safety and health concerns. A manager is responsible of ensuring the field officers are working in a safe environment. To avoid negligence, having a customized application that has daily safety inspection checklists make the personnel in the site more responsible thereby mitigating risks. In addition, 4D smart helmets with transparent visor and special lenses increase safety and productivity. These helmets helps the users foresee hazards in the environment and also provide project instructions.
Hastens the bidding process
With most communication being done digitally, negotiations are easily done between the commercial constructors and the clients easily and conveniently with less physical meetings. For example, use of video conferencing when conducting meetings. Moreover computer technology has enabled production of 3D images; this has assisted architects in the commercial construction industry to produce 3D designs that give a more realistic view of the end product. Hence, more time spent in explanation of the finished project is reduced.
Easy and flexible documentation
Before the end of a commercial construction project, a lot of documentation is done. With the use of computer technology files are efficiently arranged in well named folders. This reduces the time and cost of retrieving and sharing the documented information.
It is therefore evident that a commercial construction company that has embraced technology is able to deliver quality work with little or no delays and with minimized cost.