With more and more advancements in the area of technology, there is no question that the construction industry is shifting into a sector that’s heavily relying on what modern technologies have to offer.
For example, take a look at self-healing concrete, 4D printers, smart construction cones, rubber speed bumps, and so on. While most of them sounded much futuristic a few years ago, they have been implemented in recent times.
IoT technology and the construction industry
IoT technology in the construction industry involves using internet services along with the connected devices or sensors that are placed around a construction zone and worn by people in that site. These devices collect different kinds of data regarding a specific activity and analyze them to help in taking important decisions.
In recent developments, the construction industry is already looking for ways to implement IoT technology in every aspect effectively.
However, the developers and engineers believe that it is something that might require time and won’t happen overnight. And, it might take some time for the construction industry to harness the benefits.
What issues does IoT solve?
The profitability and efficiency of the construction industry impact economy globally. While the industry is evolving rapidly and the latest management practices are implemented, there are fields where contractor teams and managers are facing the heat. Here are some issues that IoT technology resolves and so it is considered the future of construction zone.
On-time and on-budget project delivery
These issues have long been there in the construction industry. With the growing complexities in construction plans, it is challenging to complete the project within the estimated cost and time.
However, IoT technology improves the precision of these estimates and increases the confidence of investors, business owners, contractors, and site managers.
Labor and skill shortage
There is no denying that the current scenario has taken a big blow in the construction industry. While most laborers left their job because of certain reasons, there aren’t skilled workers to replace them.
Finding no way out, even the governments are taking initiatives to attract people from other industries, throwing apprentice camps, or welcoming women workers for this industry. And, the automation from IoT technology ensures that all these things fall in line.
Evaluating team productivity
Because the construction industry is saturated, project managers need to stay ahead of time by delivering quality work in less time. As such, they develop strategies and plans to monitor the progress of work and their teams.
And, the IoT assures that nobody breaks the fixed schedules or deadlines without affecting their leave. By using smart wearables, managers can track employee movements so that the work can be completed in due time.
Also, the fleet management systems help them to keep track of the materials to be delivered at the construction site. With suitable data from the system, managers can optimize daily operations and adhere to deadlines.
Safety issues
Construction zones are prone to injuries and accidents worldwide. These might include equipment failure, falls from heights, electric shocks, trench collapse, and many more.
While there are safety checklists that might prevent these situations from happening, workers rarely comply with the guidelines. However, IoT technology helps site managers with real-time education and brings down the number of casualties.
Monitoring the construction sites for safety measures is not that easy. Humans don’t have the data to prevent or predict potential intrusions. With lots of sensors on the construction area, it creates an environment where workers aren’t exposed to hazardous situations.
Outdated systems
Holding onto outdated technologies means slowing down the construction work. Obsolete hardware systems don’t help in productivity and are expensive to maintain. IoT paved the way for the site managers to use the latest technologies and extract valuable information need for the betterment of the project.
Moreover, smart wearables backed by IoT technology detect physical issues relating to stress, blood pressure, pulse rate, and so on. That way, managers can know about the well-being of the workers and prevent injuries of any kind.
Waste management
Business owners have to make their plans according to the law to dispose of waste and debris. Plenty of IoT solutions intended for the construction industry improves waste management drastically and benefit the construction zone. The sensor-based tools monitor on-site trash levels and provide ways to cope up with them in the upcoming days.
