Everything You Need to Know About Automation in Construction

The first couple years of this decade haven’t been the best, especially in the construction industry. Contractors have faced a lot of challenges in the last two years, from labor shortages on construction sites, supply chain disruptions, and inflated prices for building materials. But luckily, there’s a silver lining which could increase efficiency and lower costs for future construction projects. What exactly is this silver lining? Automation in construction.

What is automation in construction?

The word automaton might conjure up images of robots taking jobs from humans, but this isn’t exactly the reality. Instead, automation in construction is primarily focused on ways computer programs can work alongside humans on a job site in order to increase efficiency, avoid costly mistakes, and lower the overall budget for commercial projects.

Increase efficiency

It’s no secret that construction projects often require more time–and more headaches–than what’s expected when you begin the project. That’s most likely because productivity in the construction industry hasn’t increased since 1970. The construction industry also ranks second to last on the MGI’s digitization index, meaning construction robotics still needs to catch up to robotics in other industries.

But new softwares and technologies are allowing the construction industry to digitize faster than ever. Digitization often includes less time on paperwork for construction workers and more efficient project management and facilities management. In fact, MGI’s digitization index shows construction companies increase efficiency and productivity by over 50% just by going digital!

Less errors

Humans are known for making mistakes while machines can stop or fix mistakes. Automation in construction can fix a variety of errors and mistakes including:

• Communication errors between teams, especially around deadlines or when work will be done. Artificial intelligence can even be used to help facilitate better communication on-site and off-site.
• Fixing errors in one team’s work before they have finished, especially on repetitive tasks. This gives them time to course correct.
• Ensuring construction processes are followed and the workflow runs smoothly so errors by construction teams don’t happen in the first place

Lower costs

As you can imagine, less errors and increased productivity will lead to lower costs. More specific ways automation can lower construction costs include:

• Machines can work longer hours, bringing down the cost of manual labor and get the project done faster.
• Digitizing financial processes cuts back on financial costs and frees up staff so they have more time to pursue new business instead of doing administrative work.
• Less errors means work doesn’t need to be redone so the cost for the entire project is lower for the client and contractor.

Automation doesn’t have to be something to fear. Instead, it’s a new, innovative tool that contractors can use to lower costs, increase productivity, and reduce the amount of errors. What would you do if you saved money and time on your next construction project, all while having a higher quality final product?

Carlton Building Services in Hampton Roads Virginia

Carlton Building Services specializes in repairs, maintenance, renovations, remodelings and build-outs for a variety of clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake areas. We have years of experience handling projects in the retail, office, and healthcare space and would love to work with you on your next project!

To learn more about our services, check out past project highlights or contact Carlton Building Services to see how we can help with your next project.