A deadly virus took the world by storm almost three years ago, resulting in a global shutdown that impacted everyday life, the economy, and the business landscape. While some industries transitioned and excelled, others, like construction, struggled to weather the storm. Federal and local mandates prohibited or limited many in the domestic sector from securing contracts and completing projects, causing financial strain. 

Although things have substantially improved since 2020, the global health crisis reinforced the importance of adaptability to organizational success. The realization prompted the construction industry to tap into technological innovations to thrive in a digitally-dependent society. Though in-person experiences and manual labor remain essential practices in construction, leaders wanting to “stay in the game” must get serious about integrating technology into their operations. 

Top Innovations In Construction

Construction businesses that have invested in emerging technologies have seen a substantial difference in their bottom line. The appropriate resources streamline processes, increase safety, boost productivity, enhance the customer experience, and set brands apart from competitors. How did they reap such benefits? By turning to the top innovations listed below. 

Cloud-Based Software

Acquiring, managing, and executing construction projects are multi-faceted processes involving multiple parties. Traditional methods of completing these tasks are outdated, time-consuming, and economically draining. Technological advancements like cloud-based software offer a practical solution to the construction industry. 

Cloud-based construction software is an application that enables businesses to manage projects from beginning to end through a centralized platform.  Advanced applications include features that track, manage, and automate processes ranging from lead generation and scheduling to accounting and progress reporting, saving construction companies time and money. 

With capabilities that allow stakeholders to access essential data in real time, cloud-based software has also improved communications, collaboration, and the customer experience. 

Drones

Retaining quality contractors isn’t easy, as construction work is grueling, time-consuming, and risky. As skilled workers are essential to organizational success, construction companies have turned to innovations like drones to resolve the matter. 

A drone is an arial vehicle without a pilot or passengers that receives commands remotely and transmits data in real-time. This technology automates tasks and enhances safety, which are crucial components of worker retention. 

These high-tech machines make securing, tracking, inspecting, and completing risky construction tasks easier. Drones are used to survey and analyze construction sites, identify hazards, monitor teams, and photograph progress. The appropriate models can even conduct drone window cleaning, power washing, and bridge building. 

3D Printing

As the cost of building materials and the demand for sustainable construction rise, the need to find more efficient ways to complete projects is essential. While 3D printing was often used in construction to create models, technological advances have taken things up a notch. 

3D printers are now used to develop complex shapes and objects using fewer materials, helping contractors to build quality structures while reducing labor costs and saving time. 3D printing in construction has become so popular that there’s even a neighborhood in Austin, Texas, with 100 homes developed from this amazing technology. 

Green Construction

There’s been an alarming amount of pressure on the construction industry to reduce its carbon footprint as global warming becomes a more prevalent concern. The demands have resulted in green construction technologies shifting from an option to a necessity. Such resources have made building and designing structures more energy efficient, flexible, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. 

Green construction technologies provide commercial and residential customers with quality homes and office buildings that reduce utility costs, improve occupant health, and support the environment. Of course, any resource that benefits businesses, customers, and the planet is worth the investment. 

The world was already well-engulfed in technology and the internet of things. However, the onset of the global health crisis and the restrictions that followed rapidly increased the use of technology in every facet of life. While the need for skilled construction professionals remains essential, the industry must learn how to operate in a technologically-inclined environment by utilizing trends like those listed above.