Maximising Innovative Tools In Construction For Your Next Project: 5 Options Worth Trying
In a constantly adapting world, the construction industry is one of many that has been eagerly embracing the release of a wide range of innovative tools, products, and technological solutions.
While cutting-edge developments such as computer-aided design (CAD) have been a vital part of the business for years now, the construction industry has recently been graced with a steady flow of efficiency-boosting inventions.
These range from cloud computing to Robotic Total Stations, net zero building materials, and digital twin technology. By keeping up with the times and adopting these new inventions, companies can solve many of the inherent challenges involved in construction, and optimise their productivity into the bargain.
If you’re keen to get on board with the latest construction innovations to revolutionise the industry, here are five options that you will definitely want to invest in – if you haven’t already!
Construction Cost Management Software
One of the most significant challenges construction companies face with every project that they take on is the difficulty of keeping within budget. This problem is compounded by various factors, such as the rising cost of inflation, increased labour costs, and the potential for unforeseen problems that can rack up more bills.
Fortunately, there is a robust technological solution to help construction businesses stay on target, or, at least, as close to it as possible – and that solution is called construction cost management software. For example, this project management software developed by Kahua provides a holistic budgeting solution for construction companies, comprising a wide range of helpful tools and functions. These range from the ability to track and audit project finances from the beginning of the project through to its completion, to simplifying the management of contracts and promoting more effective collaboration with vendors and contractors.
Improved Cybersecurity
Keeping their sensitive information protected from hackers is just as important for construction companies as it is for any other business in the UK – particularly as the threat of cyber-attacks is on the rise.
To shore up their online defences, construction businesses can take advantage of the latest cybersecurity innovations – notably SOCaaS, or Security Operations Centre-as-a-Service tech solutions. These are external services provided by specialist companies, in collaboration with the construction business’s own IT experts. Among their benefits, construction companies can enjoy more stringent security measures and rapid response to any perceived or actual cyber threat, 24 hours a day.
Bim Technology Makes It Easier To Revitalise Old Buildings
Technology is increasingly becoming a vital part of new-build construction projects, but it can also be used to great effect to give older buildings a new lease of life or make an informed decision to have them demolished.
Most notably, technology can be used to collect and analyse data about a particular ageing building from a variety of sources and draw upon that data to create a so-called digital twin of the building (also known as a BIM model – which stands for Building Information Management). Because BIM technology can provide construction companies with so much essential information – such as more accurate cost and risk projections – it becomes significantly simpler to work out the best way to renovate the building safely and efficiently. Without this kind of innovation, old buildings such as the Battersea Power Station could have been much more difficult, or even impossible, to resurrect.
Sustainable Materials Can Reduce Costs And Boost Energy Efficiency
With the effects of climate change wreaking havoc across the globe, the construction industry has been forced to sit up and take notice – particularly as it is responsible for a significant percentage of the world’s carbon emissions. To try and offset these troubling side-effects of traditional building methods, there is now a concerted push to adopt zero-carbon strategies. These include the widespread use of sustainable materials, and a firm focus on coming up with decarbonised forms of traditional materials, like cement.
Fortunately, when it comes to sustainable materials, there is an impressive selection to choose from these days, and plenty of exciting new solutions are appearing all the time. These materials range from sheep wool and wood fibre to vinyl, green leaf brick, and recycled packaging.
Not only are these innovative products environmentally friendly, but they also bring a range of benefits – including improved energy efficiency, lower costs, and better indoor air quality. Another good option for saving energy costs is to compare energy rates and make use of electricity comparison websites like Choose Energy Texas to find the most efficient energy plans.
Robot Construction Workers
This last innovation may sound unnervingly like a sci-fi film plot point, but the truth is that robotic workers could soon become a familiar sight on construction sites across the UK. Of course, this technology is still in its infancy, but with investment pouring in, it looks set to become one of the most remarkable construction innovations of the 21st century.
Of course, robot workers will probably only ever supplement a construction company’s workforce, as human labour and ingenuity remain vital. However, as Mace’s robotic dog, Dave, has amply demonstrated at Heathrow, robots can bring some significant benefits, including improving the safety of their human co-workers.
Final Thoughts
While there is no doubt that the construction industry faces some significant challenges in the coming months and years, it’s also clear that new innovations are increasingly available that can help to revolutionise the sector.
These ingenious inventions can not only make it cheaper and easier to build or renovate, but they can also keep employees safe and help to protect the planet in the bargain.
Now, those are some truly significant benefits to look forward to!
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