Internet of Pings: How connected construction can manage better than ever

Published On : 10/12/2017

Steve Mansour, Chief Executive Officer, CRL

Steve Mansour

The internet of things (IoT) is not a new topic. In fact, it has been a discussion point for decades and the first smart appliance, a toaster, was actually connected to the internet back in 1989. Property wise, many connected trends focus on inside the home – be it networked climate controls, security solutions or connected appliances, however,outside the home, the construction industry has been slow to adopt technology innovations.

Last year, the construction industry was found to be one of the least digitised industries. Alongside the fact that construction labour productivity has not kept pace with overall productivity[1], it seems the need to invest in technology to keep the industry running is a given. These tools are aimed at increasing efficiencies, reducing cost and ensuring, as much as possible, that projects run on time – so resistance to change seems nonsensical, particularly when this is one of the goals for large builders and developers.

Whilst the construction industry isn’t necessarily known for its connection to technology, there are a surprising amount of tools that have arisen to help those within the sector, such as virtual reality (VR), including 3D building modelling. From 3D walk throughs to sell a property, to 3D VR modelling used to pitch architectural projects, there are numerous benefits to adopting this technology. In addition to the increased efficiencies and reduced costs, it can allow builders to stand out from the crowd when marketing their property to consumers and gain an edge on their competitors.

One such VR process which is widely used in construction is building information modelling (BIM). BIM is a process that provides a 3D model of a building, which can be used to model a building’s structure and systems during both design and construction. However, it doesn’t only provide a model; it also offers data management capabilities that can keep everyone on the project team on the same page at all stages of the build, from conception to construction documentation and maintenance.

Sensors can also be used to feedback to the BIM, collecting data on things like energy usage patterns, temperature trends or people movement throughout a building. This can then be analysed to improve future buildings projects. With large and complex build projects, this technology is imperative to ensure that all parts of the cog are running at the same pace and potential difficulties or delays are dealt with before they arise.

Sensors can also be used on heavy construction equipment, which can be remotely monitored for indicators of potential issues like temperature fluctuations or excessive vibrations. When abnormal patterns are detected, alerts can then trigger maintenance workers to intervene early, before critical equipment fails. When delays on any construction project can be costly, this can benefit the more substantial construction projects / developers.

Internet of Pings

Augmented reality (AR) is at a much earlier stage in its adoption, partly due to health & safety concerns, the need for a large data repository and the complexity of tracking constantly moving data. However, the benefits of AR far outweigh the concerns and this is evident by the recent investment of £1m of funding into a consortium from Innovate UK[2]. The investment is aimed at developing an Augmented Worker System (AWE), which will pioneer the use of virtual and augmented reality for the construction industry. With a focus on reducing cost and waste, and increasing productivity, the system will improve the construction process at every stage, delivering “faster builds to a higher quality with fewer defects and more sustainable buildings.”

With construction projects often plagued by problems, working off old school paper blueprints and drawings makes it harder to capture, analyse and share data with the different contractors involved in the process. But tools like these are reinventing the industry, with innovative ideas adding to it at every stage,for example, the smart helmet designed specifically for industrial settings from Daqri[3]; and the SmartReality app from JBKnowledge[4], which allows users to hold a smartphone or tablet over designs or plan files and see 2D drawings projected as 3D models.

Continued investment in the construction industry is imperative to ensure it has the capabilities to respond and react to developments and changes. Through programmes like the government’s Digital Built Britain (DBB) and through the development of innovative new technology, planners and architects are given more opportunity to collaborate with contractors, whilst reassuring clients and addressing any concerns they may have.

In addition, developers need to be forward thinking to attract talent with new skills to make use of these new technologies, and adopting these is sure to create increased interest from the digital generation. Embracing the internet of things will also allow builders and developers to push boundaries and drive the expectation and quality of new builds forward. These tools are surely being used in large scale commercial builds, so it is time that they become the norm for large residential builders and developers too.

The adoption of innovative ways of working can be daunting, but ultimately, builders and developers need to ensure they are keeping up with new and improved ways of working which will benefit the industry, as well as the end user. Since the creation of the first connected appliance, we have come a long way; but there is still a mountain to climb when looking at how this technology can, and will, benefit us in the very near future.

[1]http://www.mckinsey.com/industries/capital-projects-and-infrastructure/our-insights/imagining-constructions-digital-future

[2]http://www.installation-international.com/soluis-group-secures-1m-grant-vrar-construction-system/

[3]https://daqri.com/products/smart-helmet/

[4]http://jbknowledge.com/introducing-our-new-application-smartreality

Uma Rajagopal

Uma Rajagopal has been managing the posting of content for multiple platforms since 2021, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune. Her role ensures that content is published accurately and efficiently across these diverse publications.