Construction is an industry flush with new technology, innovation, sustainability trends, and perpetually changing market dynamics. Every year, the industry continues to transform and advance with new priorities. As contractors and stakeholders continue to navigate what’s new in construction, it is fast becoming essential for companies to adapt to trends to stay competitive and successful.
Here are future trends in the construction industry to track in the coming year.
More Competitive Marketplace
The construction industry is becoming more competitive for the average stakeholder, with more parties bidding on the same projects, streamlined material procurement, and marketplaces built to connect contractors and subcontractors.
Material Innovation
Advanced, high-tech materials are coming to the forefront in greater numbers. Not only is construction equipment improving and advancing, but new materials are being invented that are more eco-friendly, last longer, and are overall stronger.
Embracing Construction Software
The right construction software greatly enhances the ability to manage a construction project. It allows expense tracking, seamless communication between on-site and office teams, and real-time project data.
More Data-Driven Decision Making
Through tech, immense amounts of data can be collected daily from construction sites. It is stored, analyzed, and utilized to produce data-driven decisions, minimizing risks in safety, planning, and finances.
Advanced Analytics Reducing Costs
Advanced real-time analytics software in construction constantly analyzes resource allocation and site inefficiencies and identifies errors before they become more expensive. More construction companies are utilizing advanced analytics to reduce costs and stay on schedule.
AI-Powered Predictive Analytics
AI in predictive analytics is being used more and more for risk management. It can take historical data and predict potential risks, providing a chance to mitigate problems before they occur. In this respect, AI is helping to facilitate safer work sites and stronger adherence to project budgets.
Automating Routine Admin Tasks
The trend of automation is loud and clear in the construction industry. Repetitive administrative processes, such as material ordering, inventory tracking, and progress reporting, can all be automated. This frees up time and resources to invest in other aspects of construction project management.
Software-Led Workforce Management
Software-led workforce management can assign tasks to workers based on recorded skill sets, communicate with teams, and automate scheduling so project phases are completed on time. This software can also track productivity metrics.
Drones for Site Surveys and Monitoring
Drones are one of the most inexpensive and valuable pieces of construction technology. Site surveys collect data for accurate topographic mapping. Drones are often used for real-time progress monitoring, capturing footage that can be used in digital project reports.
Immersive Project Presentations
Projects are being simulated with digital replicas or twins to allow for virtual testing. Several VR and AR tools can allow stakeholders to explore construction projects virtually. This increases client satisfaction, optimizes decision-making, and minimizes execution errors.
Enhanced Safety Practices
Safety remains at the forefront of construction priorities. Various technologies mitigate safety hazards and incidents, from drones circulating across job sites to robots and automation completing tasks that could put human beings at risk.
IoT Resource Monitoring
IoT-enabled construction technology combined with sensors and chips allows management to better monitor machinery, materials, and workers in real time. It tracks resource usage, waste, and costs, providing key insights into how a project is being run in the present moment.
Cloud-Based Document Sharing
Digitizing documents and securing them in cloud storage is the norm in modern construction. Blueprints, contracts, and automated reports can be easily shared through centralized cloud-based platforms, fostering more teamwork and greater stakeholder transparency.
Streamlining Modular Construction
Off-site fabrication and seamless integration reduce waste and optimize timelines. Modular construction’s cost savings alone, tagged with automating its logistics, can reduce errors and help construction companies execute projects seamlessly.
3D Printing Reduces Construction Waste
A construction project can use 3D printing to produce customized components with minimal waste. Engineers can visualize and plan precisely what they need, calculate the specs, and print it with premium-grade sustainable materials.
Green, Eco-Friendly Practices
A trend that has been in motion for over twenty years continues to spur development in construction: green building and sustainability practices. These practices involve more sustainable materials, a reduced carbon footprint, less waste, and energy-efficient consumption.
Reuse and Recyclability
As some materials are removed off-site, they can be reused and repurposed elsewhere. Reducing waste is a key priority in renovations and construction, and adaptive reuse and recyclability are key priorities in construction. Evaluating new and existing structures for reuse potential is important when building.
Workforce Upskilling
With a high demand for construction workers, more entry-level workers are engaging in upskilling through interactive training and software. Technology has made it easier to assess skills, track worker progress, and build on existing education to create safer, better workers ultimately.
