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Be it on a computer screen or through a headset, augmented and virtual reality are using the output of BIM software and creating virtual models of structure subcontractors can roam through before it is even built, enabling them to collaborate as well as identify potential issues in a virtual environment.
Fremont, CA: The construction industry has always been slow to adopt technology. The professionals in this industry prefer to solve problems with their own creativity. Besides, this is an industry with narrow margins, where the foremost funding priorities are manpower and equipment. However, with the unremitting technological innovation, the industry finally realizes the impact it can have on bottom-line profitability.
Here are some of the technology opportunities construction companies should consider:
AR and VR
Be it on a computer screen or through a headset, augmented and virtual reality are using the output of BIM software and creating virtual models of structure subcontractors can roam through before it is even built, enabling them to collaborate as well as identify potential issues in a virtual environment.
Internet of Things
Considering industries that are experiencing some success with Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as manufacturing and health care, almost everything is happening in one place. This makes it a lot easier to install sensors on a robot or machine and capture data. It is a bit more challenging when one is working on multiple job sites and a lot of mobile equipment, so taking data capture away from individuals and automating it, as well as storing data in a unified place where it can be managed, is the frontier right now.
Most firms are utilizing some sort of automated accounting platform. But there are still some vulnerabilities that call for more attention.Invoice routing and approval is an important process in this industry. People have the back office scan invoices, and then these are emailed to the project superintendent. Invoice images are “digital paper,” which means they are not real digital artifacts. Any data that is on them has to be manually entered, and the entire routing and approval process is manual as well.