.png){kind=logo}
Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine a successful construction enterprise that doesn’t heavily rely on technology. From construction time tracking software to real-time analytics, there’s little you can’t do with sophisticated modern devices and programs.
In this article, we’ll take a look at different tools that have changed construction labor management. These apps and equipment have completely changed how we interact with the workforce and monitor their performance.
With software, your team can micromanage just about every aspect of a construction project. Whether we’re talking about pre-construction, field monitoring, punching in, or staff scheduling, there’s likely an app that will help you with that specific task.
The best thing about these apps is that your workers can install them on their phones. For example, they can get time tracking software on their phone so you can always track their position on the construction site. Not only do these apps improve productivity, but they also minimize common errors.
The best thing about these programs is that the majority of them are cloud-based. All data is immediately stored online so that the management can access it. That way, you’re able to track any change and react promptly. This makes it easier to have a quick, reactionary stance on everything that’s happening in the field.
Aside from installing tracking software on workers’ phones, you should also add it to all the company vehicles. Having reliable GPS hardware is essential for your logistics efforts, allowing you to monitor material and equipment shipments.
Furthermore, global positioning systems help you track vehicles on the construction site. This is especially vital for larger projects that involve a fleet of trucks.
The best thing about these modern programs is that they send information directly to the main interface. Everything is updated in real time, streamlining the entire decision-making process. As IoT devices become more and more sophisticated, it will be easier to transfer information between different hubs.
Data analytics is vital for managing different aspects of labor management. It allows you to track each manager separately and calculate their input and salaries. These programs take data from smartphones and other in-field devices and instantly calculate them within the main dashboard.
Analytics is not only vital for assessing the performance of individual contractors, but it also helps assess the team performance. You can utilize historical data to compare productivity and costs between past and current projects and make necessary tweaks.
As with everything else, analytical software is especially valuable for large businesses. If you have numerous construction sites that you need to track, you often must coordinate between teams, reroute workforce and materials, and calculate total inputs and outputs.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have become integral for powering different construction programs. With AI and ML, businesses are now able to enhance on-site safety, boost productivity, reduce risks, and improve decision-making.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are collecting data from various sources, whether it’s from the internet or your company sources. The tech is also able to accrue data from your past projects, helping you improve processes and predict future outcomes.
In terms of labor management, AI and ML are able to enhance the workforce’s productivity by minimizing errors. The software tracks staff’s activities and suggests ideal workflows and procedures. AI and ML are especially valuable for minimizing downtime, which is otherwise fatal for construction businesses.
By using modern tech, you’re able to assess the inventory and machine requirements. Coupled with drones and other robots, you’re able to track the progress of each building segment and assess how much time is required until completion. That way, you can reroute staff toward tasks with higher priority.
Drones equipped with high-res cameras are vital for monitoring the current situation in the field and gathering other types of information. The thing that makes these machines so invaluable is the fact that drones can reach certain spots that were previously inaccessible to human workers.
Among other things, you can use their feed to assess a project’s progress and to perform comprehensive inspections. Aside from checking up on the building, these machines can provide info about deliveries and workforce. After gathering footage, you can transform it into 3D imagery and compare it with your initial plans.
However, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Drone technology is continuously experiencing improvements, especially in terms of sensor and footage quality. As a manager, it’s your job to introduce these machines to your work site and to maximize their value for your projects.
Aside from drones, construction companies are using all sorts of other robots and automated equipment. Although these machines are mainly used for simple tasks, there’s a chance that we will use them for more and more sophisticated activities.
For example, many companies nowadays use robots for rebar-tying and bricklaying. These activities were previously manual and would cost businesses enormous sums in worker salaries.
The robots are not only faster than their human counterparts, but they are usually less prone to mistakes. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about safety and potential litigations when using these machines. They don’t need rests or take sick leaves, which makes them a perfect solution for eliminating downtime.
Construction is a much safer job today than it was 100 years ago. Nowadays, companies employ smart sensors all over sites to track the movement of people and vehicles. Contractors also use wearables to monitor each person’s vital signs, while exoskeletons protect from life-altering injuries.
All this tech makes it easier for both managers and workers. Managers gain information about any change as it occurs in real-time, allowing them to notify workers in the field.
Modern tech has a huge role in the construction site. Not only does it improve the performance of all the workers, but it also makes daily activities safer. By investing in these gadgets and equipment, you can significantly improve your outcomes and worker retention rates.
