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In a country where it is possible to read text messages on your watch, pay for your lunch through your mobile and download an app for nearly everything, it is no surprise that technology has also had an effect on the construction industry, evolving the way work is undertaken, and improving traditional systems. Take a look at three of the most recent innovations, changing the way we work, but for the better?
1 Tool Tracking
Tools that go ‘missing’ are a huge cost to many construction companies. Equally, power and hand tools left in the wrong place can become dangerous hazards, without the correct tethering. Tool tracking is a great way to keep tabs on tools used and ensure they are back where they should be at the end of the working day. To avoid lengthy, cumbersome inventories, many companies are now barcoding their equipment, scanning tools in and out at the end of the day.
Many digital companies are exploring this gap in the market to improve tool tracking - we expect to see further innovations over the next few years!
2 Wearable Smart Sensors
With the workers safety in mind, many construction firms are now putting smart sensors in employee’s workwear including hard hats, boots and other safety gear. These sensors help to track things such as how long a worker has been on their feet; if an impact takes place from a hard hat sensor, and even body temperature through a wristwatch sensor!
Whilst this technology can protect those working on site and boost output, their use faces as much criticism as it does support.
3 Mobiles and Tablets
The need to carry armfuls of paperwork and blueprints around site is quickly diminishing. With development in technology, contractors and workers are able to reference relevant documentation at the touch of a screen. Some construction companies are taking this further, making most of the ease of a tablet by equipping construction sites with a Wi-Fi connection.
With the development of apps incredibly strong in the technology industry, it is no surprise that we have progressed beyond ‘Candy Crush’ and ‘Pokemon’ to apps that can be of real benefit to everyday life and specific programs to particular industries. Construction apps include those with the ability to make blueprint changes instantly and measurement apps to calculate materials needed, concrete volumes and costings.
