Years ago, I wrote a feature article about what the future jobsite might look like. This article painted a picture of what a jobsite might look like years down the road, with tools tracking themselves and pieces of equipment humming along unmanned. Much has changed since that time, yet much has stayed the same.
For one, the editors here at Constructech could never have predicted the impact a pandemic might have on the construction industry. Today’s jobsite looks vastly different in part because the industry has new safety requirements, as a result of COVID-19. But as we emerge from what was in the past year, to what will be in the year ahead, what will the future look like? Some of the safety measures from COVID-19 will likely remain, but there are three other key ways our construction jobsites might continue to evolve.
Our Data
In the future, everything at the jobsite will start and end with the data. In some cases, this data will help with safety measures due to COVID-19. For instance, data can alert if a worker is hurt or not practicing proper social distancing. But this trend toward data is about more than just COVID-19. Data can help construction professionals improve scheduling, project management, and more.
Everything will get “smarter” too. With the advent of AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning, construction professionals can leverage technology that will make smart, predictive decisions about the jobsite. This can include everything from where a worker needs to focus energies to automating new shipments and supplies. The sky is the limit.
Our Tools and Equipment
The construction industry has been connecting its tools and equipment for years, but now this trend is picking up. Recently, ToolWatch announced that its technology integration with DEWALT TOOL CONNECT is now available. Something like this will improve tool ownership, as the companies can synch tools, tags, and chips and manage the inventory automatically. This eliminates the need to manually scan tools, equipment, and consumables.
On the equipment side, many manufacturers are moving to lower carbon energy solutions. For instance, Caterpillar and Certarus announced recently they are going to explore opportunities to bring lower carbon energy solutions. This is simply one example. The move to a more energy-efficient fleet is one that is only going to grow.
Our Off-Site Operations
The future jobsite might also not look like a jobsite at all. Some estimates suggest the timeline on a construction project can be reduced by 25-60% with offsite construction. What’s more, it offers a more attractive working environment, which could potentially incentivize younger workers and women to join the workforce. This trend will be one to watch in the months ahead.
Quite simply, the future jobsite will be smart. COVID-19 has introduced some new safety considerations, but the need for greater intelligence hasn’t changed. The industry still has an opportunity to tap into data to improve efficiencies at the jobsite, while making it a more desirable place for workers.
Original Article: https://constructech.com/our-future-jobsites/
