Leveraging Construction Technology Trends for Maximum Impact

As far as modern technology goes, a major challenge that many construction companies are facing today is to keep up with the range of new construction technologies and find and implement the best ones that fit all business needs.

Adopting a new construction technology isn’t everything – construction companies or firms should make sure that the technology works together with accuracy. That’s why it is very crucial to find the best technology to make the process easier and faster.

If you would like to take your construction business to another level, this comprehensive guide will help you. In this blog, we are going to discuss 2024’s top new construction technology trends and aspects that will influence construction industries within the next few decades. Let’s get started.

What is construction technology?

The term construction technology refers to the set of different tools, machinery, and software applications that are used in various stages of a construction project. These tools and machines allow construction firms to boost efficiency and streamline business operations.

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Components that constitute modern and emerging technologies in construction include autonomous heavy equipment, automated & semi-automated equipment, bid management systems, different mobile applications, robots, artificial intelligence, machine learning, AR/VR, and more. Moreover, the latest construction technologies and trends help businesses accelerate digital transformations & move one step forward to achieve business goals.

The implementation of innovative construction software and tools covers every level of construction, from project ideation and planning to on-site activities. According to the report, the worldwide construction market is expected to grow up to $8 trillion by 2030. Studies done by a custom software development company also show that more than 23% of construction companies report that they’re planning to improve workflow performance with advanced technologies like BIM, prefabrication, etc.

Importance of new construction technology

The entire ecosystem of construction technology is rapidly shifting toward integrated platforms that better serve your needs. Significant importance of building construction technologies include:

1. Increases productivity:

In a construction site, every project has different perspectives and purposes. This makes process standardization quite difficult and impacts productivity. The application of modern technologies like artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and machine learning, helps to streamline and automate several processes. Therefore, overall productivity is also increased.

2. Improves workplace safety:

In a construction site, workplace safety is one of the major concerns. The applications of advanced tools like sensors, VR & wearables have a massive impact on enhancing workplace and labor safety. It also helps to minimize the risk of serious workplace injuries. Moreover, these technologies also allow construction companies to effectively train their employees & then track their health status for ensuring a very safe working environment.

3. Helps to control labor shortages:

The labor shortage is one of the constant problems that many construction companies face recently. Fortunately, construction technologies help to manage this issue in a unique way. Through the application of drone technology, autonomous equipment, and robotics, construction companies ensure how many employees they need to complete a critical task. These technologies also help them by offering the latest available candidate database, which they can use to employ new employees or workers when required.

4. Ensures excellent collaboration:

Collaboration in any construction project may face major challenges, as the construction site is usually very large & the projects mainly involve a number of decision-makers. The usage of construction technologies specifically designed for communication and collaboration encourages faster and better decision-making. Such applications and technologies also ensure that new data & information reaches the different stakeholders so that the construction project runs properly.

2024’s Top construction technology trends

Cutting-edge technologies and innovations are drastically changing business operations and workflows in construction. Here are 5 emerging trends that are strongly influencing construction technologies.

1. BIM (Building Information Modelling):

BIM stands for Building Information Modelling, the latest digital technology process that involves developing a three-dimensional model of a construction project & its components such as design & maintenance. BIM enables architects, contractors, and engineers to coordinate & collaborate their efforts efficiently, which improves efficiency and reduces errors. Moreover, it improves sustainability and gives a new shape to resource management.

The latest version of this new construction technology 5D BIM is more powerful that offers project scope understanding, short project cycles & increased productivity. 2024’s top BIM software include Revit, Tekla, BIM Collab, Navisworks, Autodesk BIM 360, and Plannerly.

Key Benefits

• Enhanced onsite communication and collaboration

• Model-based budget estimation

• Better clash detection

• Cost & resource savings

• Improved sequencing or scheduling

• Increased productivity

• Streamlined facility management

2. Prefabrication:

Prefabrication refers to modular construction which is the process of making building components in other locations than the main site. This trend has become very popular as it increases quality control, eliminates construction time & minimizes waste. The prefabrication process is extensively used in several construction projects like offices, hospitals, schools, housing, etc. This process also eliminates the necessity for sourced construction materials that result in very low waste.

Key Benefits

• Impacts tech trends with advanced design tools

• Reduces costs

• Quality control and consistency

• High flexibility

• Simplifies overall construction processes & timelines

3. Drone technology

With 3D lidar scans and real-time aerial imagery, drones or UAVs are consistently revolutionizing several construction processes. As a powerful tool, industrial drones offer a vast range of applications such as structure inspection, site mapping, land surveying, project monitoring, etc. Drones make the surveying process more accurate and easier. Moreover, industrial drones are fitted with a number of sensors and features that can collect precise data on different environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, air quality, and more.

Key Benefits

• Detail and in-depth data in-place

• Offers flexibility for inspections

• Photogrammetry offers real-world insights

• On-demand, quick, and repeatable image acquisition

• Improved documentation & quick subcontractor reconciliation

• Enhanced security and surveillance

4. 3D Printing

3D Printing offers an alternative method of construction that is more cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable. This technology helps to create large-scale objects with the help of layer-by-layer approaches. It gives the right solution for making complex geometric shapes and architectural designs.

In construction industries, 3D printing is extensively used to fabricate nodes for lightweight structures. It helps to streamline the construction process, reduce waste and save money on storage and transportation.

Key Benefits

• Boosts the speed of construction

• Reduces health & safety hazards

• Increases design accuracy

• Eliminates material wastes in construction sites

5. Internet of Things (IoT)

Currently, the construction industries are undergoing essential adjustments that will enhance efficiency, the introduction of tools, and process improvement. In civil engineering, IoT or the Internet of Things considers the incorporation of lower control sensors that seamlessly transmit data at the lowest cost. According to the report, the market size of IoT in construction is predicted to reach approx 26.5 billion USD by 2027 worldwide.

Today’s construction companies consider IoT technology due to several reasons such as low profitability, increased challenge, schedule overruns, and reduced margins. The IoT technology collects data and information from different linked devices by using algorithms and sensors. This data and info help professionals and experts address safety concerns & make sure that the construction process is properly executed according to the project schedule.

Key Benefits

• Improves safety and performance

• Helps in budgeting and resource management

• Monitors structural health

• Manages remote operations and activity monitoring

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Types of construction technologies

New construction technology industry mainly refers to software and hardware technology solutions that every construction company implements to boost their business processes, save money & time, increase productivity, etc.

Hardware solutions help to manage machinery, tools & other equipment. On the other hand, software solutions usually include sales systems, project management systems, CAD systems, and much more. Both solutions are used for specific needs and to streamline the project workflow.

Construction technology solutions can also be split into two major types:

1. New construction technology for business

2. Construction technology for execution

New construction technology for business

Construction tech tools and software for business help to enhance sales, bidding processes, estimation, marketing efforts, resource planning, accounting, and other tasks. Some of the popular construction technology examples include:

Sr.No. Technology Name Examples

1 Estimating software Stack, PlanSwift, Trimble Accubid, Proest, Clear Estimates, Sage Estimating, Sigma Estimates, Stratosphere

2 Construction sales management iDeal CRM, Pipedrive, Unanet

3 Marketing CRM software HubSpot, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, OnePageCRM

4 Bidding Platforms PlanHub, iSqFt, BuildCentral, Construction Bid Source, Building Connected

5 Accounting Software CMiC, Sage 300 CRE, Foundation

6 Resource planning Smartsheet, Wrike, VIZZN

1. Estimating software

In any construction project, estimation plays a very significant role. It mainly contains detailed cost estimation, scheduling, construction planning, etc. Estimating software solutions help to expedite these processes. These software solutions specifically focus on line-by-line cost development & quantity estimations for labor and materials. Some tools include formulas & calculations, cost summary templates & material cost databases. Top estimating software for construction projects includes:

Stack: All-in-one estimating software solution that works anytime and anywhere.

PlanSwift: PlanSwift is a powerful estimating software designed for industrial, institutional, residential, and commercial subcontractors and GCs and in every construction trade.

Trimble Accubid: This is a classic, flexible, and fully featured estimating tool that offers accurate estimations.

Proest: It combines bid day analysis, cost estimation, and digital takeoffs in a single solution that assures accurate estimations.

Clear Estimates: Clear Estimates offers an easy-to-use solution that enables you to smoothly determine the project cost. It has 160+ project templates to create estimates within a minute.

Sage Estimating: This software solution helps to make accurate estimates, boost the bid-to-win ratio, and provide a cost database, project scheduling, electronic takeoff, job costing & so on.

Sigma Estimates: This is an easy-to-use & advanced estimating software that is a great choice for contractors, construction engineers, and architects in building industries.

Stratosphere: This is a completely cloud-based estimation tool that allows construction professionals and estimators to measure digital blueprints.

2. Construction sales management software or sales CRM

From managing relationships with clients to turning opportunities into deals, customer relationship management is one of the major keys to business success. There are several sales management software & tools used for construction sectors. They are used to automate follow-up processes and proposals. Moreover, they also help to store important client information & contacts. Some key examples of high-end construction CRM tools include:

iDeal CRM: This is a popular project management software (PMS) designed for residential and commercial construction sectors of all sizes

Pipedrive: This is a very unique CRM tool used for managing & tracking deals, leads, and contacts. It also allows businesses to plan several sales activities.

Unanet: This is a single-source cloud-based CRM that combines Project Portfolio Management & Professional Services Automation that allows businesses to plan, manage and track projects.

3. Marketing CRM software

Marketing CRM & sales management software solutions are confused. However, there are significant differences between them. Tools like marketing CRMs provide leads through email campaigns, website visitors, and social media. Top examples of marketing CRM tools include:

HubSpot: This is an easy-to-use CRM tool for customer support & marketing that comes with smart features like meeting scheduling, live chat, email tracking, etc.

Mailchimp: This is an email marketing tool with automation capabilities that helps you manage your customers, clients & other interested parties.

Constant Contact: This is a marketing tool that helps businesses build branded emails, online stores, websites, and more in one platform.

OnePageCRM: This is a contact management tool with follow-up automation to manage the company’s relationships & interactions within a business.

4. Bidding Platforms

The bidding process in construction is complex. Top construction firms get projects from several bidding sites. Therefore, finding the best online platform for a construction project is highly important. Take a look at the top construction bidding platforms:

PlanHub: This is a top-notch construction bidding software used to post projects, expand networks, and win bids.

iSqFt: This tool allows contractors to manage the bid process, monitor project information, and quickly share information.

BuildCentral: It builds & markets construction databases & analytics to help suppliers, manufacturers, and builders.

Construction Bid Source: This is another popular tool that helps contractors explore local projects to bid by county and state.

Building Connected: This is the largest construction network that effectively connects builders and owners through an innovative platform for streamlining risk management processes.

5. Accounting Software

Accounting software offers several firms financial management tools to construction companies to effectively manage business finances in construction. This may include payroll, job costing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash management, audit reporting, general ledger, financial reporting, etc. Key benefits of using construction accounting software include:

• Enhanced operational efficiency

• Better info management

• Improved project management

• Enhanced reporting

• Better communication

• Higher profitability & efficiency

• More precise forecasting

Here are the top three examples of construction accounting software:

CMiC: This tool offers unified and complete project management and financial software solutions for several construction firms.

Sage 300 CRE: This is a popular ERP system that helps real estate and construction industries with certified payroll, compliance paperwork, and so on.

Foundation: It comes with cloud-based deployment and on-premise options that help construction firms of all sizes. It contains several modules like scheduling tools, executive dashboards, project oversight, etc.

6. Resource planning

Resource management in construction is a process of allocating, planning & managing resources including finances, materials, and equipment to seamlessly and successfully finish construction projects.

It also helps to implement every critical task with high accuracy & meet all project objectives within a specific time frame. It also helps managers successfully deliver projects by achieving project resource demands. In addition, the resource management process also boosts productive utilization. With the resource planning approach, construction companies avoid mistakes like project delays. Some crucial benefits of using resource management software include

• Gaining visibility of management resources in construction

• Reducing costs of construction project

• Boosting productivity of construction resources

• Helping in construction project activities

• Facilitating team collaboration

Here are some key examples of resource management software include:

Smartsheet: This tool empowers better accountability, collaboration, real-time visibility, and innovation to make faster decisions.

Wrike: This is a powerful project management tool that offers 360° visibility to the team and helps to control critical projects and tasks.

VIZZN: This tool mainly focuses on dispatching, estimating, job-site logistics, scheduling & construction management.

Construction technology for execution

Technology solutions for execution mainly support every stage of construction processes such as project management, design, execution, and documentation. Key examples of new construction technologies for execution include:

Sr. No. Technology Name Examples

1 Construction management technology Plangrid, Procore, Buildertrend, AutoDesk Construction Cloud

2 Design & modeling technology AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Sketchup, Vectorworks, Allplan, SkyCiv Structural 3D, Rhino 3D, IntelliCAD, ActCAD, ArcSite, Houzz Pro

3 Construction document management technology Dropbox, Document 360, Procore

4 Progress tracking technology Knowify, ConstructionOnline, Priority Matrix

5 Fleet management and construction equipment technology Fleetio, Tenna, Samsara, Chevin Fleet, HCSS Equipment 360

1. Construction management technology

To make a construction project profitable, it should be on the budget, on the scope, and on time. Whether it’s through an Excel sheet or dedicated software, construction management technology makes the process easier and streamlined. Some of the best examples of management technology software in construction include:

Plangrid: This is a construction productivity tool that helps owners, subcontractors, and general contractors benefit from access to plans, photos, forms, issues & more.

Procore: This is an all-in-one management software designed and developed for connecting stakeholders throughout the entire construction lifecycle.

Buildertrend: This is a management software for specialty contractors, home remodelers & home builders. It helps to collaborate with stakeholders by making purchase orders & progress invoices.

AutoDesk Construction Cloud: It helps to connect workflows & data of construction for minimizing risks, improving efficiency, and increasing more predictability & profits.

ViewPoint: This is a construction software that effectively supports project management, construction accounting & field teams.

2. Design & modeling technology in construction

Design & modeling construction technology tools help to make three-dimensional models to properly communicate & visualize critical site conditions, building systems, and structural connections. Design software in construction may include architectural CAD, 3D tools, and drawing tools for construction plans.

3D modeling tools and software are important for architecture sectors. They are also used by interior designers, architects, and engineers to accurately visualize their projects. Top examples of design & modeling construction technology software include:

AutoCAD: This is a very popular design & drafting software application designed to make 2D & 3D drawings and diagrams accurately.

ArchiCAD: ArchiCAD is a powerful architectural BIM CAD visualization software used to manage all major aspects of aesthetics & engineering during the design process.

Sketchup: This is an excellent design software that helps to create three-dimensional modeling. This is an easy-to-use tool that comes with simple interfaces and plenty of functionalities.

Vectorworks: This is a fully-integrated 3D design software that offers a collaborative and flexible design process to engineers, architects, and landscaping professionals.

Allplan: This is an interdisciplinary 3D BIM software that integrates & supports construction processes throughout several project phases. Allplan is ideal for structural engineers & architects.

SkyCiv Structural 3D: This is a three-dimensional frame analysis software that helps to analyze & design a number of steel, concrete, timber & general structures.

Rhino 3D: Rhino 3D also known as Rhinoceros 3D is a popular design software specially used in industrial design, architectural trades, and jewelry design.

IntelliCAD: This is a professional-grade CAD software mainly used to evaluate CAD drawings.

ActCAD: This is a native DXF and DWG CAD software used to make as well as edit drawings. It’s ideal for structural engineers, consultants, and civil engineers.

ArcSite: This is a robust and easy-to-use CAD software that is used to make precise drawings within a minute from anywhere.

Houzz Pro: This software helps design experts and contractors with accurate project management & marketing solutions in a single platform. It contains individual insights and lead management with dashboards.

3. Construction document management technology

Document management in construction is a process that is mainly concerned with organizing the flow of essential documents. This system applies to both digital and physical documents, though many companies are moving toward digital documentation to manage a variety of processes for construction projects. Document management systems usually offer the following benefits to the stakeholders:

• Provides an easy-to-access process for critical projects

• Enhances communication between stakeholders and departments

• Helps to reduce hidden costs

• Builds a standard procedure to organize and manage documents

Key examples of construction document management tools include:

Dropbox: Dropbox Business helps to manage construction projects effectively. It allows users to access & organize plans in real-time.

Document 360: This is a knowledge management platform that helps users across different industries to build and collaborate on self-service knowledge for the products.

Procore: This is an all-in-one construction management platform that allows you to upload documents and finish projects on time & within budget.

4. Progress tracking technology

Progress tracking in construction mainly involves a number of tracking aspects that affect labor, tasks, materials, change orders, time and cost, equipment, RFIs, submittals & more. In addition, progress tracking helps to focus efforts, ensure all resources are utilized efficiently, and maximize the chances of achieving the core objectives of the company. Key benefits of using construction progress tracking include:

• Helps to avoid delays & find challenges

• Offers the team visibility into the construction project

• Helps in decision making along the timeline of the project

• Tracks progress daily & ensures accountability

• Maintains project timelines with scheduling

• Manages important financial information easily

Some popular examples of construction progress-tracking technology include

Knowify: This is a project management software designed for trade contractors. It helps businesses to keep their construction project & organized properly monitored and managed.

ConstructionOnline: This is a fully web-based platform that allows construction businesses to streamline projects, track updates, schedule & client communications.

Priority Matrix: This is a popular project management software that enables businesses to track all project activities, manage critical tasks & coordinate with other members in real time.

5. Fleet management and construction equipment technology

Fleet and equipment management technology in construction is crucial for larger organizations with highly expensive assets. This technology helps businesses track all field assets, and get notifications on maintenance. Major benefits of construction equipment & fleet technologies include:

• Helps to streamline the use of project assets

• Minimizes costs and expenses

• Assures the safety of assets

• Prevents idling & route complications

Top examples of fleet management and equipment technology include:

Fleetio: It’s an alternative to outdated software & spreadsheets. It allows businesses to automate fleet operations & keep equipment and vehicles running properly.

Tenna: This is an asset tracking system that effectively revolutionizes fleet management operations.

Samsara: This is a cloud-based fleet management platform that offers premium features like GPS tracking, routing & dispatch, reefer monitoring, trailer tracking, and so on.

Chevin Fleet: This is a popular easy-to-use software that makes construction fleet management streamlined and helps you with real-time insights & also automates processes.

HCSS Equipment 360: This is an equipment maintenance platform that offers 360 degree view of a construction fleet, field, shop, and office.

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Final Words

New technologies and trends in construction industry are consistently fueling growth in all sectors. Technologies help construction companies reduce long-standing inefficacies & boost productivity. However, despite all these implications, there are still some challenges in executing digital norms in the construction sector. Want to know more about construction technologies? Talk to our experts. We will also help you incorporate comprehensive tech solutions to stay on top of the competition and take your business to another height of success.

FAQ’s

What is the construction technology trend for 2024?

2024’s top construction technology innovation trends include

1. Cloud-based construction software

2. AR and VR applications in construction

3. AI & ML in construction

4. Repetitive Task Automation (Robotic)

5. Drone technology

6. Full-sized 3D printing

7. IoT & advanced analytics

What are the four types of construction technology?

Four major types of technologies that will impact the future construction industries include:

1. Building Information Modeling Software (BIM)

2. Virtual Reality & Wearables

3. Artificial Intelligence

4. 3D Printing

What is 3D technology in construction?

3D technology in construction means when projects or companies sequentially layer materials through computer-controlled methods to make three-dimensional shapes. It’s a comparatively new technology that effectively replaces manual tasks with a machine to create & assemble structures in construction with ease.

How can AI be used in construction?

By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to manage job sites, construction firms can effectively improve safety, optimize workflows, and reduce costs. AI-powered systems will also help to address safety hazards, alert site engineers & workers in real time, and track environmental conditions in construction.