ConTech – What you should know

What is ConTech?

ConTech is the revolutionary technology that is used for all the construction work that is done within the construction industry. The industry is changing, just like so many others, and in order to keep up, every construction employee needs to up their game when it comes to technology. Thankfully, technology is easy to use, for the most part, so no one needs to go back to school in order to continue to do their jobs.
Here are seven different ConTech items that every construction worker needs to embrace now and in the future:
1. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality, or VR for short, is a major ConTech item within the construction industry.  Construction designing, planning, and implementation have never been easier with this virtual reality component.  Construction companies who utilize virtual reality can create 4D models of buildings so that their clients can have an immersive experience before one wall is even raised. The best part is that these virtual reality models can be used by the construction workers to see if any problems or concerns can be found prior to the beginning of the work. This can keep delays from happening and keeps the project moving forward on schedule.
2. Augmented Reality
While virtual reality is an excellent feature, many construction companies find that augmented reality is so much better.  This type of ConTech allows construction workers and everyone else involved in the project to walk through the 3D version of the augmented reality building.  This is better because they can see and feel the distance between walls, as well as the distance between other objects.  This is excellent for seeing where the wires and plumbing fixtures are running through the walls, for determining the walkway between cabinets and counters, and even the distance between toilets and sinks.  As amazing as augmented reality is at the moment, this type of construction technology is continuously improving every day.  That means within the next couple of years, a person will be capable of doing even more with it.

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3. Wearable Technology
Accidents occur quite often at construction sites, despite the efforts of the workers and those in charge.  While it would be wonderful if every accident could be avoided, it just isn’t feasible.  However, wearable technology is making sure that workers have the help they need immediately if something bad does happen to them on the job.  This ConTech feature can alert others when a person falls, slips, or trips, so help can be sent immediately.  The wearable technology also alerts everyone to potential hazards and how to avoid them.  As this type of technology continues to improve, construction companies may be required to use it if they want to be awarded jobs.
4. Construction software and mobile apps
The rapid development of different construction software platforms is a key element of ConTech. Construction is still one of the slowest industries in terms of digitization and construction software is slowly changing that.
In recent years, there is a wave of either investment or acquisitions in construction technology startups, including Procore, Plangrid, Katerra, FinalCad, Fieldwire and so on.
5. Drones
Drones have been used on construction sites for a while now, due to the fact that they are so helpful in reaching places that employees have a difficult time seeing.  This type of technology significantly reduces the number of accidents that occur from people climbing up to roofs, because the drone can fly up for aerial views that can be sent via video or photograph.  No one will ever need to wonder what something looks like, simply because they don’t want to take a risk climbing up to see it.  Instead, they can send the drone up and in real time see everything that they need to in order to make an informed decision.
6. Prefabrication
Prefabrication has gained popularity in recent years, because having certain things ready to use prevents delays from inclement weather or other factors.  However, technology is making it possible for everyone involved in a construction project to see the entire process of the prefabrication.  Everyone can see how far along the prefabrication is and when the final product will be ready for delivery.  This streamlines the entire process, which frees up time for everyone, as they spend more time doing other necessary work.
7. Predictive Analytics
For the longest time, it has been a guessing game as to what risks are possible for every job.  However, technology has advanced to the point where programs can now determine which risks are higher than others for each job.  The program can analyze the information that is input by the subcontractors and suppliers, as well as the design plans and the site information, to determine which risks may play a factor when the work is being done.  Construction companies are going to love using this type of technology, especially as it continues to improve and advance, because they will no longer need to question whether they are making the right decision.
8. Communication Amongst Job Sites
ConTech is especially important when it comes to the communication amongst job sites, as delays can negate many of the profits of a job.  There is now technology, mobile apps, and software that allow every job site to connect and have access to the latest drawings, documents, and even RFIs.  There is never an excuse for anyone at a site to never know what is going on with this type of ConTech.

ConTech is continuously advancing, which is an excellent thing in this industry because it will make the entire process of construction easier from start to finish.