A Business Case for Cameras: Why Your Jobsite Needs Them

Construction companies incur vast expenses. With all the emerging technologies available to help improve team collaboration, jobsite security and worker productivity, it’s hard to decide which technologies will be your smartest investment.

Whatever technologies you decide to adopt must address your key challenges. We outlined the major trends for 2017 and beyond in a blog post earlier this year, three of which include security, the labor shortage and increased competition. Technologies attempt to mitigate the fallout from these trends, and help firms cut costs.

Construction cameras can help firms financially, because they are relatively inexpensive compared to other technology solutions as a way to address these challenges. Here are four reasons construction cameras should be front and center in your in discussions about the ROI for technology adoption.

1. They help you do more with less. Labor shortage has hit the construction industry hard. The Associated General Contractors of America reported that there are 17% fewer people working in construction now than at the market’s peak in the U.S. This means labor is scarce and more expensive, and the pressure to do more with less is severe.By enabling project managers to monitor a crew’s progress and behavior on the jobsite, construction cameras keep workers productive. This boosts efficiency, keeping projects on schedule — and, as an added bonus, ensures workers maintain compliance with various policies and industry regulations, helping to avoid fines and lawsuits. Today, the penalty for a willful or repeat violation of OSHA regulations can cost a construction firm up to $124,709.
2. They keep you up to date. There may be times when you’re unable to physically be on the job site, and construction cameras can be your eyes while you’re not there. In addition to opting to receive updates directly to your inbox at timed intervals, you can log-in and view your cameras at any time, from almost any mobile device. Being able to continue to monitor your project while away from the job site can free you up to work on other projects but keep up-to-date on progress.  
3. They eliminate project delays. Construction cameras also improve team collaboration, which helps eliminate schedule delays and speeds project completion. For example, time-lapse footage can be shared with remote stakeholders, speeding decision-making and helping to avoid mistakes. Some solutions enable viewers to see footage from the jobsite on their smartphones or other mobile device, for real-time updates about a project’s progress.With up to date information about a project’s status, developers can ensure everything stays on track and within budget. And, they don’t have to spend budget traveling to the jobsite to stay informed or resolve issues.
4. They enable better jobsite security. Construction jobsite theft costs the industry up to $1 billion each year. Jobsite cameras help reduce the risk of theft — both during the workday and after hours — and provide evidence for the courts in the event equipment or other property is stolen. Simply knowing cameras are in use is a deterrent to theft.
5. They enhance your marketing outreach. A picture’s worth 1,000 words. Adding dramatic imagery in the form of time-lapse photos or video to your website or promotional video brings projects to life and engages prospects. Some firms are using live-streaming to provide a high level of interaction and transparency on websites throughout the duration of a project.Time-lapse photos tell the story of your projects, and give developers insight into how efficiently you run them. By setting yourself apart from other firms, you can attract new business and realize rapid return on your investment in construction cameras.

Want to learn more about how TrueLook construction cameras are good for business? Watch a live demo of our 5MP Fixed-Position, 12MP Fixed-Position or our HD Robotics PTZ cameras in action.