Construction Technology Slow in Adoption: How Do We Bridge the Gap?

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the construction industry stands at a crossroads of technological transformation. Despite the undeniable advantages that digital solutions offer, a staggering 45% of respondents to a 2022 GlobalData survey identified limited short-term financial gain as a significant barrier to investment in new technology. 

The construction sector, often characterized by traditional practices, has been slower in embracing technological innovations. The GlobalData report highlights several other challenges that builders and contractors face in their journey toward technological modernization, including:

• Lack of financial resources allocated for innovation (36%)
• Shortage of skilled labor (34%)
• Inadequate awareness of new technologies (28%)

Despite these challenges, construction technology is advancing to provide more efficient and sustainable solutions for builders and contractors. 

Bridging the Digital Gap for a Competitive Edge

KPMG’s 2020 CIO Survey addressed a remarkable disparity between digital leaders and their counterparts across various industries. Digital leaders consistently outperform their competitors in crucial areas:

• Operational efficiency (+12%)
• Customer experience (+14%)
• Customer trust (+12%)
• Employee experience (+11%)

Notably, the largest gap was observed in the effectiveness of maximizing value from data, with digital leaders reporting a near 30% advantage over competitors. When coupled with the statistic that a whopping 90% of construction data goes unused, the potential for gaining a competitive edge through early adoption of technology is evident.

Unveiling the Barriers to Tech Adoption Within Construction

In their 2020 industry report, Where Construction Firms Are Finding Value, Fails Management Institute (FMI), a leading management consulting firm, identifies a major obstacle to technology adoption: a lack of awareness regarding the solutions available. The plethora of solutions developed in recent years has led to confusion and hesitation among construction firms. Furthermore, apprehension towards new software stems from concerns around project costs, training time, learning curves, and potential discrepancies in competency and expertise. 

The dynamic nature of construction projects, which often require on-the-fly adjustments, also raises concerns about the time investment in adopting new technologies. Integrating diverse software applications can introduce inefficiencies, as project managers are forced to toggle between platforms, hindering smooth collaboration.

Empowering the Construction Industry with Effective Solutions

To overcome these hurdles, the industry needs innovative solutions that streamline technology integration and facilitate seamless collaboration:

• Product integration enhances user experience by minimizing the time to switch between applications and facilitating cross-platform collaboration. 
• Turnkey solutions offer construction professionals the convenience of easy installation and learning, reducing the time required for team training. 
• High visibility and communicability within platforms, coupled with permissions-based usage, ensure a secure and efficient work environment. 

Here are just some of the many impactful solutions that contractors can adopt to transform their practice:

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Builders and project managers can adopt BIM software to create 3D digital models of construction projects, enabling better visualization, coordination, and collaboration among stakeholders.

• Project Management Software: Contractors can implement comprehensive project management platforms that facilitate real-time communication, task tracking, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Drones: Utilizing drones for aerial surveys, site inspections, and progress tracking enables accurate data collection and analysis without the need for manual intervention.

• IoT Sensors: Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors across sites allow managers to collect data on equipment usage, environmental conditions, and worker safety, enhancing decision-making and predictive maintenance.

• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): By integrating VR and AR technologies, managers can offer virtual walkthroughs, training simulations, and design validation, enhancing understanding and minimizing errors.

• Collaborative Cloud Platforms: Implementing cloud-based collaboration tools enables real-time document sharing, version control, and feedback tracking among distributed teams.

• Robotics and Automation: Integrating robotic systems for tasks such as bricklaying, concrete pouring, and material handling enhances speed, accuracy, and worker safety.

• Wearable Technology: Providing workers with wearable devices like smart helmets or vests that monitor biometrics enhances safety and facilitates communication.

• 3D Printing: Exploring 3D printing for creating construction components and structures reduces material waste and simplifies complex designs.

• Energy-Efficient Solutions: Integrating sustainable technologies such as solar panels, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and smart lighting reduces long-term operational costs and environmental impact.

• Blockchain Technology: Implementing blockchain for secure and transparent management of contracts, payments, and supply chain transactions reduces disputes and enhances accountability.

• Remote Collaboration Tools: Deploying remote collaboration tools like video conferencing and virtual whiteboards facilitates communication among remote teams, clients, and stakeholders.

• Safety Technology: Integrating safety-focused technologies such as real-time monitoring of worker location, wearable alarms, and automated safety alerts enhances jobsite safety.

• Supply Chain Digitization: Digitizing the supply chain by implementing solutions like RFID tagging and barcode scanning for real-time tracking of materials and equipment streamlines logistics and enhances transparency.

• Cloud-Based Document Management: Using cloud platforms for centralized storage and access to project documentation reduces the risk of data loss and improves information sharing.

• Construction Cameras: Construction cameras are a game-changing solution that addresses several pain points experienced by the construction industry. They not only provide comprehensive jobsite monitoring, but also the flexibility to tailor features to the specific needs of each project. With a range of camera options available, project managers can select the best solution for various projects. For remote locations, for example, TrueLook offers mobile and solar-powered cameras, ensuring uninterrupted coverage.

Promoting Jobsite Security Through Tech Innovation

A critical area where technology can be swiftly utilized is jobsite security. In fact, construction site theft is a significant concern, with a monthly search volume of 60—highlighting the urgent need for robust security solutions. With the rising concern of theft and unauthorized access, construction site security monitoring has become a necessity. TrueLook’s Construction Cameras offer an easy and effective way to monitor sites and deter theft, providing a robust toolbox of features to cover any and all jobsite needs. 

Seamless Integration and Intuitive Experience

In a landscape brimming with diverse solutions, integrating different technologies into a cohesive ecosystem empowers builders and project managers to navigate complexities with ease. With strategic partnerships and integrations, TrueLook offers seamless collaboration by connecting our construction cameras with other leading software solutions. With integrations with tools like Procore and Autodesk, contractors can monitor and manage projects on a single platform. This synergy not only streamlines processes, but also ensures that builders and project managers can harness the power of advanced technology without the burden of expertise gaps.

Paving the Way for a Tech-Driven Future

The construction industry’s gradual embrace of technology is understandable, given the complexities of the field. However, the advantages of adopting technology far outweigh the challenges. With collaboration, integration, and innovation, new and upcoming construction technology is already paving the way for a more efficient and more successful industry.

TrueLook’s Construction Cameras exemplify this approach to innovation by providing contractors and project managers with tools that not only enhance security, but also streamline communication, facilitate data-driven decision-making, and improve overall project efficiency. With a range of cameras that cover every jobsite need from solar power to AI-powered motion detection, all the way to drone services, TrueLook helps builders elevate their practice by targeting specific goals and needs. 

Bridging the Technology Gap in Construction

As the industry navigates the path toward digital transformation, it’s essential for builders and contractors to recognize the potential of technology in overcoming expertise gaps. By leveraging solutions like TrueLook’s Construction Cameras, project managers have an opportunity to evolve their operational efficiency and security while also positioning themselves as pioneers in an increasingly tech-driven world. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in evolving your construction practice, contact TrueLook’s team for a free demo and see our construction cameras in action. For more on jobsite security and its critical role in the evolving industry, check out our free eBook, The Missing Link in Jobsite Security!