Horizons Spring/Summer 2019

Many construction companies are utilizing technology for their crews to clock in/out, which has helped in tracking labor expense to appropriate jobs. In some cases, it has also helped companies better manage their crews to ensure timeliness and punctuality. Smart Tools & Tool Management Several tool manufacturers offer smart tools that allow contractors to track the location and even lock or disable the use of the tool remotely once it is outside of the assigned job location. This can all be done with the tool manufacturer’s smartphone application. The use of this technology could significantly reduce equipment costs due to lost or stolen tools. It would also deter job site employees from borrowing tools for personal use and decrease in the remaining useful life of the tools due to extended unauthorized use. Deviation Analysis There are now quality control tools that are available that can compare your project as built (in real time) against your design model. If there are deviations in the specifications or alignment, the tool can catch these mistakes early in the process in order to avoid significant rework. Geometric deviations early on in a project can be compounded later and lead to significant cost overruns. Building Information Modeling Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital 3D model-based process that allows architects, engineers and contractors (AEC) to collaborate on projects. BIM connects AEC professionals so they can effectively and efficiently design, build and operate buildings and infrastructure. Project owners have found that the use of BIM has led to greater cost predictability, improved completion schedules and fewer errors that require rework. BIM is a great tool to avoid preventable mistakes.

“For every dollar spent on prefab, approximately 13 % of the investment is expected to be returned as a quantifiable benefit to the project.”

Prefabrication Prefabrication allows for certain building elements to be constructed off-site, that would normally not be completed until later in the project schedule. The prefabricated elements are then installed on-site as larger components during the time that they typically would be constructed on-site with traditional construction methods. As a result of prefabricating the elements offsite, the timeline for completion is moved up, reducing the risk of missing target deadlines and incurring additional labor costs. Based on a study performed by Mortensen, “For every dollar spent on prefab, approximately 13% of the investment is expected to be returned as a quantifiable benefit to the project.” Depending on the type of project, there are significant opportunities for construction management teams to consider the use of prefabrication in order to reduce labor costs and material waste. GPS Tracking & Remote Clock-in/out GPS tracking can be used to help monitor construction equipment, which is typically the largest capital investment for most construction companies. GPS tracking can now provide real-time equipment location, state of equipment operation and engine diagnostics. This allows management teams to effectively and efficiently monitor the construction equipment, maximize use and reduce the risk of theft.

Next Decade Trends in Construction

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