How Is Digital Technology Enabling Remote Building?
Advanced technology has the power to link people across distances and take over some of the more tedious tasks for many businesses. Digital technology is changing the construction industry as well, since connecting and working remotely is now more important than ever.
Working on-site or from home means improved business practices, in everything from data collection to cloud technology. With a current focus on social distancing, these innovations are crucial for the present. However, they will remain relevant in the future, as well.
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AI, Robotics and Automation
Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are leaders in this new wave of technology. Both include automated processes in their wheelhouse, which is what makes them critical for remote building. This tech automates processes once done by people, allowing employees to focus on other areas that require attention.
Automation will primarily help with manufacturing and production. The machines handle assembling and producing various parts for construction, so there's less need for several people in one space. An employee can remotely monitor the production line with new software, as well.
Elsewhere, an automated construction site may not be too far away. New technology like a mesh maker could automatically build parts of a project. This step would allow workers to control tech from a distance, as well as monitor it remotely. With AI and robotics working together, the possibilities for the future are endless.
Information Collection and Communication
Remote building can be implemented in every stage of a project. From the architect and design professionals to the engineers to the builders, each step will use new technology in different ways. However, a universal change will be how workers collect information and communicate.
Data collection in paper or analog form is now outdated. Most workplaces will use time-tracking systems and analytics to measure an employee's shift and progress. With cloud technology, information about project tracking and field reporting transfers automatically without in-person communication. Another example is a site positioning system, which only requires one person to operate and collect data and measurements instantly.
Managers can see how employees work on-site or from home through systems that monitor their work and report back. These features are critical to the workplace and can now allow employees to get things done more efficiently. There's no need to commute to a location to clock in or report progress. Instead, the team can use labor tracking and reporting to check in from anywhere.
Project Management
Project management can also work from a distance. This encompasses collaboration, delegation, communication and progress tracking. It limits physical interactions and provides a central hub for a company or project.
A project management platform for working from home is crucial. However, it's changing the way people work on-site, as well. Real-time communication over a project platform can help those on the job. They can send pictures and videos from their location for instant feedback. With this technology, people can remain in their worksites to save time and stay efficient.
Building information modeling (BIM) is a prime example of collecting and communicating data. Team members can consolidate info and connect workflows, from architects to builders.
Managers can also handle their teams' needs and requests from a distance. Each member of the team has access to the project management apps, so everyone can communicate as fast as they'd be able to if they were in-person. The addition of sending pictures or videos lets work continue, uninterrupted.
Cloud Technology for Remote Work
Though many of these innovations will likely have cloud-based technology to some degree, working from home requires different platforms. The cloud is key to this dynamic. Construction workers must carry out a significant portion of the world on-site, but working from home is growing in popularity.
Since cloud-based tech is abundant, members of the building team can use it while working remotely. Platforms like Google's G-Suite, Slack or Zoom use the cloud, which optimizes communication and file storage for business or personal use. From there, information can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
An architect can upload renderings of models, as well as drawings. The engineer and builders can then take that information and start to implement it. This transition can happen from remote locations through cloud technology. The ability to access files and communicate in real-time has been one of the most important innovations for the building industry.
The Future of Remote Building
While robots are still a ways off from being able to fully construct buildings, innovations are happening in this industry today. This vital sector often collaborates well with new tech, which can lead to greater efficiency.
Although remote technology is still relatively new, it allows people to collaborate from any location in real-time. Working from home provides a new way for construction businesses and teams to operate.
Author Bio: This post was written by Holly Welles. She is a real estate writer and the editor behind The Estate Update. She’s passionate about the ways in which the industry is changing and loves to stay on top of millennial market trends. You can find more of Holly's thoughts on Twitter @HollyAWelles.
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