Blog: The rise of digitisation in construction
Written by Robert Greidanus
Traditionally, the construction industry has been slow to adopt technology, but the global pandemic means it’s more important than ever to embrace the benefits of collaborative remote working now.
The pandemic had an instant and dramatic effect on construction. Some sites were closed, projects put on hold, and supply chain issues saw a variety of materials difficult to obtain.
Almost overnight, the industry needed to look at new ways of working and suddenly woke up to the potential of digitalisation in construction.
Digitalisation offered innovative solutions to the challenges firms were facing. Studies back up this new digital awakening with 80% of UK construction companies now citing digital transformation as a priority.
80% of UK construction companies now citing digital transformation as a priority.
From communication to data sharing, health and safety and innovative construction methods, technology can help the construction industry work smarter, faster and safer.
One area where technology is set to have a powerful impact is digital construction management. This is something that we at Ed Controls know well. Our snagging, defect management and quality control app Ed Controls is a world-class example of digital construction management in action.
Paperless future
While some construction companies are fully embracing the opportunities of construction snagging tools and the benefits that moving to a digital world can bring, construction is still lagging behind other industries.
Of course, there will be some barriers to digitalisation, but it’s a question of when, not if, the construction industry will catch up.
Digitalisation signals a paperless future for construction. That’s not a bad thing. Shuffling piles of paperwork or scrolling through endless emails looking for information is inefficient and can lead to costly mistakes.
Ed Controls enables project management at the touch of a button. Because all project information is stored in the cloud, it can be instantly accessed and updated by the project team in real-time using both Android and Apple operating systems.
Action points for snagging can be assigned to an individual with photos, location and description ensuring full accountability and effective management.
No more paper mountains!
Remote working
It’s looking increasingly likely that remote working – for some people at least – will become the ‘new normal’ post Covid-19.
Of course, for many ‘hands on’ tradespeople such as masons, carpenters and electricians, remote working will never be possible. But for site managers and people working in project management, some remote working is both possible and beneficial – especially when they document their work in digital snagging apps like Ed Controls.
For complex building projects with numerous stakeholders, it’s important to embrace the benefits of collaborative remote working now so that these systems are fully embedded sooner rather than later.
Ed Controls helps you keep track of progress when you’re not on site.
Many of our customers use the reporter module, which enables the sharing of detailed information and reports with collaborators and stakeholders – wherever and whenever needed.
As well as all the benefits of flexible working, reduced travel time and productive workers, remote working can help construction companies reduce their carbon footprint. Another key driver for the sector.
Automate for efficiency
Many experts believe that it is those firms quickest to embrace technology who will emerge strongest in the future. Those companies that embrace digitalisation will be at the forefront of our industry.
Firms quickest to embrace technology will emerge the strongest in the future.
There’s certainly no doubt that technology can increase efficiency.
Easy to use digital systems like Ed Controls save time and reduce the risk of errors. Observations and snagging issues can be recorded instantly and quickly assigned to the right person. Automated audits, quality checks and reports can be compiled quickly and issued for review.
For industries like construction, anything that reduces risks and increases safety should be welcomed.
A game changer
Covid-19 is providing a catalyst for the digitalisation of the construction sector. But now the sector is beginning to see the benefits, there’s no going back.
The benefits to be gained from the use of construction snagging tools can make a huge difference to the future competitiveness and success of construction firms.
As an increasing number of construction firms adopt game-changing tools like Ed Controls, we’ll see construction activity transform and become faster, smarter and simpler in the future. As they say, ‘our future looks rosy!’
