Author: Laura Black

It is time to dispel some of the biggest myths in the construction industry. In the next few weeks, we will look at some common assumptions made about the use and adoption of technology in the construction industry, and we will look at the hard numbers to determine if the common assumptions are in fact true or false. Today, let’s start with one of the most common assumptions: Is the construction industry a laggard when it comes to technology adoption? Let’s start by considering some 2023 research from McKinsey & Co., which starts by saying, at $12 trillion, the AEC…

In the past three months, more than half of firms have continued to turn down work due to workforce shortages. Among firms turning down work, most are being more selective about the projects they are accepting, down from 88% in the first quarter of 2024. And 26% of firms also indicate they are turning down good profitable projects. This is yikes for the construction industry. This is according to research compiled by The Institute for Assn. and Nonprofit Research, which collected data between September 5 and 18, 2024. This is the fifth annual release of the Engineering and Design Services…

Welcome to spooky season. Would you rather have a trick or a treat? With AI (artificial intelligence), you will likely get one or the other. Trick or treat. Either you will plan for the technology and reap the rewards (a big treat for your business). Or you will let it happen and see potential ramifications (trick). What will you choose? We are embarking on a blog series, looking at the impact of AI (artificial intelligence) in the construction industry, and we have even explored a few specific case studies in estimating and project management. Today, let’s identify how to move…

We are embarking on a blog series, looking at the impact of AI (artificial intelligence) in the construction industry. Last week, we looked at how the technology can help in the lifecycle of a construction project—from preconstruction through to building maintenance. This week let’s look at a few examples of how AI might practically be used in construction today. AI Helps Estimate We have written about the rise of AI in estimating before. Estimating is often tedious and time consuming and new technologies—i.e. gen AI—can help estimate, ultimately creating more profitable bids. A few years back, we wrote about Togal.AI,…

When should you use AI (artificial intelligence) in construction? What processes make the most sense? How can you deploy it across the lifecycle of a project? Let’s explore AI and how it has the potential to impact the construction industry today and, in the days, ahead. The recent fourth annual construction technology report from ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) suggests AI can and will impact multiple parts of the project lifecycle. Let’s look at a few examples, starting with preconstruction. Here predicative analytics can analyze historical project data and current conditions to optimize construction schedules, resource allocation, and task sequencing.…

Get ready. Because Gen Z is coming—and in some cases they are already flooding the workforce. These people were born between the years 1997 and 2012, and today they are aged roughly 12-27 years old. In her book, Sustainable in a Circular World, Peggy coined them a generation of Screeners. Today, let’s unpack who they are—and how they might help build the next era of infrastructure, homes, and buildings. Who Is Gen Z? We have written much about the younger generations here on this blog before, but the reality is getting to know them takes more time and effort than…

Data analytics. AI (artificial intelligence). Machine learning. Cloud. Edge. There are so many technologies that are reshaping technology in the construction industry. Today, let’s look at how new technologies are impacting ERP (enterprise resource planning) and accounting. What’s Next for Accounting Construction accounting software can help construction professionals in several ways. It can track key financial data such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and more. The value here is it houses all the data in one place and makes it easier to make decisions. The global construction accounting software market is expected to grow from $1.1 billion in…

With a worker shortage, complex projects, tight deadlines, new regulations, and a greater need for resiliency and sustainability, the construction industry has big tasks to tackle. The only way to approach most of these hurdles is with the right technology in hand. Enter the Internet of Things. At its core, the IoT (Internet of Things) is a collection of sensors and microcontrollers connected to a network where data can move between devices. We can connect homes, buildings, cities, fleets, and so much more. In construction, in particular, the IoT presents an interesting opportunity, as the technology can provide three big…

For several decades, BIM (building information modeling) has served as a means and method to collect data and share it with the project team. Here at Constructech, we have always said BIM is a collaborative process to connect time (4D), cost (5D), sustainability (6D), and facilities management (7D), and it is enabled by technologies. Today, let’s look at how BIM has evolved, so it can better inform where we are today. The History of BIM The concept of BIM dates back to the 1970s, with the BDS (Building Description System) and GLIDE, which offered enhanced visualization and estimation, but limited…

The construction industry is facing an uphill battle in many ways: a labor shortage, more complex projects, and the need to complete projects faster and on budget. The pressures continue to mount, and technology can help. Perhaps one of the greatest places technologies can help construction is in the field using construction management software. Market Growth The construction management software market is anticipated to grow, according to Mordor Intelligence, at a rate of 9.33% from 2024 through 2029, rising from $9.73 billion to $15.20 billion. This type of technology can help track budgets, estimates, material costs, labor activities, communication, and…