Author: Laura Black
With all the talk of the metaverse, businesses are determining how this might impact operations in the months ahead. One thing is for certain: The future is artificial, which is going to add a lot of intelligence to construction projects, if done right. Consider the recent prediction from IDC that forecasts companies will increase spend on AI (artificial intelligence) solutions by 19.6% in 2022. The report looks at three technology categories: AI software, AI hardware, and AI services. Let’s take a closer look at each. AI software will actually see its share of spending decline slightly this year, as these…
In recent months, there has been a lot of talk about how home design and technology preferences are changing, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic—and that talk continued at NAHB (National Assn. of Home Builders) IBS (Intl. Builders Show) and KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) earlier this month. Since the early days of the pandemic, we at Constructech have espoused the way we live, work, and play in our homes has changed, which unequivocally is changing the way homes need to be designed and built. Perhaps this comes as a surprise to none, but we are trending toward…
From manufacturing to construction, and everything in between, predictive maintenance and AI (artificial intelligence) are already in use in many industries—and now one new report suggests there will be much stronger adoption in intelligent buildings in the months ahead as well. In January, CABA, an international not-for-profit industry association dedicated to the advancement of connected home and intelligent building technologies, announced the close of its research on AI and Predictive Maintenance in Intelligent Buildings. Using a combination of stakeholder surveys, expert interviews, and detailed market analysis, the aim of the research is to understand how use cases, customer environments, buying…
Perhaps this goes without saying, but the combination of the uptick in work and the lack of talent is creating the perfect storm. Naturally, the question become: What are the best ways to enlist new workers to join the construction industry? Let’s explore. Entering 2022, FMI Corp., expects construction spending to increase by 5% this year. The latest NRCI (Nonresidential Construction Index) feedback suggests continued optimism heading into the first quarter of 2022, at 54.8, up slightly from 53.8 in the prior quarter. The index has dropped from highs nearing 60 in the third quarter of 2021 but remains expansionary…
What do you believe is one of the greatest threats to your business today? Is it still the COVID-19 pandemic? Or are there bigger barriers your company faces? Even with the risks that have come because of the pandemic and broken supply chains, a new report shows there is still a greater danger for many businesses today. Cyber concerns are the biggest worry for companies in 2022, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer. The annual survey from AGCS (Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty) incorporates the views of 2,650 experts in 89 countries and territories, including CEOs, risk managers, brokers, and…
I have been thinking a lot lately about the smart home of the future, what is driving it, and what in the past has held back widespread adoption. Naturally, cost and lack of integration could easily be cited as two of the biggest hurdles to building the smart home of the future, but some of that is beginning to dissipate. So, then, what’s next? There are three big trends to watch in the home in the months ahead. Let’s explore them now. New Needs in the Home The COVID-19 has changed much in every walk of life, but especially in…
Let’s wrap up our series on New Year’s resolutions for construction. We have already discussed the importance of focusing on the worker and leveraging technology. Today let’s explore the topic of considering sustainability in construction. Here is the reality of the situation: All business stakeholders will benefit from stronger ESG policies—and this is certainly true in the construction industry, where the net zero energy movement has taken hold. Consider what McCarthy Building Companies is doing. The company recognizes net zero energy buildings produce as much renewable energy onsite as they use on an annual basis, meaning these buildings are able…
Did you set a New Year’s resolution? How is it going? We are currently embarking on a blog series of top goals for the construction industry in 2022 and beyond. Last week we focused on the worker. This week, let’s continue the conversation, focusing on how we can leverage technology to the fullest. In some cases, it means purchasing new solutions. In other cases, it means leveraging the tech tools that already exist within your “toolbox.” At the end of last year, Gartner identified the top trends impacting infrastructure and operations for 2022. Let’s take a closer look at what…
As we usher in the New Year, businesses are still stuck in looking back. Much of the discussion continues to be centered on how businesses are going to recover in the wake of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, I explored which industries have been fairing well—and which are using technology to help. We have already explored manufacturing and construction. Today, let’s take an examination at what is happening in the energy and utilities sector. As global temperatures rise and natural disasters—like wildfires and hurricanes—intensify, the nation’s energy infrastructure is under greater stress than ever before. The amount…
Welcome to 2022. Despite inflation concerns and ongoing production bottlenecks, at the end of last year builder confidence edged higher for the fourth consecutive month on strong consumer demand and limited existing inventory, according to the NAHB (National Assn. of Home Builders). We ended 2021 on a strong note. Let’s take that energy and carry it through to the New Year. The month of January is typically one for resolutions and goal setting. In the next few weeks, we will highlight key areas—resolutions, if you will—specifically for the construction industry. Some of these resolutions include considering sustainability (in more than one…