Author: Laura Black

Estimating is one of the most critical tasks on a construction project. If done right, it will calculate all of the required direct and indirect costs, guiding the project to a profitable project. If done wrong, well, many in construction have been there—and on a job where margins are very tight, a good estimate can make all the difference. The challenge is estimating is often tedious and time consuming, to say the least. Could new technologies disrupt the status quo and speed up processes, while making them more accurate? Perhaps. The global construction estimating software market size is expected to…

For the past several weeks, we have been doing a blog series on various technologies that are making an impact on the construction industry. We have discussed many emerging technologies including generative AI (artificial intelligence), BIM (building information modeling), digital twin, and the metaverse, just to name a few. Now, let’s turn our attention to critical processes specifically in the construction industry—and how technology is evolving to enable better procedures in construction. Today, let’s dig into the state of project management in construction. Today’s project managers have their hands full, to say the least. We all know labor shortages have…

In our summer blog series, last week, we dove head first into the immersive experiences of AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), and MR (mixed reality). Today, let’s take this conversation one step further and look at the rise of the metaverse in construction. First, the basics. A few months ago, Peggy Smedley did a deep dive into what the metaverse is, why do we need it, and when it will arrive. At its core, the metaverse is a simulated digital environment that uses various technologies to create an immersive online experience. It could be used for gaming, or it…

This summer we are on a journey, looking at technologies that will completely transform how the construction industry does business. Today, let’s look at three big ones: AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), and MR (mixed reality). These immersive technologies offer construction professionals the opportunity to visualize construction projects in new and different ways, ultimately speeding construction processes, heightening safety, and creating new business opportunities. Let’s break each technology down—and the growth projections we can expect in the years ahead. Virtual Reality At its core, VR is an entire virtual environment where a person can be immersed within that environment.…

If you have been following along for this summer blog series, then you know last week we dug deep into the topic of BIM (building information modeling) and set the stage for today’s discussion about digital twins. Last week we very briefly defined BIM and digital twin. At its core, BIM is a process that enables data exchange between the different areas of a project and the different stakeholders. Meanwhile, a digital twin is the technology that enables virtual interaction with an asset. Today, let’s dig a bit deeper into digital twin. At its core, the digital twin is a…

This summer we are embarking on a summer blog series looking at technologies that are making an impact in the construction industry. But let’s back up first for a minute. It is worth saying first that BIM (building information modeling) isn’t exactly a technology. Here at Constructech we have long said BIM is a process that enables data exchange between the different areas of a project and the different stakeholders. Theoretically, digital representations of the project—and the data associated with it—could be shared between the architects, engineers, construction professionals, and even the corporate owner. Growth is predicted, due to government…

This summer we are embarking on a summer blog series looking at technologies that are making an impact in the construction industry. Perhaps one of the most transformative technologies that everyone is currently talking about is generative AI (artificial intelligence). At its core, AI is a term for a computer system that can perform complex tasks that would traditionally require human intelligence. With AI, decisions can easily be made in construction businesses. Taking this concept a step further, generative AI describes algorithms that can be used to create new data. Think ChatGPT, which can understand human language and respond in…

Last week we kicked off a new summer blog series that looks past the hype and identifies the true tech trends that will stand the test of time. Before we can dive into all the fun new technologies that will undoubtedly make the construction industry more efficient and profitable, we must first consider the elephant in the room: cybersecurity. Every discussion we have from this day forward will have this one caveat underpinning every single discussion. Can the technology be secured? Data is the lynch pin of nearly every business and far too often we are seeing the bad guys…

Welcome to summer. As the temperatures heat up in many parts of the country, construction companies are tasked to determine what technologies are hot as well—which is easier said than done. It is far too easy to become distracted by “shiny technology syndrome” and to get lost in all the buzzwords prevalent today. So, for this summer, we are going to embark on a blog series and look past the hype and identify the true tech trends that will stand the test of time. For today’s blog, let’s set the stage. Peggy Smedley always says the construction industry is resilient…

3D printing has long been touted as a way to quickly build homes, buildings, and communities, enabling the construction industry to work more quickly. Now, we are seeing the technology is helping to rebuild a 3D printed school in Ukraine. The country has faced many hurdles due to the recent geopolitical conflict, resulting in the destruction or damage of more than 2,000 schools, with 277 schools completely demolished. Rebuilding in the days ahead isn’t going to be an easy feat, but the objective is going to be to address this infrastructure to rebuild schools. With 3D printing technology, the project…