Tech trends that are driving the construction industry

Research shows that tech is helping to drive plenty of industries, including construction.

Procore’s How We Build Now report outlined how tech is influencing the construction industry, and where further adoption could help to resolve some of the issues employers are having.

According to Procore: “Construction is both inspiring confidence and driving new opportunities across the industry.”

“We’ve seen massive strides in both digital and cultural transformation, spurred on by new technologies arriving every day and talented people who are building for the future … Changes in construction are happening across all regions with an ever-improved focus on delivering the best projects.”

Procore found that optimism in the construction industry is very high, with 90 per cent of respondents confident about their business as we enter the new financial year. Another 50 per cent said they were very confident.

Tech is helping to keep this confidence high. Processes are evolving as digital transformation changes the way the industry works, making the lives of these professionals easier.

“In the US and Canadian construction markets, confidence levels in the industry are high. Despite challenges, there is significant digital transformation underway, led by owners,” said Procore.

“Effective preconstruction is top of mind for respondents as they seek to improve processes. As construction management platforms start to become more and more ubiquitous, the industry is noticing the benefits of a single source of truth for all their project and workforce data.”

Data is reportedly the way of the future for the construction industry, as 43 per cent of respondents said access to historical information would assist in decision making. Furthermore, 13 per cent believe that utilising data could save project spend.

Tech could also help improve the payroll system, which is reportedly causing problems for businesses. Procore revealed that 47 per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with their payment systems. Meanwhile, 39 per cent said they have experienced cash flow problems due to these issues.

Economic conditions may be what pushes tech advancement forward, as 32 per cent said they need new technology that will help drive business performance in reaction to the state of the economy.

There are challenges that are causing projects to be delayed. Respondents highlighted performance as a key concern, with 49 per cent noting that projects are going over budget and over schedule due to talent shortages, material costs, and the rising complexity of projects.

Digital transformation can help to prevent these issues, said Procore. Adopting tech and upskilling employees were the top two drivers of improved productivity.

“Respondents recognise [technology] can dramatically change how the industry functions. They expect their top three areas of impact to be improved construction efficiency, tighter collaboration between owners, general contractors and specialty contractors, and reduced requirements for human labour in some construction functions,” said Procore.

To assist in bringing construction organisations into the future of work, Procore listed five steps forward:

1. Engage in effective preconstruction to improve productivity and profitability.
2. Focus on diverse hiring strategies to combat labour shortages.
3. Standardise data to free up project time and unlock insights.
4. Proactively manage data to improve payment and insurance processes.
5. Leverage construction management platforms for competitive advantage.