Construction business was always reliant on data and measurements. Companies would use this information to manage the entire process from buying resources and equipment to finalizing the actual building.
However, unlike years prior, we now use advanced software and systems to track data as soon as it becomes available. This real-time tracking concept allows us to make faster decisions, monitor employees on the field, and increase overall productivity.
Why Is Real-Time Data Important?
During a project, you receive information from various sources. For example, your security cameras will track behavior on the field to check on your worker’s progress. With sensor equipment, you analyze the condition of the building as it is being built, while construction time tracking software is used by your accounting department.
All this information has its spot in the big scheme of things. Although most of them work in a vacuum, focusing on a specific phenomenon, we use them with other insights to assess the progress and predict deadliness. As such, this data is vital for tweaking managerial decisions and ensuring a high degree of accuracy.
The best thing about real-time data is its timeliness. We monitor changes as they occur, which allows us to reallocate resources and staff toward high-priority tasks. Most importantly, monitoring allows us to stop doing unproductive activities and take corrective measures when necessary.
Use of Data in Construction Project Management
Data and data analytics are useful during every stage of a construction project. We use these insights from the initial pre-construction stages to the eventual handover, to inform stakeholders and management about design, cost estimates, and optimal workflow.
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Planning and Estimation
Planning is the vital first phase of any construction project. During this step, we use data to estimate the costs, determine how many employees, equipment, and resources we’ll need, and determine timeliness. Managers make these estimates using information from previous and ongoing company projects.
Furthermore, these insights are vital for predicting potential hazards and how they might affect deadliness and productivity. Through precise planning, we are able to minimize resource waste, prevent delays, and purchase supplies and equipment at an optimal price.
By using a combination of smart sensors and AI, we determine the ideal time to execute the project. The information shows idle and active times, and how to avoid rough weather. We focus on time slots when our employees are most productive, while also avoiding excessive fatigue.
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Design and Modeling
Big data and artificial intelligence, in particular, have become vital for BIM or building information modeling. With this technology, we can ideate any type of design with ease, without having to rely on traditional solutions.
Through data analytics, engineers and architects employed on the project can come up with an optimal design according to current trends. They come up with designs that are in lieu of current norms and regulations and future homeowners’ needs.
Besides generating virtual design, real-time data detects potential hazards. Companies use it to create sustainable solutions that take into account available materials.
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Construction
After going through planning and design steps, it’s time to tackle the construction itself. During this phase, a company needs to have a well-established procedure. By using data, they can create groundwork for the initial planning process.
Through use of sophisticated systems and big data, company’s managers are able to coordinate between each other, monitor progress of different tasks, and ensure everything’s on schedule. Through IoT devices, they receive information about various relevant factors and employee engagement.
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Maintenance
Maintenance is a critical part of the post-construction process. Even when the building is complete, it’s up to the firm to ensure everything’s in order.
In this particular case, the company in charge collects data from various systems and cameras. With this data, the firm determines when to perform routine checkups. Alternatively, the same information can be utilized for remodeling and other forms of restoration.
Benefits of Data
As you’ve seen so far, data affects each step of modern construction project management. It’s vital for planning, execution, and monitoring. This being said, these are tangible benefits you’ll gain by relying on advanced tools and databases:
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Enhanced Efficiency
Real-time data is critical for monitoring the entire construction process. With this information available through numerous channels, managers can react to various situations as they happen. Real-time data is vital for detecting bottlenecks, keeping things on track, and avoiding resource waste.
By having complete insight into every ongoing task, managers can reallocate staff and resources toward critical tasks. This would further reduce delays and mitigate common risks during construction projects.
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Better Decisions
Real-time data provides management with valuable insights they can use to improve their decision-making. All these insights are prompt and delivered on-demand, preventing miscommunication and discrepancies.
The value of real-time data in construction is especially noticeable in extreme situations. As mentioned, quick access to information is vital during delays. It allows managers to stop doing processes that provide no value while focusing on tasks that would hasten delivery. Among other, this data helps assess performance, detect trends, and refine procedures.
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Improved Communication
The value of communication can’t be underestimated during construction projects. Besides improving efficiency, communication is vital for warning employees about potential dangers. With specialized software, workers, site managers, and other stakeholders share information within the same dashboard.
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Enhanced Risk Management
Risk management is a major part of construction project management. Various issues might pop up during a project, ranging from natural disasters to unpredictable weather, equipment malfunction, and other issues. These problems usually come out of nowhere and affect the company’s bottom line.
Real-time data can somewhat mitigate these risks. Furthermore, through predictive analysis, construction firms detect potential hazards before they occur. With proper software, the managerial team can set up alerts and receive updates, track completion of milestones, and identify setbacks.
Conclusion
Through use of relevant data, construction businesses significantly reduce delays, improve resource allocation, and enhance overall efficiency. With the right software, you streamline daily processes and meet all your project deadliness.
