Although every business sector must understand and manage risks, the construction industry comes with unique challenges and considerations. With so many people working on a single project, it’s easy to lose track of variables and challenging to keep tasks in line.
Technology helps you identify and manage financial, environmental, logistical, and labor risks, but which solutions should you prioritize? Here’s a look at essential tech for construction risk management.
Industrial Network Solutions
Although cloud-based technology and mobile devices help everyone on a construction site remain on the same page, gear and tech rely on a stable internet connection. Standard network solutions can’t withstand rigorous construction sites. Dust in the air can harm sensitive electronics, power surges may knock modems out of commission, and vibrations can shake screws and connectors loose. If internet connectivity fails, setbacks may happen.
Using an industrial WiFi antenna ensures that team members can not only use mobile devices and the cloud but also maintain reliable communication with one other. A robust 5G antenna speeds up connections, which means faster responses to pressing questions.
Industrial network solutions also have features that monitor system faults and failures. The risk could come from the network solution itself rather than from a problem with a slow or inconsistent internet connection. The best internet technology designed for rugged work environments has built-in risk management features.
Building Information Modeling
Many minds are involved in planning, designing, constructing, and operating a structure. With so many intricate, moving parts, people might move in different directions and not work together. Without knowing how others are working, efficiency decreases.
Building information modeling technology creates and manages multi-disciplinary data at every step of the construction process. Team members, from architects to contractors, can use this software to collaborate in real time. The technology helps you and your team consolidate operations, stay on budget, and perform jobs correctly the first time.
Schedule and Task Tracking
Every second counts on construction projects. Falling even a single day behind schedule can slow productivity and cause financial losses. Trying to catch up and get back on track may stress workers and lead to cutting corners.
Schedule- and task-tracking technology use labor distribution reports, break management tools, and more to help workers delegate tasks properly, use their time efficiently, and deliver results consistently. By seeing who’s working on what and when, your workforce feels empowered to make well-informed decisions and avoid delays. Even if you get off schedule, tracking software helps you decide how best to carry out project tasks and reassure your stakeholders.
Wearable Technology
Did you know that the same wearable technology used to improve your workouts and monitor your heart rate can also help manage risks on construction projects? Wearables can gather useful data from workers on project sites and share it with team leaders. You can see whether workers follow proper protocol and are physically fit to work.
If data from wearable technology points to a potential risk, such as an OSHA violation, you can take immediate action. For instance, you could review the latest safety protocols before every shift.
Drones
The construction industry already uses drones for surveying land, gathering data, and surveilling job sites. The machines help save money on expensive surveying tools, machines, and human resources. But drones can also help you manage risk.
For instance, you can send drones to hazardous areas and see firsthand how solid your structures are. Drones are also ideal for inspecting existing buildings for wear and tear. You can detect signs of degradation without wasting labor.
By using essential technology for construction risk management, you can improve operations and enhance your team’s performance. See how the above innovations open the door to unique opportunities and close the door to risks.
