Technology and Construction – Strong Connection
What do a pickup truck, a nail gun, a portable circular saw, a cement mixer truck, and a modern hydraulic excavator all have in common? The obvious answer is that they are all tools and equipment commonly found on construction sites today. Another correct answer would be that they are all pieces of construction technology that didn’t exist 100 years ago.
Imagine what the jobsite would be like today without technology and construction intrinsically connected. Without power tools, we’d be cutting boards and drilling holes by hand. Without heavy equipment, laborers would be excavating sites and digging trenches with shovels and pickaxes. Without the elevator, buildings would only be a few stories tall.
The point is, advancements in new construction technology have always driven construction forward, so it’s odd that so many companies are slow to adopt new construction technologies. We’re able to build stronger, taller, and more energy-efficient structures. Technology has made construction sites safer and workers more efficient. It has allowed us to increase productivity, improve collaboration, and tackle more complex projects.
What is Modern Construction Technology?
The Construction Industry Institute defines construction technology as “the collection of innovative tools, machinery, modifications, software, etc. used during the construction phase of a project that enables advancement in field construction methods, including semi-automated and automated construction equipment.”
Today, new technologies in construction are being developed at a breakneck pace. What seemed like future tech 10, 20 years ago like connected equipment and tools, telematics, mobile apps, autonomous heavy equipment, drones, robots, augmented and virtual reality, and 3D printed buildings are here and being deployed and used on jobsites across the world.
Although exciting, not all of these technologies are relevant to the small contracting firms, who often don’t need an excessive amount of technology in order to complete their job. What everyone across every job in the world does need, however, is streamlined communication and organization: here’s a look at how construction software can help organize and manage your projects.
The Advantage of Software
Today there are software and mobile solutions to help manage every aspect of a construction project. From preconstruction to scheduling, from project management and field reporting to managing your back office, there’s a software solution out there to help streamline your processes and improve productivity. Most software solutions are cloud-based, allowing changes and updates to documents, schedules, and other management tools to be made in real time, facilitating better communication and collaboration.
The term “software” often has a negative connotation in any industry, but just refers to any piece of technology created to operate on a mobile platform, such as a laptop or phone. By the time you’ve heard about a software company, what has been created is already simple and intuitively based, making these tools incredibly useful. In construction, the most popular form of software is project management software, which streamlines the process of organizing and managing your projects. These softwares aren’t unique to just large construction firms; some softwares, such as Pillar, are actually created for smaller construction firms and contractors operating in the residential space. Softwares such as these involve the client, which holds them accountable for the work they need to complete in order for the project to follow the predetermined timeline; this means that details such as room selections, payment schedules, documents and any other task vital for the success of the project are all stored on one app, visible to you and your client 24/7.
More About Pillar
Founded in 2020, Pillar is the top software for construction firms of all sizes. We emphasize in both project and client management, making it easier than ever to keep your projects on track for success. We could sit here and regurgitate everything about our app that would benefit your firm, but it would be even easier for you to come to our website and sign up for a free 10-minute demo. That’s all the time we need to show you how to use our app, you’ll pick it up in no time. Come visit us at pickpillar.com and sign up for a demo, we’re willing to work around your schedule to find a time to virtually meet with you and show you how it works.
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