Based on facts and figures, the UK market has been on a state of constant bloom. The construction sector contributes to the UK economy with 7% of GDP (£110bn) annually, having the Central Government as a customer. To remain such a prestigious position on the global spectrum, all the construction professionals and labour force should devote their passion for increasing projects’ efficiency.
Many concerns arise when it comes to transmitting information related to a construction project and ensuring a safe transfer for the information in hand. Each project’s success is dependent on various factors that facilitate successful delivery; however, information availability is one of the key factors. Any form of data related to a project is sensitive and sharing it is one of the most important tasks anyone could take-on. Back in the days, it could happen that a project would have a one or two missing documents on-site but not when we’re approaching 2020. Technological aid has been providing solutions that eliminate confusion and avoids duplication of content.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is considered one of the main vital steps for any construction project. The severe need of adopting BIM in most projects is derived from the need for minimising planning errors. It starts with an error and ends with duplication and time waste affecting the overall project’s progress and the general productivity level. A recent study revealed how the labour productivity level increased by 75% to 240% for modelled and prefabricated areas. Another important point worth mentioning is the importance of minimising admin work in the construction industry. It might have not crossed your mind that 7 hours/person a week are spent on admin tasks. Not until digital solutions presented themselves as rescuers which are capable of steering people’s energy towards the technical aspect of work that enhances their productivity levels.
If there’s a will, there’s a way
Adopting agile ways of working always anticipates the will to abandon the traditional methods for construction diaries. Adopting technological developed tools is the step that follows your decision to abandon the traditional methods for construction work.
There is one way to make sure that your documentation process is going gapless, go digital. The number of assigned tasks on a construction site is countless and keeping a physical track of all of them is very hectic and eventually can lead to confusion. The main purpose behind adopting tech-solutions on-site is to ensure a certain level of accuracy and increase efficiency by not missing on a ticket follow-up for instance or an unavoidable incident that requires your immediate attention.
There is also an unspoken agreement between all parties on one project that the quality outcome should be at its finest. Achieving a certain level of quality is normally indicated by three main factors; the client’s vision, budget and time. All efforts put into it are indeed a matter of appreciation, however, a quality management plan for projects eases quality assurance and quality control because no human can detect all defects and errors. What remains a worrisome state in this specific aspect is losing clear communication, not categorizing the project’s needs, classifying projects’ classifications and conditions, and sticking to one plan by not being able to easily update the existent one.
Workforce out of focus
A small discovered defect can lead to an unplanned rework resulting in the project’s downfall. To elaborate, the construction industry has two backbones; risk identification and risk assessment. These two factors are capable of making any construction professional expect the unexpected and anticipate any source of delay leading to the project’s interruption. Not minimizing the risk of potential defects can lead to serious issues if someone on ground decides to make an on-site call that would risk the project’s integral situation. Moreover, on the consequences of not staying ahead subjects the projects to several concerns as:
- Shake project’s practicality
- Project delay and breaking time frame
- Cost-overrun and budget burdens
- Legality litigation and claims
- Disturbing the firm’s credibility
Moving on to a point that is often overlooked, how to attract young talents and what will help to retain them?. Let’s be real, by facts 2020 is the year millennials will be forming 50% of the global workforce. Running your business in a way that does not match the beliefs and needs of those who are giving it all for their future and yours will not benefit you at the end. Millennials tend to ditch the old school of work; the common understandings and they believe they can create their framework with what matches each individualistic need. Older generations and younger generations have always had concerns regarding how to successfully manage a business. However, the young generations are only asking for flexibility when it comes to approaching new methods of implementing business strategies and to be open to new try-outs.
When communication gets lost
Last but not least, the main aspect of all, language. When communication is lost, the target is compromised. We are living in a world where diversity is one of the main aspects of shaping any company’s team, that means you will meet colleagues from all around the world. Now imagine a construction project with a site that has thousands of employees. Each person has a unique language and accent which might make it hard for some people to comprehend the information being said. Losing meanings in the middle of a conversation on-site levels up the risk of losing track of task pipeline and eventually affecting the project’s quality and the efficiency levels.
