Trends and Highlights from Digital Construction Week 2019

The digital landscape is continuing to change the way the construction industry operates, and advances in technology are moving faster than ever. Keeping up with these developments isn’t easy, but visiting exhibitions like the Digital Construction Week is a great way to keep pace and learn about the latest innovations.

In this article, we give insight into some of the most forward-thinking technologies from Digital Construction Week 2019. So, if you’re ready to embrace some new tech, read on for four fantastic innovations …

Stress-Free Snagging

After working hard on a project, the last thing you want is to be let down by poor snagging. After all, overlooking small details can have a negative impact on both the outcome of the project and your company’s reputation.

Thankfully, Ed Controls has invented an app which makes the snagging process far more efficient. The app allows you to capture instructions and action points digitally. These action points or snags can then be easily assigned to the right person with a photo, location and description. The progress of the parties involved is displayed in real-time, meaning you can always effectively manage the process.

With the snagging app, you can make sure your service is efficient from the start of the project to the finish. This will prevent leaving a bitter taste in your client’s mouth at the end of the project, which will invariably lead to a loss of trust.

Drones

Drones have already begun changing the way the construction industry operates, so it was no surprise to see a range of models at this year’s exhibition. Indeed, drones are extremely useful for construction workers. Here are some of the advantages:

• Faster Site Mapping – A drone can access any area of the site you want with relative ease, all the while capturing the necessary information and footage while relaying it in real-time to computer mapping software.
• Easier Site Surveys – Checking hard to reach areas like roofs used to be difficult, expensive and dangerous. But now you can fly a drone up there and analyse live video in real time. This not only saves time in accessing the space but decreases the chances of on-site casualties.
• Streamlined Communication – Drones are being used more and more as a means of maintaining constant contact between work sites. For example, footage can be relayed to health and safety managers, who can then carry out real-time inspections of high-risk areas.

If you are planning on investing in a drone, don’t forget that you need to obtain a license if you’re using it for commercial operations. You can find out more about this here.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is a great way to present clients with realistic representation of a refurbishment, fit out or building structure. For example, GRAPHISOFT impressed our office designers with their ARCHICAD 23 software, which enables designers and architects to create super-fast and accurate 3D models. To accompany the ARCHICAD 23 software, GRAPHISOFT has developed a nifty virtual reality headset called the BIMx, which gives clients an immersive 3D walk-through experience of the space.

While there are other virtual reality headsets out there, one advantage of BIMx is that it is extremely light and easy to use. You simply download the BIMx app, slide your smartphone into the small cardboard box (see picture) and you can start “walking” through the virtual space.

Ultimately, this gadget could be the difference between a client choosing you for a project or opting for another contractor. Therefore, it’s well worth an investment if you’re a company with design at its core!

Floorplans in Minutes

GeoSLAM’S SLAM technology was undoubtedly one of the standout features at Digital Construction Week. In a nutshell, it is a quick and simple “scan to BIM” technology that allows construction operatives to create 3D floorplans in minutes.

With a SLAM mobile mapping system, it is possible to quickly walk through an environment and build a digital map as you go. The devices take data from sensors around them to build a picture of the environment.

The technology allows you to monitor progress of construction projects on a regular basis; produce real-time surveys of residential, commercial and industrial facilities; and comprehensively survey existing structures to be refurbished, remodelled or extended.

While there are many advantages, the only down side is that it is an expensive piece of kit. But if you’re using floorplans on a regular basis for large-scale construction projects, it will certainly be a worthwhile investment.

Thank You for Reading

As you can see from these developments, the construction industry is undoubtedly in the midst of a digital revolution. Remember, while embracing new technology can seem daunting, it is ultimately there to make life easier, improve processes and give clients a better experience. As such, investing in some new kit or software is a no-brainer.

As the saying goes, if you’re standing still you’re going backwards, so make sure you keep pace with the innovations to ensure you don’t get left behind. One way to do this is by visiting Digital Construction Week yourself, and you can find out more about it via the exhibition website here.

Are You Thinking About a Workplace Refurbishment?

This article is brought to you by Rap Interiors, a major design, refurbishment and fit out contractor. With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Rap has gained a reputation as one of the leading contractors in the UK. To arrange your free consultation, fill in the form below or call 0333 6000 1234.