Exploring Technological Advancements in the Construction Industry: A Review and Future Outlook

About 15 years ago, one of my companies landed our biggest outsourced IT-managed services customer, a regional construction player with staff in Barbados and St. Vincent. Back then, the work for construction outfits primarily involved setting up small office networks for basic services. The expectation and opportunity to integrate smartphone technologies weren’t as pervasive as they are now.

Regardless, construction industry technology has been one of the more difficult but interesting topics for me to cover. Until recently, except for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and basic productivity tools, construction innovation has not been as dynamic as in extra-regional jurisdictions. Our regional experience has been labour-focused and has remained labour- and materials-intensive to this day, more so than in other industries.

However, there are a few specialised areas where we have led in innovation and the use of newer technology. For example, the use of precast concrete structures by local industry leader Preconco. When we landed the construction client, it inspired us to create a prototype platform called Pivotal Stone, where industry partners could share updates and details. We envisioned direct links to suppliers like Carters and Harris Paints for near-time purchasing solutions. While the system wasn’t implemented, it highlighted the potential for integrating technology in construction. Reflecting on this, I wanted to see where the industry is globally and what local construction players could adopt.

Modern technology is significantly shaping the construction industry in several ways. My industry review led me to identify three general areas where most construction companies could greatly benefit, with short, medium, and long-term investments if not already implemented:

Drones and Aerial Imaging: Short-Term Investment (Days – Weeks)

In a matter of a few days, companies can take advantage of drones for accurate site surveys and quick building inspections, enabling precise mapping and measurement of construction sites. Drones provide the added benefit of facilitating long-term maintenance inspections, especially for tall buildings where routine inspections can pose significant risks to life. They allow for real-time progress tracking, providing up-to-date visual data to project managers and stakeholders.

Construction Project Management (CPM): Medium-Term (Weeks – Months)

With modern CPM software, companies can sign up in days to weeks, depending on how the software integrates with their workflow and meets their needs. These companies can efficiently create and manage project schedules with real-time updates using robust digital tools. As cloud-based platforms, these tools allow third parties, including subcontractors and clients, to collaborate seamlessly. This facilitates comprehensive project planning and management, ensuring that tasks are assigned, tracked, and completed on time. With an intuitive interface, teams can stay informed and aligned, leading to smoother project execution and higher productivity.