A construction manager oversees subcontractors and other workers on a construction site. Future projects can be prepared for by construction managers who make sure they have enough workforce, materials, and expertise to accomplish customer objectives.
Additionally, they are accountable for implementing safety procedures and assigning duties. Planning, allocating resources, monitoring development, and physically constructing elements may all fall under the purview of the construction manager.
Construction managers’ responsibilities have changed as a result of technological advances. The daily operations of construction management are changing due to the combination of software solutions, smart wireless devices, and communication processes on the job, and these changes could be a preview of things to come in the future.
Construction industry growth has already shifted to positions that emphasize the management and technological parts of the work. For instance, some professional options in construction with the quickest growth are project managers, machinery operators, and installers. These roles’ success depends more on computer networks and data transmission.
Construction Managers (CMs) must learn and use new abilities to manage sites properly. Agile software, data analysis, and other technological know-how are examples of hard skills for construction managers. Whereas before, these professionals had to rely on manual coordination and on-site monitoring; several strong technologies now aid the process.
The downside is that the new workflow necessitates a different, frequently technical set of abilities, which might pose difficulties for construction managers. With the chance to develop these skills, Construction managers will be able to manage technology and people on the building site to get the best results.
It needs planning to make the most of changing tech for construction-related professions. You must now focus even more on the technological components if you want to manage industry trends successfully in the future.
How to Prepare Construction Managers for Building a Better Future?
Fortunately, getting construction managers ready for the future doesn’t have to be difficult and time-consuming. You can start down a more modern path with a detailed knowledge of the tools at your disposal and a successful plan for using them.
The benefits will be construction management initiatives that run smoothly, protect workers, and save money by minimizing inefficiencies. If you want to be ready for such a future, think about the following advice:
Familiarity With Contemporary Construction Management Technology
There are countless prospects for improvement with the array of tools and resources available in modern Construction Management. Today’s construction sites employ a variety of instruments, including portable laser measurement machines and blockchain systems that store and distribute data in a secure, decentralized setting. Construction managers can succeed in the future by understanding and applying these tools.
Staying Up-To-Date on Technological Advances
However, becoming familiar with the current tools won’t help you prepare for the future. Construction managers must keep themselves up-to-date on the latest developments in the construction industry.
Exoskeleton suits for construction workers, for instance, are becoming increasingly widespread and practical and have the potential to revolutionize any building site. Construction managers can increase their success by planning and being aware of developments like these.
Establishing an Open and Diverse Communication Approach
There may be no guarantee that a building project will be completed successfully simply by having technical expertise. You’ll need top-notch interpersonal and communication abilities for that. Effective leaders know that building team unity starts with open and honest communication. Keeping everyone on the same page and working towards the same goals is essential.
Using Software Programs
A construction manager can only keep track of some of the moving parts of a building project using paper and filing cabinets. Instead, you can have access to real-time data on your site with the use of extensive software dashboards. You and your employees can be alerted to potential dangers on the job site, such as fall hazards or electrical faults, by monitoring data from machines or sensors connected through the Internet of Things (IoT). Investing time and energy into identifying and developing useful construction management software now will pay off in the long run.
Asking For Feedback and Getting Your Construction Managers Involved
Finally, if you don’t factor in employee feedback, you’re missing a key piece of the puzzle for future-proofing your management approach. Applying and combining cutting-edge technology with efficient processes will necessitate the input of the individuals you deal with. Maintain an approachable attitude and be open to criticism of your management methods to help refine them.
The workplace is great for practicing these methods and developing a more progressive management style. The result is a more effective use of time thanks to incorporating a wide range of modern resources and data.
Given today’s skyrocketing construction costs and the frequency of construction accidents (about three per day), such understanding is crucial for designing a reliable and secure building site.
Types of Construction Technology to Help Construction Managers Work Efficiently
Seventy-six percent of engineering and construction executives polled by Deloitte for their 2021 outlook report want to invest in digital technologies this year. To stay ahead of the competition, business owners are investing in cutting-edge construction technologies to aid in digital changes and help construction managers work better.
Modernizing your current procedures can have its rewards. The only way for a construction firm to stay ahead of the competition is to adopt innovative practices and incorporate them into its overall strategy and procedures.
Data Collection Apps
There is a growing trend of using mobile applications in the building industry. Tablets and smartphones have made it possible to work remotely and communicate more effectively.
In particular, data-collecting apps improve the speed, accuracy, and quality of data that construction firms collect. This technology’s ability to be seamlessly incorporated into pre-existing processes at low, upfront cost is among its chief selling points.
Drones
To this day, drones remain the most popular tool in the building industry. Site surveys can be conducted more rapidly and accurately at a lesser cost than using a human team on the ground with aerial imagery. You can utilize their high-resolution cameras to take volumetric readings and construct dynamic 3D or topographical models.One more perk of drones is that they may be used to inspect high-up areas, including bridges and large buildings securely. They can also be used to check in on workers and see how things are going at the construction site.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software
Since everyone’s contributions can be made to the same 3D model instead of being spread across several 2D paper drawings, BIM facilitates better teamwork. In this approach, the model constantly improves as new information is added, reducing waste and speeding up the workflow.
During the design and planning stages, BIM is helpful because it automates clash identification and gives an all-encompassing view of the project, both of which are necessary for arriving at viable solutions.
In just a few countries, the government is taking the lead in making BIM mandatory for large-scale projects. BIM is already required for public projects in the United Kingdom. The 2021 Building Information Modeling Market Report by Research and Markets identifies three major trends that will significantly impact the industry:
- The use of artificial intelligence in BIM
- The rise of cloud-based BIM collaboration
- The rise of modular and prefabricated buildings
3D Printing
The use of 3D printing in construction could lead to a shift in how building supplies are sourced. It is possible to print out the components of a project, have them shipped to the construction site, and begin working with them immediately, thanks to prefabrication. By skipping some middle procedures, you can speed up the delivery of goods and reduce the workload.
Producing objects locally using 3D printing technology can eliminate transportation and storage expenditures. However, constraints in mass production are now a hindrance to the widespread use of this technology. Some 3D printers are pricey but can print on a greater scale.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has long been useful for construction managers to enhance project quality, efficiency, and security. Many construction firms are yet to grasp and implement this sophisticated technology fully.
Larger companies have begun developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to aid internal decision-making and business operations.
Conclusion
For now, the most important thing you can do to ensure your success as a construction manager is to develop an effective management strategy. An inclusive management style and comprehensive software and technological tools are required to achieve this goal.
Also start looking for answers to future problems, including where to use automation and its importance to recognize technology’s and humans’ worth. From that point on, you can reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents and other dangers while cutting expenditures in other areas of the project. Consider these suggestions, and start planning for a bright future as a construction manager.
Transcend PM and why it is better
Transcend PM is a capital program/project management software platform for the construction industry that is designed around your operations. Most owners and construction companies rely on software like Transcend PM for their daily operations. Transcend PM is the only program that encompasses the requirements of the entire team, and does not just focus on the contractor. Transcendpm.com, established in 2007, offers cutting-edge software solutions designed specifically for the construction sector.
There won’t be any more budget overruns due to obscure, hard-to-read spreadsheets. Subcontractors do not need to report on a third party platform. Inspectors (DSA, HCAI, Special inspectors, Materials Testing Labs) have all of the code required reports and documents embedded in the system, eliminating the typical static pdf or drop box file that does not integrate with anything or anyone on the project. Owners and designers will know in real time how the project is going. The platform compiles, arranges, and displays data so you can monitor the state of your business in real-time and make significant decisions at any level of your enterprise. You can be sure that your procedures are secure when using Transcend Tools as nobody can see communications between you and your subs unless you make it public. In addition, you cannot be locked out of the projects or documents you created because another company “owns” the subscription. If you created documents, you can always see what you created, even after project closeout.
The construction sector has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past few years due to new technologies, such as integrating multi-dimensional modeling, the growth of cloud-based services, and the desire for powerful mobile capabilities.
Transcend Tools has kept up by regularly updating and improving our sophisticated platform (Transcend PM, Transcend HC and Transcend FM) to consider the shifting demands of the sector. The platform from Transcend extends its extensive functionality and user-friendliness to smartphones and tablets for access at any time and from any location.
