There is no alternative to digitization for any sector. If a sector has to stay afloat, it has to pace ahead with the times and embrace technology. Every link in the value chain needs to function as a connected system based on information and communication technology to enhance productivity. And, the construction sector is not bereft from this but many sub-sectors of the industry are still looking to digitize their production and distribution process. Whereas logistics and freight has changed the way it does business through digitization.
Some of the existing mobile app types used in the industry are:
1. Auto CAD under CAD design and drawing
2. Concrete Design Calculator, Calculator for Carpenters and Construction Pro Calculator under construction calculators
3. Customized Estimators, Painting Estimator and Material Estimator under estimating
4. Construction Management under construction site apps
5. Construction Suit Coordinator and Construction Architecture under project management
Now, here are the major positives of utilizing business mobile apps for construction sector:
1. E-Tendering is going to be the new normal
Construction industry is extremely information intensive with complex project communications and digital call for tenders is going to make the process efficient to the core and readily transparent. When construction suppliers and product specifications have gone digital, the construction industry needs to move beyond the basic software access and absorb revolutionising information and communication technology (ICT). E-Tendering will eliminate inefficiencies which are part of the traditional process and will smarten the process in an electronic environment.
The existing level of unawareness regarding ICT can leave the affected companies far behind in the lead-up to internet based tendering. It has been estimated that in the next 5 years 80 to 90% of public construction projects globally will go for electronic circulation of tender calls.
2. The way ahead – Smart Business Site Logistics
For better workforce optimization on the construction site, business apps can come to the rescue. A construction workers spends most of his time and energy on running errands, collecting and shifting building material, transporting building equipment or looking for it; all this energy and time spend can be brought down hugely if digital solutions are applied.
A lot of technology forward construction firms are already using supply software, and Internet of Things for establishing communication and coordination between Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and machinery or construction vehicles to identify or manoeuvre products on the construction site. A mobile app interlinked with RFID technology to inspect the fitting of freshly laid concrete surfaces can be path breaking consequence of digitization in the building and construction sector.
3. The future is Drones and Droid driven
Lack of swift communication among construction workers and project managers can bring an entire day’s work to a sudden halt and in unfortunate cases even lead to mishaps. Rising time and cost limitations, and complicated/innovative architectural projects are the leading causes for construction companies to go digital.
For example, 3D laser technology is extensively used to survey the construction site, power lines, fiber optic cables, etc. Drones are an amazing tool that are being used to survey land, scan and monitor expansive construction sites, and carry out an easy surveillance of the project’s progress. All these robots and drones will have the backing of mobile cloud solutions.
The Chinese company, WinSun has devised a combination of a robotic arm with that of a 3D printer where the robotic arm controls the motion of the 3D printer, helping it create large structures at once. With the robotic 3D printing equipment, WinSun has made 10 single story houses in one day!
4. Digitising Customer Relationship Management and Sales
Construction sector is always on the growth curve and operating companies face stiff competition to stay afloat. There is immense potential for business mobile apps to skim the construction market and provide details on different players’ projects in pipeline and delivering it to companies. Also for analysing customer data and enhancing customer relationship management programs digital solutions can contribute immensely.
Customer loyalty can be further cemented by business Android mobile applications that generate a lot of information on a daily basis and function as a communication platform create long lasting goodwill. Imagine custom mobile apps that provide the amount of energy the under-construction space will consume once it is ready, the opportunities are limitless.
5. After sales mobile apps for legacy building
To bridge gaps between projects, a construction company can build apps to optimize the supply chain process and also keep the customers engaged and not let the long durations of no activity, also referred to as the down time don’t create a vacuum. Afterall, a construction company doesn’t rest on its laurels, so no matter how successful its current project delivery was, it would want its customers to have memory recall and its logistics section always streamlined.
Construction industry is the least digitized and automated industries in the world, positioning digitisation as the perfect solution for every company in the sector. Pegged at $10 trillion dollar globally and dotted with inefficiencies, the advent of business mobile app development can lead to potential savings, productivity gains and workforce optimization.
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