How the Internet of Things Is Transforming the Construction Industry

Up until a few years back, Internet of Things was a just a theory. But the world of technology is changing at a faster rate than you can imagine. Internet of Thing or IoT is connecting devices through internet.

So, you can do any sort of activity like turning on the lights, adjusting the temperature of your AC, and even ensure that your housekeeper is working properly, just by using your phone.

IoT has changed a lot of industries but still many people think that construction industry is not advanced enough to use the concept of Internet of Things. If that is the case, then this article will surely enhance your knowledge base.

IoT Transforming Construction Industry

Improvised Safety for Workers

These days almost every worker who is working on field has a smartphone with him. They can download apps like fall detector in their mobile devices which can work even if the phone is not in use.

This function notifies a list of contacts in the event of a fall. There are several wearables available as well, which can improve the safety of construction workers.

Some are standalone devices, while some are embedded in their vests, helmets, boots and mobile phones. All these technologies can prevent the workers from accidents and alert them beforehand.

Real-Time Reporting

With the help of real-time reporting, data is captured on the job site which helps both the workers as well as the management. It helps the management to get data about the performance of workers with the help of daily or weekly reports.

The data is directly recorded with the help of biometric devices, drone footage and video cameras that are connected through the internet. It also helps workers keep track of their attendance and performance.

Automated Workflows

You no longer have to check for requirements manually. With the help of sensors and RFID tags, you can keep track of the inventory and equipment usage. When an employee transfers materials to a job site, he has to scan the items with RFID tags.

That is how the employees get notified about low inventory. Sensors on equipment monitor usage notify if the equipment needs preventive maintenance or not. Costs are also controlled because your company does not need to buy extra supplies than needed.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

BIM is a process involving intelligent model of a building. BIM is used to model a building’s structure using sensors during the design and construction phase. With the help of sensors placed inside the building, you can receive the information about how the materials are affected by the climate change with time.

The sensors can also give you information about how the structures change after earthquakes and how a bridge bends under the weight of heavy traffic. BIM is a process involving intelligent modelling of a building.

Green Buildings Movement

Green buildings are those that have incorporated sustainable architecture and construction. It is not only meant to keep construction material out of landfills, but also allows buildings to reduce their impact on the environment.

With the help of Internet of Things, green buildings are engineered to automatically close down unnecessary systems when they are not in use.

Intelligent Prefabrication

Prefabricated buildings give a lot of advantage over a building that is traditionally constructed. It is faster, more cost effective and does not create much construction waste.

Using the concept of Internet of Things, the process of constructing a prefabricated building becomes much easier. RFID sensors are used to track down individual parts throughout the supply chain.

The RFID data can also be used to know if there is any construction delay.

Improved Building Lifespan

Internet of Things also help in improving a building’s lifespan. With the help of IoT, you can receive notifications whenever any abnormality takes place. The technologies that are used are smart thermostats, circuit breakers and digital power meters.

Power Savings

With the help of IoT, construction sites are able to record the information about the amount of electrical power that is being used. This helps construction companies save on energy by adjusting the on and off period without hampering the on-going construction project.

Data Utilisation

The data of Internet of Things is the most crucial data available to help increase the efficiency of processes in future. Construction industry software can use this data to modify their existing process for optimizing their profits.

For example, this data can evaluate which material or equipment lasts longer. The data from IoT allows construction companies to make continuous improvements.

We have to keep in mind that as IoT applications in the construction industry are increasing, not all IoT devices are designed to operate with each other automatically. You need to make sure that all IoT solutions connected together are able to read and exchange data seamlessly.

You have to understand that with the internet being the core of IoT, losing internet connectivity would hamper the performance of all the devices connected to the network.