Many industries have changed dramatically over the last several years, and the construction industry is no exception. The industry is experiencing a wave of new technologies that have the potential to transform the sector. Among these technologies is Power over Ethernet (PoE), which can revolutionize the way power is disseminated to important devices. Additionally, the construction industry is seeing shifts occur in terms of workforce sustainability, device usage, and other important factors.

People

The way the construction industry deals with its workers has changed, and further change is needed. As it stands in 2023, the construction industry is experiencing a shortage of around half a million workers(1). Compounding that challenge is a growing desire among the workforce for more sustainable working environments. Finding IT talent within the construction industry is becoming more difficult, too. Advanced technology needs to be plug-and-play for ease of use and convenience. Any member of a team should be able to easily install and use whatever technologies are vital to performing their duties.

Sustainability

Workforce sustainability is about much more than just ensuring a steady stream of new workers being brought into the industry. It also means using the existing workforce in a way that acknowledges their needs and concerns. Providing fair working conditions, benefits, and reasonable salaries can all help improve employee shortages within the construction industry. Savvy employers are already getting on board.

Wearables

Safety has always topped the list of concerns in the construction industry. Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries for workers. New wearable devices have the potential to improve overall safety. Smartwatches are already being used by workers in a variety of different industries, allowing workers to check their own vital signs and avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Smart helmets and boots can provide key information about a worker’s location, detect falls, and prevent worker injuries. All of these benefits can help keep workers safe and respond faster when an accident does occur.

Technology

As in many other industries, technology is improving dramatically across the construction industry. Keeping up with the latest technological changes will ensure that a company and its workers benefit from the latest innovations in their profession.

Drones

As drone technology advances, it grows increasingly useful for construction companies and workers. Drones can help lift heavy items, keeping workers safer. Now that drones can be used with a high level of accuracy, workers may not need to stand close to unstable loads or wrangle items that are too heavy for them to lift alone.

Robots

While robots do not yet have the potential to fully replace what a flesh and blood construction worker can accomplish, they can help augment the available labor force and take on some of the jobs that workers may not want to do on their own. Robots can, in particular, help with dangerous work. This could include going into areas not safe for humans, such as tight spaces, unstable surfaces, and extreme heights. As a result, construction workers stay much safer. Robots can also do many of the repetitive work tasks that can lead to repetitive stress injuries.

Materials

The construction industry continues to explore new materials and options that can make it easier for workers to do their jobs and create stunning, sustainable buildings.

Modular Design Materials

Modular, or prefabricated, construction was once limited to primarily temporary or portable structures. These buildings were not intended to stand the test of time and might be limited in overall function. As the technologies have changed, modular construction has improved significantly. Modular buildings can now grow much larger and take on nearly any shape. As a result, construction workers can put up homes, businesses, and other buildings in a much smaller time frame.

Modular designs can now utilize wood, steel, and concrete. These are sturdy building materials designed to stand the test of time. They will enable workers to put  buildings together much faster, which has a downstream impact of streamlining the overall construction process, reducing timelines without a substantial sacrifice of quality.

3D Printing

3D printing is able to accomplish increasingly complex designs, which means that it has multiple applications in the construction industry. Not only can it help with modeling, allowing contractors and architects to get a look at what designs will actually look like once they are completed, it can help with replacement parts for construction equipment, allowing many workers to replace broken pieces in a fraction of the time. 3D printing can even be used to put together basic or emergency housing options, allowing for a higher level of security for displaced individuals, persons experiencing homelessness, or even families on a tight budget.

Sustainable/Green Products

Increased conservation efforts across the construction industry have exploded as businesses and private individuals alike come to expect sustainability and the use of green products as standard practice. This has several implications for construction companies. First, it means that they must consider sustainable construction options; construction that will stand the test of time, with materials that will stand up under use. While both private individuals and business owners may still choose to redecorate regularly, they will expect their construction to hold up when it matters. Furthermore, they are interested in overall energy conservation within their buildings, including options like low-energy appliances and windows and doors that are able to seal in heat and air.

Greenscaping is also becoming increasingly common. Many people want to preserve natural resources and protect the health and appearance of their lawns, business properties, and more. More people are relying on natural plants that already grow in local areas. They are also looking for more options that will help them make the most of their properties, including growing plants on roofs and balconies.

Are You Keeping Up with Construction Industry Trends?

Keeping up with construction industry trends has become increasingly important if you want to remain competitive and keep your business functioning smoothly. This especially applies to those final technological touches that connect your buildings and keep them functioning at peak efficiency.