10 Construction Technology Trends to Watch in 2022
A new year means new and exciting trends to watch in 2022 in the construction industry! Technological advancements are constantly shaping the construction industry's future. Thus making it imperative to stay up to date with the latest tech trends. As technological evolutions continue to make construction work safer, easier, and more efficient, many construction companies are capitalizing on the additional benefits of advanced tech. Ultimately to help improve their workflow, productivity, and overall efficiencies.
The pandemic changed how the construction industry does business. New technology continues to change how business is done on and off the construction site. As the construction industry becomes more competitive and the market shifts, it will be essential to understand these industry trends to stay competitive! To ensure that your company can stay ahead of the game, we've compiled the top 10 Technology Trends to watch in 2022.
10 Construction Trends to Watch in 2022
1. Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Artificial Intelligence is one of the fastest-growing trends to watch this year! AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) are quickly improving construction companies' long-standing inefficiencies and low productivity. AI can monitor workers and construction sites for potential safety concerns, construction errors, and productivity issues. There are also advancements in AI technology, such as smart construction webcams. This allows easy access to construction data and imagery to help document and streamline project management.
2. 3D Printing:
Although this technology has been around for a while, there are new and exciting applications of 3D printing. All to help meet the growing demand for affordable, efficient construction solutions. Did you know that engineers have invented a 3D printer that can print asphalt? Construction companies can also use 3D printing to understand the current environment and to better simulate and envision towns, cities, and communities. At this point, physical and digital are no longer two separate realities but rather one robust way to visualize construction projects.
3. Drones:
While the use of drones for inspections and land surveying is not new, their use by the construction industry has increased drastically! According to Goldman Sachs, commercial drone development will likely reach about $10.9 billion in 2025. And a recent BigRentz report noted that drone use had increased 239% year-over-year. By using a drone, surveyors can survey a site in a fraction of a minute. Thus saving plenty of time and money, given that process traditionally could take weeks or even months. Drones can also provide greater accuracy and precision, mapping large areas over long distances and producing real-time data that can be used to aid decision-making in the construction process. Additionally, drones can be used to perform certain jobs in place of human workers to prevent injury.
4. Digitizing Workflows: According to commercial real estate services firm JLL's State of Construction Tech report, the construction industry adopted more technology in one year than what would have usually taken three years due to COVID-19. Although we're now a couple of years into the pandemic, the tech trend continues to grow. Due to the increase in work, digitizing workflows has become necessary to keep up with demand. Also, face-to-face interactions are now less frequent, forcing construction companies to shift toward a more digital/paperless model. Digitization provides a seamless experience regarding design and materials management. It also helps with scheduling, crew management, and much more. Digital workflows help construction companies boost their efficiency and productivity while improving the quality of life from the office to the project site.
5. Advancements in Sustainability: Many other industries are committing to becoming net zero in the coming decades. The construction industry is by no means an exception. Public interest in fighting climate change and consumer demand for environmentally-friendly projects drives many companies to become more sustainable. This trend can be seen in everything from sustainably-sourced materials to buildings that help create carbon-neutral communities. Additionally, local, state, and federal government incentives to help the environment drive the construction industry to become more sustainable in 2022 and beyond.
6. New Construction Materials:
Construction companies are looking to source cost-effective, sustainable building materials to balance profits and sustainability. This can be seen in the current trend toward utilizing new construction materials such as Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC). ECC is a bendable concrete, and engineered timber, which is created by bonding several types of softwood. The result of using new construction materials such as these is a decreased carbon footprint, fewer emissions, and less waste during the manufacturing process. It also decreases the time and money spent on repairing cracks and breakage.
7. Declining Workforce: While a shortage of workers is not necessarily a new trend in the construction industry, the surge in increased demand for construction services in recent years has exacerbated this trend. Since 2014, Deloitte found that construction job openings increased by 50%, while new hires lagged behind at 14%. This means that construction companies are being asked to take on more construction projects without enough laborers to ensure the seamless execution of the project. This reality is also one of the driving factors for construction companies to digitize their workflows and look for other ways to improve their efficiencies to support their workers.
8. Building Information Technology (BIM): Like AI, this is one of the hottest construction industry trends, promising greater accuracy to the building process. BIM is a software modeling process that construction companies use to collaborate on a building's design, construction, and operation. This technology enables construction companies to improve their resource management, enhances collaboration, and helps increase communication throughout the project. BIM can also help construction companies tackle challenges such as budget overspending, QC issues, and project delays. As construction technology evolves rapidly, BIM will be a game-changer in 2022 and beyond.
9. Augmented Reality (AR):
AR and Virtual Reality (VR) are technologies that are being used increasingly often in the construction industry. AR, in particular, is emerging as a more powerful tool than VR. As buildings become increasingly "smart" and complex, VR can facilitate in detecting design and coordination errors. AR can also present BIM data, which can help facilitate coordination between consultants, designers, and construction teams. Construction companies can also use AR as a tool to discuss their projects with clients.
10. Increasing Ransomware Threats:
According to a recent study by NordLocker, construction is the #1 industry hit by ransomware. This computer virus takes over the target device until the victim agrees to pay a fee to regain access—victims of ransomware attacks in the construction industry range from small, family-owned companies to large corporate entities. Construction companies are most vulnerable to attacks through emails, malware, ransomware, and siegeware, specifically targeting smart building technology. So how can construction companies protect their online assets from ransomware? That's where we can help! Our team of experts is available to help secure your construction technology and answer all your questions.
We know that it takes a lot of effort to stay on top of these growing trends in 2022 and beyond. Technology requires considerable maintenance and upkeep to ensure it's in the best shape to continue to serve your business' long- and short-term success. That's where we come in!
Whether you're interested in digitizing your workflow, investing in Building Information Technology, or protecting your construction company from ransomware, our expert technicians will become part of your team. We'll work to support your company's investments in any of these technological trends, including the best construction mobile app picks.
We'll answer any questions you may have on your journey to capitalize on one or more of these construction technology trends. Just contact us to get started!
