With rising costs, labour shortages and wavering demand, construction must look at ways to weather the year ahead. Or, invest in innovation, and improve the ways the industry works
Here are five ways technology can transform your construction business to keep you competitive:
1. Aid sustainability efforts
Technology makes processes more efficient, removing large amounts of waste.
- Replace paper workflows with digital tools for better accuracy and less rework.
- Collaborate regardless of location. Connect sites without the need for commuting.
- More use of sustainable materials, products and design solutions.
- Monitor and track energy usage increasing understanding of hidden costs.
“Bluebeam helped ARPRO save $30,000 a year by reducing printing costs and optimise construction times by up to 40%.”
– Rodrigo Rubio Vollert, development manager, ARPRO.
2. Improve collaboration
Cloud technology facilitates real-time team collaboration to simplify project tasks and reduce risk.
- Share real-time data so people can access the latest information and avoid unnecessary delays.
- Access data easily for better reporting and trend analysis.
- Create virtual working environments for better teamwork.
- Store data centrally for more resilient, less complex businesses.
“You can be in different parts of the world and still review the drawing at the same time… That will generate cost savings not just for on-site, but consultant cost time as well.” – Terry Arnold, project director, Ballymore
3. Streamline processes and save money
Boost productivity by streamlining and automating processes. From payroll to project scheduling, save valuable time and money.
- Fix the pinch points that cause unnecessary delays with simple, low-cost tools.
- Choose off-the-shelf solutions that don’t require implementation work.
- Try existing solutions before overhauling current systems.
- Create an audit trail as you work – crucial for quality and safety.
“Bluebeam has replaced a piece of overhead in almost every single area of the business… It helps improve everything, from the revenue stream to the profit stream.”
– Andy Hubner, director of business development, Premier Mechanical
4. Support staff retention and training
Retain and develop staff, from onboarding to ongoing competency checking.
- Connect your teams and offer flexible, tailored training.
- Track timesheets, payment, accreditation and training.
- Introduce new roles and development opportunities to attract and retain staff.
- Offer intensive onboarding and support to deliver ROI as soon as possible.
“Some of the digital transformations that we’ve been pushing have been incredibly helpful in attracting the kind of talent that we want at Arup.”
– Russell Bunn, regional CAD lead, Arup
5. Minimise rework
Reduce the risk of extended schedules, lost revenue and impacted reputation.
- Track progress, highlight issues and bring the whole team together.
- Avoid barriers and delays throughout the supply chain.
- Determine sizes and quantities to create accurate, less costly estimates.
“We found an over $50,000 mistake…The first job we did with Bluebeam, it paid for itself.”
– Don Peters, senior estimator, Solid Earth co-founder
At Bluebeam, we understand our clients’ goals to determine where technology can make a difference.
Want to find out more about construction technology? Download our guide to the ways technology helps amid economic uncertainty.
*Please note: This is a contributor profile.
Bluebeam
Tel: +44 (0) 203 868 9061
