The Internet of Things (IoT) can significantly change the way the construction industry operates. IoT devices and sensors collect job site data creating opportunities for construction companies to use IoT technology to improve construction safety, efficiency, and ensure business continuity.
Through the deployment of low-power sensors (BLE), managers can improve worksite visibility at every stage of a project in real-time: from initial planning to final construction.
Productivity, maintenance, security, and safety are the leading drivers of IoT adoption in the construction industry. Here we explain each of these drivers:
Productivity
Often in construction industry results deviates from the original plan. The industry is deadline and target driven, so companies need to avoid backlogs to control budget increases.
IoT technology can improve productivity by ensuring more efficiency and readiness. It reduces the workload for people that not only eliminates human error occurrences but also gives management opportunities to work on generating new ideas to improve product delivery and customer satisfaction. more about productivity
Maintenance
One of the largest expenditures for any construction company is power and fuel consumption. If these expenses are not managed actively, it can adversely impact the overall cost of the project.
IoT gives real-time information that lets the person-in-charge be aware of the latest status of the assets. From monitoring power consumption to scheduling maintenance stops or turning off idle equipment – it enables an improved efficiency in the management and maintenance aspects. more about maintenance
Security and Safety
Some of the biggest challenges encountered on a construction site are safety and security.
IoT allows the creation of a digital real-time job site map (individual tracking and heat-maps) together with the updated risks associated with the works (smart geofencing, safe-zones) and notifies when workers are getting closer to any risk or entering a dangerous environment (e-mail, SMS). Also, monitoring air quality (Co2) in an enclosed space is critical for workplace safety. IoT technologies will not only prevent staff from being exposed to dangerous conditions but can also detect those conditions before any accident can happen. With real-time IoT data, a more predictive approach about job-site issues and prevention of situations that could lead to a safety incident can be implemented.
