5 IoT Implementations Boosting Construction Efficiency

The Construction industry uses the Internet of Things (IoT) to boost efficiency. Despite being an age-old industry with many ancient practices, the evolution and introduction of the technological age now allow people and construction companies to use digital innovation products to their advantage. With many IoT implementations boosting construction efficiency, the construction industry is able to be more productive and profitable. Many construction companies now use the IoT to transform their practices and keep their workers safe.

Also Read: Using Internet of Things for Oil and Gas Quality Assurance

Using the IoT for Construction Safety & Efficiency

Safety is a critical consideration in construction as many companies seek to reduce injuries and fatalities during operations while improving efficiency. When fewer accidents and hazards occur on a site, the staff work in a safe environment, management worries less about mishaps, and teams can complete projects without too many setbacks. 

As the construction industry is human-labor intensive,  much of the work involved depends on human interaction, which can increase operational costs, time, and resources. However, the IoT has changed this for many construction companies, as many tech devices can complete simple repetitive tasks quicker than humans. In some cases, they do more complex tasks, which helps to improve operational efficiency, allowing individuals to focus on other human-required tasks and possibly speed up the construction process.

Now that we’ve shared the benefits of using IoT in construction, here are some applications many companies use today: 

5 IoT Implementations for Construction 

• Wearables

With technological innovations like IoT, construction workers can wear technology built for their safety. Wearables like smart glasses detect leading edges, hazardous materials, and safety protocols. Others, like bright hats, can detect fatigue, collisions, and microsleeps by workers. Wearables even come in boots, vests, and watches, all playing different roles in promoting workers’ safety, offering ways for management to provide a variety of preventive measures on the site. 

• Sensors

Sensors use pre-conditioned criteria to monitor the construction site and detect any situations that can affect efficiency or cause injury and accidents. They can monitor noise, motion, vibration, temperature, humidity, pressure, and other frequencies. This kind of real-time monitoring on the construction site allows repairs and maintenance to be done quickly while preventing injury and fatality. Some companies also use sensors for asset tracking to monitor inventory and supply ordering, maintenance, and usage. Asset tracking can prevent waste and theft, detect leaks, and prevent material shortages. 

• Site Maps

Sitemaps are created to monitor real-time activity on the construction site so that construction managers can receive updates without delay.  With site maps, they can get insight into workers, machinery, and any work performed on-site. Managers can also detect possible hazards and unstable work environments and monitor performance and access points. The map isn’t just for managers’ benefit; it can guide workers and management on where safe and dangerous zones are. All the information and data collected by construction managers can be used to improve the overall safety and productivity of projects. 

• Autonomous Vehicles

Many companies are using autonomous vehicles to lighten labor load. They use construction vehicles like dozers, load carriers, haul trucks, and excavators to excavate and grade site soil. They’re integrated with sensors and GPS technology to establish a geofence for obstacle detection and avoidance, allowing vehicles to perform the same tasks human workers would do but faster. They reduce the need for different workers to operate each vehicle daily, as several vehicles can operate simultaneously while supervised by one worker.

• Maintenance Systems

IoT maintenance systems can be used for various construction activities to predict when there’s a need for equipment maintenance, refueling, repairs, and idle turn-offs. After integrating sensors that monitor the system and operation, the equipment analyzes them against preset criteria and standards and indicates functionality status in real-time. Innovative maintenance systems also reduce material waste from faulty machinery and monitor material conditions and the site’s sustainability in storing them, considering temperature, damage, and expiration. 

Many industries are shifting to integrate the IoTs into their operations, including construction. Especially with IoT implementations boosting construction efficiency and profitability. Companies within the construction industry are using the IoTs to manage resources, promote site and worker safety, and improve the efficiency of operations. WebCreek can help your company develop IoTs to the criteria needed for your company’s optimum operations. Contact Us to learn more about our service.