Credit: Manufacton
Welcome to a new era of construction driven by digital innovation and the principles of Industry 4.0. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution unfolds, the construction industry is witnessing a long-awaited shift towards technology adoption. Early adopters are already reaping the benefits, including real-time data accessibility, improved productivity, and enhanced predictability in terms of staffing, budgeting, and timelines.
At the forefront of digital transformation, the manufacturing industry has experienced remarkable gains in efficiency, productivity, and sustainability over the past three decades. While construction has historically been slower to adopt new processes and technologies, it's time for the sector as a whole to prioritize the value of digital innovation in driving improvements. By incorporating manufacturing principles, construction teams can elevate productivity and achieve outstanding results.
Here are five key benefits that can be achieved by embracing manufacturing principles in the construction industry:
1. Enhanced Visibility:
In today's world, visibility is expected in every aspect of our lives. Whether it's tracking our food orders or receiving real-time updates on Amazon packages, we have grown accustomed to transparency. Similarly, the construction industry can greatly benefit from increased visibility. By providing real-time updates on project progress from end to end, companies can identify areas for improvement, optimize processes, and enhance overall efficiency. With improved visibility, teams can swiftly rectify issues and explore new technologies to bridge productivity gaps.
2. Digitization:
Manufacturing has mastered the art of digitization by leveraging innovative technologies to automate manual processes. This shift allows construction teams to allocate more time to strategic tasks rather than clerical work. By embracing digital transformation, construction professionals gain profound insights into project progress, which can be shared with project owners to build trust and confidence in their teams.
3. VDC & BIM:
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a technology-driven process that enables teams to simulate projects before ground is broken. Through digital modeling, teams can identify potential challenges and develop strategies related to processes, scheduling, budgeting, and more. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is often used alongside VDC, incorporating the project strategy into a construction software platform. Together, VDC and BIM ensure effective project planning, timely completion, and collaboration between manufacturing facilities and on-site teams.
4. Predictability & Safety:
Moving construction offsite offers numerous advantages, including predictability and safer working conditions. By shifting operations to controlled factory environments, teams benefit from greater certainty in terms of schedules and costs, as external factors like inclement weather no longer impede progress. This controlled setting also enhances quality assurance and process efficiency. Furthermore, by adopting offsite construction methods, the risk of workplace injuries is significantly reduced, as highlighted by a report from the Boston Consulting Group, which found that prefab construction cuts workplace injuries in half.
5. Waste Reduction & Sustainability:
Sustainable construction is crucial for reducing energy consumption, reusing materials, and minimizing waste in projects. With the construction industry responsible for 40% of global greenhouse emissions, prioritizing sustainability is imperative. Offsite construction, with its controlled setting, offers a compelling solution to reduce the carbon footprint. Teams can accurately track material usage and embrace recycling practices, contributing to a more sustainable approach.
While the construction industry still has much to learn from manufacturing, there is a clear and promising trend towards a digital-first approach. Renowned and innovative companies such as Factory_OS, Timberlab, and Clark Pacific are already embracing cloud-based technologies to drive productivity. It's time for the industry as a whole to embark on a similar journey, leveraging manufacturing principles and moving construction offsite to improve operations, enhance efficiency, and achieve remarkable outcomes. Join us in revolutionizing the construction industry for a brighter, more sustainable future.
For More Information from Manufacton Please Connect with CEO
Raghi Iyengar