REVOLUTIONISING THE INDUSTRY: HOW IOT AND AUTOMATION IN CONSTRUCTION IS CHANGING THE GAME
Automation is revolutionising every single commercial industry today. The development of various automation devices and concepts has enabled processes to be more streamlined and efficient.
The usage of automation in construction has been slower compared to other industries. But, builders and companies are now exploring opportunities to integrate automation into their processes.
Introducing automation in the construction industry is going to increase the productivity and completion rate of mega projects greatly. It can act as a great helping hand for manual labour and increase the number of technically skilled workers.
The scope of automation in construction in countries in the Middle East, particularly in Qatar, Oman and UAE, is very high, considering the boom in the construction industry in these nations. Muscat Automation is highly recommended for all industrial automation requirements. We specialise in automation solutions and are proud to be developing IoT and industry 4.0.
In this blog, we will explore the scope of automation in construction and its benefits and challenges. We will also see how Muscat Automation can help overcome these challenges.
IoT in Construction
IoT devices like wireless I/O sensors, drones, robots, and mobile devices help automate construction seamlessly. IoT devices help construction managers and engineers collect real-time data from sites and facilitate processes correctly. They can make data-driven decisions for increased customer satisfaction.
There are many applications of IoT in construction. Automation in construction includes wearables for the safety of workers to sensors for analysing structural integrity. Some applications of IoT are listed.
1. Fleet Management
Fleet management means to manage a company’s fleet of vehicles to ensure proper operation. IoT in fleet management is making it more advanced through automated tracking of both vehicles and equipment. It streamlines transit routes and helps in timely maintenance.
2. Tools and Equipment Tracking
IoT can also be used to keep track of tools and equipment used in construction. This becomes very useful in large-scale projects that require a large variety of machinery. GPS trackers equipped with IoT sensors are effectively used for precise location sensing and equipment supervision. IoT devices on tools contribute to proper management of waste and theft prevention on construction sites.
3. Machine Control
Machine control is an important part of IoT in construction. It provides data on movements, progress and control of machinery operations. Using IoT in machine control significantly enhances efficiency.
4. Project Management
IoT devices have a great impact on construction project management, helping construction managers with updates and progress on work developments. This enables the managers to make data-driven decisions to improve productivity. Managers also get real-time alerts of any maintenance work and repair issues, helping them mitigate them.
Benefits of IoT in Construction
IoT technology optimises construction processes, minimising downtime and maximising resource utilisation. Real-time tracking and predictive maintenance are key examples of how IoT boosts efficiency.
IoT sensors and devices greatly enhance safety protocols on construction sites. For example, wearable devices for worker safety and sensors for structural health monitoring play crucial roles in improving on-site safety.
IoT technology aids in advanced budgeting and cost management. By monitoring and optimising resource usage, construction companies can achieve significant savings.
The positive impact of automation on employment in the construction industry
Faster bidding processes
A bidding process in construction may include a team of people opening invitations and scheduling meetings to discuss bids. A large amount of time is lost until every stakeholder is updated with all necessary details and final decisions are made.
Bids can be processed more quickly through automation without the need for human analysis of each bid component and communication with stakeholders. As stakeholders make decisions and give their final bid, an automated system can instantly notify the team, streamlining what was once a time-consuming manual process.
All data generated and used during the bidding process can be collected to provide valuable insights for future bids. When new bid invitations arrive, data from previous bids can inform decisions, making the submission process more efficient and accurate.
Employee satisfaction
Automation reduces the number of repetitive and tedious tasks in a person’s workflow. This frees up time for more skill-centred, critical-thinking activities.
Tasks like manually inputting records can be easily automated with a software-based solution. This gives more time and space for employees to upskill themselves in their manual work as well as learn the technical expertise to operate automated systems.
More skilled labourers translated into increased earnings for them, leading to a better quality of life and employee satisfaction.
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY INSIGHTS FOR IOT INTEGRATION
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the integration of IoT technology is expected to rise significantly. Emerging trends in IoT for construction include integration with smart city IoT and infrastructure, along with synergy with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
These developments in IoT technology can revolutionise the construction industry by automating mundane tasks and introducing digital proficiency within construction firms. Ongoing investment and innovation in IoT for construction, we will have more efficiency, safety, and cost reductions in the construction sector.
CONCLUSION
IoT in construction will change the industry by improving efficiency, safety, and cost management. Despite challenges in adoption, the high advantages of IoT are undeniable.
Using IoT solutions is going to become crucial for the future success of construction projects. It leads us to a smarter construction sector with innovation.
Before you choose automation and IoT solutions for your business or project, it is important to consider the reputation of your solutions provider and the quality of service they offer. Muscat Automation is the best choice for industrial automation solutions in Oman and Qatar. If you are interested in implementing this technology in your workplace, reach out to us at Muscat Automation.
FAQ
1. What are some advantages of automation in construction?
- Increased efficiency
- reduced labour costs
- improved safety,
- higher precision
- faster project completion.
2. How does AI contribute to construction automation?
- Project planning
- Maintenance needs
- Design accuracy
3. What types of IoT devices are used in construction?
- Sensors
- RFID tags
- GPS trackers
- Drones
- Smart wearables
- Connected machinery.
4. How does IoT contribute to sustainable construction practices?
5. What challenges are associated with implementing IoT in construction?
- High initial costs
- Data security
- Skilled personnel to manage IoT devices.