Construction has consistently been one of the most important fields since the beginning of humankind. Ever since cavemen were emerging from their caves to construct primitive huts, there has been a desire to build structures. The 21st century is no different. Construction has undergone some serious changes since the beginning of the human race, but the idea itself remains largely unchanged. Here are five ways that technology and mobile apps in construction has adapted to life in the modern-day.
1. The Digital Age
Like everything else today, construction has firmly cemented itself in the world of digital technology. With the sudden increase in the demand for remote jobs and social distancing, technology and mobile apps have become more useful than ever for construction companies. These apps provide ways to clock in and out remotely, upload pictures of projects in progress, send daily reports of clients and supervisors, and anything else you could hope for in a construction app. Research multiple apps before you decide which one is right for you. Several reliable apps on the market could be right for you.
2. Worker Safety
Construction jobs are some of the most dangerous in the developed world. Workers are constantly being injured or killed while working, and construction workers often get little thanks for the danger they put themselves in. However, new technology is always working towards making construction safer. There are now devices available that workers can wear to show their exact location on a computer. This has the potential to dramatically decrease the number of preventable deaths caused by construction accidents every year. Modern technology is helping to reduce the human cost that construction often unfairly imposes.
3. Innovation
The younger generations of today have grown up surrounded by the internet and, therefore, the ideas that the internet provides. This has led to some of the most passionate and innovative young workers in the history of the world. Some construction companies have recognized the talent that exists in younger generations and are using it to their advantage by putting young people in positions of power. Some of these young people have managed to take the age-old profession of construction and turn it into something completely new because their minds have been shaped by a digital society, and they think differently than digital immigrants.
4. Diversity of Thought
Historically, the higher-ups in construction companies were composed almost exclusively of those with engineering degrees. While engineering degrees are useful in construction, many companies are quickly wisening up to the fact that other degrees will be and currently are just as useful. People who work in IT or data analysis have just as much to offer as engineers. Many project plans are stored solely digitally now and use software that is unfamiliar to the engineers of the past. It is important to keep evolving with the times to keep your business running successfully.
5. Public Perception
The general public often sees construction work as dirty and unappealing work. However, with such a worker shortage, the construction industry needs new employees more than ever, and one of the best ways to bring in new people is by making construction work seem appealing from the outside. Marketing and public relations is the key to changing public perception. Modern construction workers are responsible for some of the most impressive engineering feats the world has ever seen, and if the industry draws more attention to the glamorous side of it, such as completing technological marvels, rather than the boring menial work you would see on the street, public perception would be more positive.
We are now well into the 21st century, and while there have been some impressive developments, it seems like construction is still struggling to find how it needs to adapt to work with the ever-advancing available technology. However, when an industry embraces the future, it tends to do well, so encouraging people from all facets of the field of construction to forge ahead is one of the most important things you can do.
