Unlocking Progress: How Construction Technology Can Close the Productivity Gap

While demand rises, the construction industry faces a looming productivity gap that new construction technology is uniquely positioned to solve. Experts predict that if the industry continues its current trajectory of slow or negative workforce growth, there could be a shortfall in construction output of up to $40 trillion by 2040. 

Numerous factors stand in the way of construction teams’ productivity, including safety, security, and inefficient workflows. Jobsite intelligence solutions provide superintendents and project managers with the real-time visibility needed to monitor these key metrics, ensuring they can track progress and proactively intervene when potential roadblocks arise.

Improving Construction Safety Management to Drive Productivity

Safety incidents are the last thing contractors want. While it’s not always possible to prevent accidents, there are steps they can take to minimize risk.

Project managers and superintendents can’t have eyes on all areas of the jobsite to make sure everyone is wearing a hard hat and following all safety protocols. Plus, with new workers entering the field as      experienced workers retire, they need more supervision to ensure they follow all safety measures while embarking on new workflows.  

By reviewing the visual data captured across the jobsite and turning it into actionable insights, AI-powered jobsite intelligence solutions can help identify safety risks. Superintendents and project managers receive real-time alerts if an employee isn’t wearing a hard hat or if someone is operating a crane without a harness      and intervene before an accident occurs. 

Findings from OSHA show that stricter enforcement is key to enhancing site safety. OSHA has reported a significant reduction in two common fatal injuries — falls and trench collapses — following stricter enforcement. Jobsite intelligence tools give project managers the visibility they need to take a more proactive approach to safety. This way, they establish high safety standards for the team and reduce the likelihood of incidents, allowing workers to focus on their progress goals.

A Pathway for Progress: Enhancing Construction Site Security to Protect Assets 

Around $400 million to $1 billion in losses accumulate each year because of construction theft. Tools, heavy equipment, and building materials make up over 60 percent of construction site theft. This can set a project back tremendously on achieving progress goals. Stolen equipment often takes time to replace, limiting the tasks workers can perform in the meantime. Vandalism also diminishes morale, often requiring workers to go back and re-build sections that were already complete. 

Jobsite intelligence solutions help project managers take a proactive approach to site security. Cameras placed across the jobsite help detect trespassers who enter after hours, calling the authorities depending on the severity of the situation. Meanwhile, cameras with TalkDown capabilities help deter unwanted visitors before a situation escalates. 

During the work day, jobsite intelligence solutions can detect when an unknown vehicle enters the site, making it easier for leaders to monitor who comes and goes each day.

While jobsite intelligence solutions help minimize the likelihood of a security breach, they can also help streamline the process of filing an insurance claim if an incident does take place. Site managers can easily access footage from jobsite cameras and search for key moments, like the time when intruders entered, to effectively document the incident. 

AI in Construction: Insights That Unlock Efficiencies for Site Leaders

Superintendents and project managers play a key role in driving efficiencies across the sites they manage. This is critical as contractors wasted upwards of $30 billion in 2022 due to labor inefficiencies.

In addition to managing the progress of their sites, superintendents and project managers need to drive their own efficiency. More than 80 percent of construction companies report having trouble hiring superintendents, project managers, and supervisors. This leaves existing site leaders managing multiple projects simultaneously, making it challenging to have visibility into each one.

AI-powered jobsite intelligence tools can review the data collected by jobsite cameras and compile insights. These insights are delivered as actionable reports to superintendents at the start of each day. Instead of having to drive to each site to check ground and weather conditions before determining if the crew can start work, superintendents receive an email update the moment the day starts so they can begin planning accordingly. 

Likewise, if project managers get stuck overseeing an issue on one site and don’t have time to check progress on another, they can keep tabs on other projects thanks to automated recaps detailing site progress. This way, they can still monitor site activity and make suggestions on streamlining workflows, offering advice on what tasks to prioritize next. 

Any steps contractors can take to make projects more efficient and cut down on timelines help drive more productivity and positive customer relationships.  

Driving Progress with Jobsite Intelligence

All contractors want safe, secure, and successful jobsites. Providing more proactive approaches to safety and security gives project teams the freedom to focus on their work, boosting efficiency and progress on project goals. 

Learn more about how Sensera Systems’ jobsite intelligence solutions can help you achieve progress goals.