Top AEC Technology Trends
With the recent focus on remote work, several industries have paved the way toward new developments in industrialized construction and robotic process automation. Data-driven design, collaboration in the cloud, and modular buildings are some driving forces of innovation in architecture, engineering, and construction.
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Discover how these transformative trends can increase productivity, efficiency, and sustainability throughout the AEC sectors.
End-to-End Digital Workflows
Over the past year, several AEC firms have deepened their commitment to cultivating and maintaining a Common Data Environment for storing data and managing documents throughout various projects. As stakeholders have adjusted to the demands of predominantly remote collaboration, workflow management software has become crucial to project oversight.
When most collaborators were still working in joint locations, firms could fall back on paper methods regarding workflow. Recent changes to societies working conditions have led to more rigorous efforts toward achieving end-to-end digitization. These temporary adjustments have caused lasting changes to the ways most organizations approach their project workflows.
Transitioning to paperless methods makes it possible to connect stakeholders in remote locations and support decentralized site reporting and approval processes. As most tasks become digitized, AEC professionals will need to realize the lasting value of the CDE generated throughout a project life cycle.
This data set is crucial for owner upkeep in past planning, building, and project completion. The coinciding trend toward work automation has enabled the form filing, signature collection, and document distribution functions essential for worksite compliance. All of these records contribute toward more of a complete set of data.
Robotic Process Automation
Even though task automation software accounts for most of the automation currently implemented across industries, AEC professionals lead the change toward more robust robotic automation.
This trend begins at the computational and generative design stage and extends beyond crewless aerial vehicles or drones. The goal is to help map and monitor worksites and early projects with additive manufacturing and autonomous technology in the field.
The positive effects of automating repetitive and error-prone tasks in digital workflows reveal a few benefits associated with rolling out a more extensive range of robotic automation methods.
When tasks that formerly consumed workers’ time are based on specified conditions and set up to occur automatically, stakeholders can focus more on other responsibilities. Using intelligent technology in this field could reduce working exposure to physical dangers by automatically completing repetitive tasks, requiring less manual involvement.
These measures can reduce the time to completion throughout an entire construction project and maximize contractors’ investment in skilled labor. Worksite conditions are changing based on factors, including increased industrialized construction techniques.
Modular Construction Methods
The method Design for Manufacturing and Assembly is rising in popularity in the AEC industry. A standard approach to building goes hand in hand with trends toward workflow automation and digital conversion.
Industrialized construction typically occurs at locations other than the site where a finished structure will ultimately end up. This off-site approach makes it easier for contractors to implement robotic technology and control worksite conditions.
Some of the advantages of an industrialized approach are increased quality and reduced cycle time, both of which could reduce costs. Eliminating any inefficiencies from workflow processes have the potential to cause costly delays. Reducing waste through using leftover materials in projects is a way this method is already proving to be a solid alternative to single-site builds.
When construction occurs at the same site where a structure ultimately stands, the site will experience more disruption and require more finishing to achieve completion. Modular projects entirely confine materials storage and the repercussions of fabrication to another location set aside for the industrial building process. Consequently, this method can allow for quicker project completion with minimal cleanup.
These trends will drive innovation in the near future, from the pursuit of autonomous digital and robotic technology to paperless workflows and alternative building methods.
How Can You Grow Your AEC Company?
As entrepreneurs, it’s your responsibility to stay up to date on the latest and greatest technology trends. Remember, everything is becoming more technologically focused in modern times like these. That’s why it’s essential to have IT professionals in your corner who can offer guidance and insight.
You have a massive pool of IT professionals out there to choose from. But, finding people with the perfect blend of certifications, skills, integrity, and availability is far from easy. You may spend endless hours trying to weed through candidates, and trial-and-error can become quite an expensive hiring strategy.
At Parried, we understand that while IT is undoubtedly an integral part of your business. Maintaining its integrity should be in the background while you tend to your company’s primary needs. We are a trusted technology growth partner that seeks win-win relationships with our clients. If you still have lingering questions or concerns about outsourcing your IT, learn more about our managed IT services and how we can help grow your business.
