Digital technology has transformed entire industries over the past decade. Innovation has improved the sustainability and productivity of many companies in many industries. It also changed the skills required to develop these companies.
The construction industry has continued to operate as it did in the past 50 years. It is still dependent on manual labour, mechanical operations, and traditional business models. As a result, productivity levels have plateaued.
Digital technology is now slowly changing this industry. It has changed how infrastructure, properties, and other assets are designed, manufactured, used, and maintained. This technology includes 3D printing, robots, and pre-built products that only require assembly. Construction is responsible for more than 100 million jobs worldwide. This can have a huge impact on the economy and society. For Commercial Building Contractors, contact www.ryanmeadowsgroup.co.uk
In addition to new technologies, several global trends will force the industry to reevaluate its traditional practices. Urbanisation, climate changes, scarcity of resources, and lack of talent are among the most significant factors. This last point is of particular concern. The number of vacancies that are difficult to fill has doubled in the last five years. The talent gap in other countries is expected to continue growing.
To minimise disruption, different players in the industry, including engineers, architects and planners, as well as contractors, builders, and material suppliers, need to be prepared for future trends and technologies. Here are some future trends for which the construction industry should prepare:
* Construction in cyberspace. Artificial intelligence, software and construction equipment can replace the majority of users in the engineering and construction value chains.
* Plants running the world. Construction is moving to factories and industrial buildings, using lean principles. Advanced manufacturing processes are used to produce prefabricated modules that can be assembled on site.
* Going green. Construction industry adopting sustainable technologies and new material to meet new environmental regulations.