AI in Construction: A Practical Guide to Adopting the Ultimate Project and Productivity "Game Changer"
AI has rapidly grown in various industries, but with only 4% of construction firms adopting it, the sector is missing out on opportunities to enhance efficiency, productivity, and safety.
At our recent Empower 2024 conference, we shed light on the practical applications of AI in construction, with a panelist discussion on how to effectively integrate AI. The discussion focused on opportunities for construction firms to leverage AI to connect data and information in ways that significantly enhance project management and collaboration.
Here are some key takeaways from the conversation.
Practical Use Cases and Benefits
AI in construction offers concrete benefits right now for firms, from improving productivity and predictability to enhancing safety.
Isaac Sacolick, President of Star CIO, and Anthony Chiaradonna, CIO of Consigli Construction, discussed how AI is being applied in real-world scenarios. At Consigli Construction, AI is used to streamline everyday tasks and enhance efficiency. For instance, AI tools assist with email management, review project management processes, and assess job progress through photos and schedules. These tools help the team focus on efficiency by automating routine tasks and providing real-time insights.
Anthony highlights three key areas where AI is making a significant impact:
1. Preconstruction Optimization: AI helps in planning and bidding, optimizing processes to save time and resources. A study by Deloitte found that AI-powered tools can reduce budgets and timeline deviations by 10 to 20%.
2. Job Site Situational Awareness: AI provides a comprehensive understanding of project progress and resource allocation, improving overall site management.
3. Workflow Automation: Replacing manual processes with AI-driven automation leads to substantial efficiency gains. A report recently found AI-driven automation in construction can improve productivity by up to 50%
AI in Action: Dynamic Work Management
Today’s work is complex, but the old ways of working are slow, linear, and can’t handle multifaceted workflows. Dynamic Work Management challenges these norms with workflows that are dynamic, multi-stakeholder and flexible. The capabilities of AI enable effective Dynamic Work Management.
Anthony describes how AI is being tested and implemented at various levels within Consigli Construction. One notable example is safety management, where AI verifies OSHA cards and other certifications, ensuring compliance and streamlining the approval process. Additionally, AI assists in proposal generation by leveraging historical data, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks.
These efforts are not only about reducing waiting times for information but also about making informed decisions based on historical data. AI capabilities can analyze past projects to provide insights, predict outcomes and suggest optimal solutions. This capability is particularly valuable for new hires or project managers who can benefit from AI’s ability to sift through vast amounts of data and highlight relevant information.
Future Prospects: AI and Computer Vision
The future of AI in construction is bright, with computer vision playing a pivotal role. According to Arnie Heskane, a consultant in construction innovation, AI can revolutionize job site management. AI can analyze thousands of photos and videos, comparing them against project schedules to ensure everything is on track. Sensors on workers provide real-time data on their location and productivity, turning job sites into well-coordinated environments akin to manufacturing plants.
AI-driven situational awareness allows project managers to make data-driven decisions, improving efficiency and reducing errors. This technology also addresses privacy concerns by focusing on optimizing processes rather than monitoring individual workers.
Data Centralization and Standardization
For AI to be effective, data centralization and standardization are crucial. Anthony explains how Consigli Construction has focused on eliminating disparate spreadsheets and integrating data into a centralized system. Using platforms like Quickbase, they have standardized forms and data collection, creating a robust foundation for AI applications.
This centralized data repository allows for real-time analytics through AI and machine learning. It provides a comprehensive view of project performance, enabling predictive analytics and more informed decision-making. Standardized data also ensures that AI applications have access to accurate and consistent information, enhancing their effectiveness.
The Job Site of the Future
The current applications of AI in construction, like photo analysis for progress tracking, are paving the way for a more data-driven and connected job site. Project managers can already leverage AI to oversee multiple projects remotely through real-time data and visuals.
In the future, AI could further revolutionize job sites by enabling even greater remote management capabilities. Imagine control centers equipped with AI that can analyze data from sensors and cameras, providing real-time insights into project progress and potential issues. This would allow project managers to make informed decisions and allocate resources efficiently, even across disparate jobsites.
On the ground, AI-powered wearables or tools could assist workers with tasks like monitoring equipment health or receiving real-time safety alerts. Remote inspections, facilitated by AI analysis of photos and videos, could become more commonplace, freeing up valuable time for on-site personnel to focus on critical tasks.
It's important to acknowledge that a fully remote job site might not be the immediate reality for every project. However, the trend towards AI-powered job site management is undeniable. By embracing these technologies, construction companies can create a more efficient, safer, and ultimately more successful future for their projects and workforce.
The adoption of AI in construction is no longer a question of "if" but "when." Industry leaders like Isaac Sacolick and Anthony Chiaradonna demonstrate how AI is revolutionizing project management, with real-world benefits in preconstruction, job site awareness, and workflow automation.
Computer vision promises to transform construction sites into data-driven ecosystems, optimizing efficiency and safety. Scaling AI requires a strategic approach, but with low-code tools and a focus on data centralization, the path is clear.
For a deeper dive into how AI can transform your construction business, explore the Empower 2024 sessions featuring insights from industry experts tackling today's biggest challenges.
