A "profound and necessary transformation on construction sites" is how the smart workflow concept has been described.
If you're looking for organizational tools to enhance efficiency and transparency on projects; If you've hit a wall on communications among all areas of a job site; if you're hoping to finally replace manual spreadsheets and other outdated methods to get a bigger picture of project progress, maybe it's time to integrate system-wide AI and digital technology.
To anyone who's still hesitant, digital solutions provider Teknobuilt said, "it's time to confidently step into this new era of intelligent construction. This strategic shift turns the old chaos of disparate systems into new, intelligent control, making our work more effective and our projects more successful."
Transportation construction software company Teknobuilt believes digitization improves every stage of a construction project.
The concept integrates tools and applications to transition from isolated spreadsheets to connected digital workflows, the company said.
While construction management software AI drives the transformation, other types of technology come into play:
What Smart Workflows Can Accomplish
With AI, predictive analytics can show a contractor what will happen on a project. The technology can analyze vast datasets to identify risks and delays. It also can optimize resource allocations before they have the opportunity to become costly problems, the construction management software provider said.
Combine AI and BIM, and you've got smart construction management that offers deep insights into current status and future trends on a project.
"This is where the real-world pain points for contractors and project managers truly get alleviated," according to Teknobuilt's blog post.
Using smart workflows, project status can be updated from mobile devices in the field. Activities, quantities and issues can be instantaneously logged.
"This eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors and provides the office with up-to-the-minute site status," said Teknobuilt.
With advanced workflow solutions, digital checklists replace paper forms for quality control, daily reports and inspections.
Teknobuilt noted that digital platforms break down communication silos. "Instead of phone tag and lost emails, teams can collaborate in real-time."
And tools such as QR inventory software help streamline jobsite operations, said the company.
"By digitizing construction site workflow, they offer smart solutions for inventory and asset tracking," so you can readily locate materials and equipment.
With health and safety solutions a contractor has powerful new ways to enhance safety on the job site.
Advanced digital workflows offer proactive risk management, "instead of just reacting to incidents," said Teknobuilt.
"Digital safety platforms help identify potential hazards before they can cause harm," the blog post added.
Construction safety inspection software enables field teams to document observations with photos, assigning corrective actions and tracking completion. Contractors have a comprehensive system for managing safety protocols, training records, incident reporting and compliance documentation.
Plus, "AI platforms enhancing safety are revolutionizing the way construction projects are planned, executed and completed," the blog noted. "AI can analyze vast amounts of safety data, including incident reports, near misses and inspection findings, to identify patterns and predict areas of high risk."
The technology offers computer visions, which can monitor site conditions for safety compliance, unauthorized access or workers not wearing PPE.
"Predictive models can alert management to potential safety risks based on weather conditions, specific tasks, or even worker fatigue," said Teknobuilt.
With AI, smart workflows aid in automated processes that contribute to both safety and environmental responsibility, said the blog.
Achieving Wrinkle-Free Workflows Takes Smarts
Teknobuilt offers tips for the transition to smart workflows, saying the adoption can feel daunting but doesn't necessarily have to be.
Start small. The company advises customers to remember they don't need to digitize everything overnight.
"Pick one or two high-impact areas to start, prove the value and then expand" into other parts of the operation.
Involve your team early. The best software is useless, the company believes, if your people don't use it.
"Engage your field teams, project managers and even subcontractors in the selection and implementation process. Their buy-in is critical," said Teknobuilt.
Invest in training. This includes support, the blog post said. "Don't just throw software at your team. Provide comprehensive, ongoing training."
The company also suggests contractors ensure support is available. Show employees not just what technology does but how it makes their jobs easier.
Champion from the top. Teknobuilt believes leadership must actively herald the transition to digital.
"When the executives and senior managers embrace the new tools, it sends a clear message to the entire organization."
Focus on integration. Look for solutions that can talk to each other, the software provider advised.
"Your construction business intelligence software should be able to pull data from all these sources."
Embrace change as opportunity. Get the message out that digitalization is an ongoing journey of continuous improvement, not just a one-time project.
Address common concerns. "It's natural to feel a bit apprehensive about new technology," the Teknobuilt blog said.
Why Take the Plunge Now?
Grace Ellis, content marketing manager of Autodesk, believes even if you start integrating smart workflows now, you'll still have kinks to iron out.
"Change doesn't happen overnight," said Ellis in a company blog post. "You can't expect your team to fine-tune every single workflow right off the bat."
She suggests contractors approach workflow changes like they would run a marathon: Realize it will take time to reach the finish line.
That's why Ellis preaches that there's no time to waste. She offers four essential traits of successful construction workflows:
They are standardized. Central and common data platforms allow the contractor to standardize workflows and process to reduce redundancy and risk.
They are collaborative. Good communication allows all stakeholders to easily get involved and provide feedback.
They are automated, when possible. Automated construction workflows, said Ellis, mean reduced significant administrative burdens.
It also results in streamlined communications and tasks. This includes notifying the relevant person when action or approval is needed, said Ellis.
They are integrated. Integrating the software being used for workflow is key to reduce errors and double data entries.
"Therefore, if you are using multiple technology platforms to manage one process, look to connect to maximize value," said Ellis.
There are six construction workflows that Autodesk believes a contractor can tackle to improve critical operations:
1. Preconstruction
Ellis said time is wasted in preconstruction workflows when various stakeholders feel disconnected from one another.
A solution is to store all project information in a single place to ensure consistency, strengthen communication and simplify preconstruction workflows.
With digital technology, contractors can create integrated workflows that others can review quickly, said Ellis.
"Bid management software with automation capabilities can help teams … forward bid invites, sync calendars with key bid dates, calculate hit rates."
They also can qualify and assess trade partner risk, helping teams to save time and automate manual tasks.
Beyond centralized information, technology should allow teams to seamlessly feed preconstruction data to the field once construction starts, said Ellis.
2. BIM
BIM can save time on a project if it's used correctly, she said. There are ways to improve workflows with BIM.
Adopt a common data environment by using cloud-enabled BIM to create a common platform and avoid duplicating or losing information.
Connect BIM data to design, preconstruction and project management workflows to reduce risk and improve efficiencies in planning and execution.
Make BIM data easily accessible in the field to everyone and make models accessible both in the field and in operations.
3. Submittals
Ellis urges customers to automate submittal creation with advanced software technology, then to digitally manage and track submittals in one system.
From the cloud, all stakeholders can initiate requests, manage reviews and approvals, and sync critical information to mobile devices for offline access.
4. RFIs
Go digital with RFIs, onboard everyone so they know where to submit and answer RFIs. Collaborate effectively using cloud-based systems.
Instill formal RFI processes on individual projects or company-wide, and set standards for all levels of documentation, urged Ellis.
5. Punch Lists and Closeout
Task-ify punch lists using cloud-based software, she suggested. Digital technology to which everyone has access, means a much cleaner punch process.
Implement punch lists for mobile, so you and your team can take the list everywhere you go.
Check tasks off as you complete them, advised Ellis, for further motivation to make sure you have a punch list system that can go with you from office to field
6. Cost Management
Finding efficiencies in cost management workflows can make all the difference in delivering a project on time and budget.
Instead of spreadsheets, use a centralized construction management platform to transparently track all cost changes and view impacts on the budget.
Ellis advises clients to also automate contracts and markups so teams can easily create, edit and view supplier contracts in a centralized location.
She urges contractors to keep an open mind when it comes to smart workflows, and realize they aren't replacing anyone's jobs.
"They provide the insights that allow human experts to make better, faster decisions," the blog continued. "It's about making construction professionals superheroes, armed with real-time data and predictive power." CEG
