Is Construction Technology Overrunning Common Sense? A CTO's Take on IoT
Introduction
With over a decade dedicated to Advanced Wireless Connectivity and IoT within the UK construction sector, my experiences with IoT have ranged from fantastic to highly disappointing.
But increasingly and frustratingly, I've noticed a tendency to let technology drive decisions, sometimes proposing solutions to non-existent problems. With the Tail often Wagging the Dog, this has led to a proliferation of "solutions" that promise onsite efficiencies, cost savings, and safety improvements, yet often come with overlooked costs in money and time.
I don’t think this is the fault of the I.T or construction teams; these “Solutions” are often thought up with great intentions but, at best, don’t make it to a POC or, Worst, do make it to a full deployment only to waste many days and months trying to justify the “solution” in a bid to save face. After all, if you're going to put your hand up to implement an IoT solution, you want to ensure it's successful.
Do “Solution” vendors have a part to play?
Yes, yes, and yes, how often do you see a solution being pushed by a vendor that works well in one sector and a tabletop exercise? They also demonstrate how well it could work in the construction sector. This is an amazing persuasion tool, but the reality of the construction site and the human factors add many variables and complications that vendors do not consider when the tabletop exercise is run. For example, weather, power, and human factors are just a few key differences the sector has to manage.
How can you get the most out of vendors and solution integrators?
In the realm of construction technology, the responsibility of vendors is paramount. Vendors must move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, recognizing the unique challenges and varying needs of the construction industry. Tailored solutions, rather than generic off-the-shelf products, can significantly enhance the value of technological investments.
Questions and Criteria for CTOs Evaluating New Technologies:
1. Customisation and Scalability:
How customisable is the technology to meet the specific needs of different construction projects?
Can the technology scale in response to changing project sizes and complexities?
2. Integration Capabilities:
How well can the technology integrate with existing systems and workflows?
Does the technology support interoperability with other tools and platforms commonly used in the industry?
3. User-Centric Design:
Has the technology been designed with input from end-users such as site managers and field workers?
What training and support does the vendor provide to ensure smooth adoption and ongoing usage?
4. Proven Track Record:
Can the vendor provide case studies or references from other construction companies that have successfully implemented their technology?
What measurable benefits were observed in these implementations?
5. Post-Sale Support and Development:
What level of customer service and technical support does the vendor offer post-purchase?
How frequently does the vendor update the technology with new features or security measures?
6. Cost-Effectiveness:
What is the total cost of ownership of the technology, including upfront costs, maintenance, and any required upgrades?
How does the cost compare to the expected efficiency gains or cost savings?
The Philosophy: Start with the Problem, Not the Technology
During my visits to thousands of UK construction sites over the years, I've learned that the most effective solutions often solve the simplest problems and are typically conceived by those directly affected: the site management teams and the construction workers. A prime example is the evolution of Brick Jackets from simple hessian coverings used by bricklayers to protect new masonry from frost to the more sophisticated yet straightforward brick protection systems used today.
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Identifying Problems Through Engagement
I often begin my engagement with construction sites by shadowing a site manager to understand their daily challenges and routines. This direct observation helps identify recurring patterns and challenges ripe for solutions. Also asking open questions like "Why is there a daily site walkthrough?" or "What led to the creation of a local anti-site Facebook page?" are crucial in this process.
Evaluating Challenges: Impact vs. Effort
The exciting part of the process is analysing each challenge using a simple impact versus effort grid to prioritise challenges. For example, noise complaints from residents might rank high in impact due to their effects on the building schedule or brand reputation and require significant effort to manage.
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Finding Solutions: The Role of Technology
Not every problem requires a technological solution (remember this), but it’s crucial to consult specialists when appropriate. At UK Connect, we can distinguish between effective and less effective technological options. Decisions on which technology to implement first are often based on its placement in the impact vs effort grid and the construction teams' appetite. More on that below.
Fostering Adoption: Ensuring Team Support
Successful implementation of new technologies isn't just about innovation—it's also about supporting site teams and ensuring they are on board from the outset. Gradually introducing solutions, starting with simpler ones like Brick Jackets non-IoT or Noise Sensors, can pave the way for more complex technologies that will have a bigger impact later in the project.
CTO IoT Cheat Sheet for the Construction Sector
The UK's construction sector stands at a digital crossroads. I have been passionate about supporting it, particularly now that the technologies have matured and our appetite for tech has improved. The rapid adoption of IoT is not merely innovative but essential for remaining competitive and efficient.
Here’s why CTOs should take notice: Examples of IoT technologies you can implement.
1.????? Community Engagement and Brand Reputation:
IoT solutions like acoustic sensors and smart traffic management systems help manage noise and optimise delivery routes, enhancing community relations and safeguarding the company's image.
2.????? Regulatory Compliance with Part L:
High-resolution photographic documentation, mandatory for Part L compliance, can be automated with IoT-enabled cameras to ensure precise, geo-tagged records of energy-efficient measures.
3.????? Real-Time Data for Decision Making:
IoT provides a real-time look into every aspect of construction, enhancing agility and project management precision through immediate insights from sensors and networked assets.
4.????? Enhanced Site Safety:
Wearable IoT devices can monitor worker vitals and environmental conditions, significantly reducing on-site incidents with real-time data and alerts.
5.????? Operational Efficiency:
IoT can prevent losses and reduce downtime through tools like GPS tracking and automated material management systems, maintaining project pace and reducing waste.
6.????? Sustainability and Environmental Monitoring:
IoT supports sustainable construction practices by optimising resource usage and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Conclusion
As we continue to advance IoT integration, the construction sector is poised for a new era of efficiency and productivity. Embracing IoT allows companies to enhance operational efficiencies, provide safer workplaces, and contribute to sustainable building practices.
What have you experienced when implementing technology solutions on construction sites? Have you experienced technology implementations that felt more like a checkbox exercise than a real solution?
I’d love to hear about your experiences with IoT in construction—what's worked, what hasn't, and how do you decide what to implement?
Useful Links:
#ConstructionTech #IoTinConstruction #SmartConstruction #TechOverrun #DigitalTransformation #InnovationInConstruction #ConstructionIoT #CTOInsights #SustainableBuilding #EfficiencyInConstruction #UKConstruction #ConstructionChallenges #TailWaggingTheDogTech
"While IoT undeniably holds significant potential, its current state is often overshadowed by excessive hype, inundating us with a plethora of gadgets, digits, and novelties. IoT indeed offers solutions to numerous challenges, but our focus should lie on identifying the underlying issues and determining the precise outcomes or resolutions needed. We can then strategically incorporate IoT technology to fill the gaps where necessary. Unfortunately, many individuals tend to over complicate areas that are inherently simple. #IoT Purdicom