Digital Transformation: The Future of Connected Construction In Times of Crisis

<h1>Digital Transformation: The Future of Connected Construction In Times of Crisis</h1>

<p>William Boll. Jun 5, 2021. 3 min read. Topic: COVID-19.</p>

<h2>Impact of COVID-19 on construction</h2>
<p>The coronavirus pandemic hit the construction industry hard. The Construction Industry Association said construction employment declined in 326 out of 358 metropolitan areas in the second quarter of 2020.</p>
<p>Many construction owners halted projects because of fear or economic necessity. The article says the industry is turning the corner as construction restarts.</p>

<h2>Why digital transformation matters</h2>
<p>The article says digital transformation will lead the construction industry in the coming years. Companies must meet mandatory safety standards. Remote inspection tools such as drones can help.</p>
<p>The industry has been slow to adopt digital innovations compared with counterparts in other parts of the world.</p>

<h2>Key drivers of adoption</h2>
<ul>
  <li>Governments see a need for technology in construction because of housing demand, economic growth, and urbanization.</li>
  <li>Construction organizations in North America have been hesitant to begin digital transformation.</li>
  <li>Companies are learning best practices from more developed markets, including BIM.</li>
  <li>Top management is pushing technology adoption.</li>
  <li>There is a stronger push for cloud strategy and digitalized data, operations, and customer engagement.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Benefits of digital transformation</h2>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Connected construction:</strong> Cloud-based software and mobile apps improve collaboration, reporting, documentation, quality assurance, and control.</li>
  <li><strong>Safety and risk management:</strong> Digital tools support proactive onsite safety, offsite manufacturing, and predictive maintenance.</li>
  <li><strong>Supply chain management:</strong> Better software helps with hiring, procurement, matching supply with demand, transparency in bidding, and productivity.</li>
  <li><strong>Collaboration in construction management:</strong> Large projects involve architects, engineers, consultants, construction managers, design disciplines, general contractors, and specialty contractors.</li>
  <li><strong>Offsite and modular construction:</strong> Prefabricated materials and modular construction help address time constraints and costs.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Transformation takes time</h2>
<p>The article says complete digital transformation will not happen overnight. Companies need easy-to-use digital solutions, training, and stakeholder buy-in to allocate budget to new tools and platforms.</p>

<h2>About nVolve Technologies</h2>
<p>nVolve Technologies develops technologies and processes for construction. The company focuses on green, sustainable materials, better-built structures, ordinary labor, decarbonisation, design/architect/build digitization, mass customization, servitisation, circular economy methodology, and resource efficiency.</p>
<p>The company operates in the U.S. and works with research and development technology partners in Finland. It also has global partnerships with green, eco, and sustainable universities and research centers.</p>