How AI is Transforming Modular Construction: Mandeville Modular and Merlin AI Collaborate

Modular construction is undergoing a major transformation, driven by technology and innovation. Companies like Mandeville Modular are redefining how modular buildings are designed, manufactured, and deployed. Their collaboration with Merlin AI construction software is a testament to how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping construction, improving efficiency, and enhancing project tracking.

At the Advancing Prefab conference, industry leaders Heith Bibby from Mandeville Modular and Sneha Kumari from Merlin Ai Software and host of Offsite Dirt Network’s Leanify Construction, shared insights into how AI-driven enterprise software is optimizing modular construction processes. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from their discussion.

Why Modular Construction Needs AI

Modular construction involves manufacturing building components offsite in a controlled factory environment before assembling them on-site. This process is inherently more efficient than traditional construction, but it still faces challenges such as material tracking, process inefficiencies, and communication gaps.

Heith Bibby explained how Mandeville Modular is leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency. By tracking live data for each modular component, they can monitor project progress, identify inefficiencies, and educate clients on the manufacturing process. This solution also provides touch times, labor, and material tracking. This data-driven approach ensures that every step in the construction timeline is optimized, from procurement to assembly.

Merlin AI: The AI-Powered Game Changer

Merlin AI construction software plays a crucial role in this transformation. Sneha Kumari, CEO and Co-founder, described how the company’s AI-driven enterprise software streamlines construction operations:

• Estimating and Takeoffs: AI helps generate accurate cost estimates and material takeoffs.

• Procurement and Purchasing: The system ensures that the right materials are ordered at the right time, reducing waste.

• Real-Time Project Tracking: Both Mandeville Modular and its clients can track project milestones, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

• Financial Management: Custom financial reports, including invoicing and accounts receivable/payable (AR/AP), help businesses stay on top of their budgets.

The AI-driven system is designed to adapt and learn, improving as it gathers more data from ongoing projects. It’s not just about tracking materials—it’s about understanding human interactions with those materials to optimize workflows.

Enhancing Workforce Efficiency with AI

One of the most interesting aspects of the discussion was how AI is used to monitor and optimize human productivity.

Heith Bibby compared it to a doctor monitoring a patient's heartbeat. “Just as a heart monitor helps doctors assess and improve a patient’s health, AI helps modular construction companies identify inefficiencies and fine-tune operations. The system tracks how workers interact with machinery and materials, ensuring that each team member is assigned to the role where they are most productive,” said Heith.

For Mandeville Modular, AI helps set employees up for success by analyzing their performance in different roles. If a worker is more efficient in a specific department, the system suggests role adjustments that maximize productivity.

The Power of Collaboration: Merlin AI and Mandeville Modular

This partnership between Mandeville Modular and Merlin AI is an example of how startups and established companies can work together to drive industry-wide change.

Sneha Kumari highlighted how her team at Merlin AI has learned from Mandeville’s real-world challenges and adapted their software accordingly. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, their AI-driven platform is customized to meet Mandeville’s specific needs, from scheduling multi-plant operations to generating financial reports tailored for large-scale modular contracts.

Heith Bibby praised this collaboration, stating that “Merlin AI has exceeded expectations by delivering features that streamline operations and improve efficiency.”

The Future of Modular Construction with AI

The integration of AI in modular construction is not just about efficiency—it's about transparency, accuracy, and growth. As Mandeville Modular continues to scale its operations, AI-driven insights will help them optimize every aspect of the process, from supply chain management to real-time project tracking.

With advancements in data-driven decision-making, modular construction companies can:

• Reduce material waste

• Improve workforce productivity

• Enhance communication between stakeholders

• Optimize financial planning

As Heith and Sneha emphasized, growth in this industry is all about learning, evolving, and embracing technology.

Final Thoughts

The conversation at Advancing Prefab shed light on the exciting ways AI is revolutionizing modular construction. The partnership between Mandeville Modular and Merlin AI construction software is a prime example of how innovation is shaping the industry’s future.

For businesses looking to stay ahead in modular construction, embracing AI-driven solutions like Merlin AI’s platform is the key to efficiency, scalability, and success. As this technology continues to evolve, the modular industry will see faster, smarter, and more cost-effective construction processes than ever before.

Wanna learn more? Follow Offsite Dirt Network and Sneha’s show called “Leanify Construction”,  to stay updated on current industry trends and gain valuable insights. 🚀 Stay tuned for more insights from the world of offsite construction with Offsite Dirt Network!