Advanced technologies are playing a larger role in the construction industry, helping ready-mix producers make gains in product quality and operational efficiency. EROAD recently gathered several industry providers to discuss emerging technologies and their impact.
Click here to watch the full webinar on demand. In the meantime, here’s an overview of the topics discussed
Emerging Technologies that Are Transforming the Construction Industry
Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the construction industry, from plant operations, truck routing, maintenance and beyond. AI comprises technologies, such as advanced algorithms and machine learning, to provide insights that support operational transformation. For example, AI can help businesses overcome labor shortages by enabling fewer people to oversee operations; it can help bridge the expertise gap as experienced workers retire and new workers are brought on board; it can identify patterns and trends to augment and improve human decision-making; and predictive analytics provided by AI can help businesses identify and address issues before they become major problems (such as predicting when equipment might fail).
Cloud-Based Monitoring Systems: Cloud-based platforms enable businesses and stakeholders to monitor and manage fleet operations anytime and from anywhere. These systems track data and make it available via internet-connected devices, such as tablets and smartphones, making it easy for multiple users to access key operational insights in real time.
Telematics: Telematics (a combination of “telecommunications” and “informatics”) describes how telecommunications devices send, receive and store data related to mobile connected assets. Telematics systems provide crucial operational data. For instance, telematics paired with GPS gives fleet managers insights into asset location, miles traveled, idling, vehicle speeds, driver behavior and more. Real-time and historical data, accessible via a cloud-based systems, help fleet managers, dispatchers and other stakeholders make better short- and long-term business decisions.
Connected Construction: Integrated systems are crucial to ensuring the seamless flow of data throughout a project lifecycle. Automatic job statusing is an example of connected construction technology as it gives fleet managers full visibility, allowing them to better allocate resources and ensure that concrete is delivered to a site on time. Knowing how many trucks are ticketed, en route, on site, pouring, and returning to the plant gives key personnel the information they need to make sure jobs are completed to spec.
Interconnected Systems and Potential Opportunities for Concrete Quality Control
Interconnectivity maximizes the benefits of different technologies by bringing them together into a single integrated system. Interconnectivity helps users see the elements of the concrete as it’s being batched: They can see active measurement of material while it’s in a drum, while chemical reactions are taking place. Important information can be sent to quality control, managers and drivers. Interconnectivity of systems provides the actionable insights needed to ensure quality at every step in the process.
Potential Applications of AI for Improving Operations
Artificial Intelligence possesses the capability to efficiently process extensive datasets, translating them into actionable insights delivered almost instantly. This capacity allows AI to enhance human decision-making, aiding producers in optimizing their systems. Moreover, AI plays a crucial role in enabling proactive management of daily challenges encountered by producers.
Furthermore, as a new, more tech-savvy workforce enters the industry, AI can bridge the experience gap left when more seasoned workers retire – helping new workers to be more effective sooner. Similarly, AI mitigates labor shortages by empowering fewer workers to oversee multiple operational aspects. For instance, a single manager can efficiently supervise numerous plants with the support of AI tools.
Finally, predictive analytics provided by AI significantly aids businesses in streamlining various functions, including maintenance by anticipating potential breakdowns and suggesting preventive measures. This technology extends its assistance to inventory management, delivery logistics and several other core business operations.
Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, will continue to reshape the construction industry. Businesses that embrace these emerging technologies can gain a competitive advantage today and be better prepared to face the challenges of the future.
