Big data is taking over the world in everything from smart cities that can regulate their own traffic to the construction industry. Skanska is one of the largest construction companies in the world and it is also one of the biggest adopters of big data as a way to become more efficient on construction projects. Skanska is in the middle of a new test project with a software company called Smartvid.Io that is bringing high-technology and the construction industry together with great results.
Modern construction companies are looking to big data for big answers.
The Skanska Experiment
Smartvid.Io has developed a platform that organizes images and videos to make them more accessible by project managers and construction executives. In this newest test project, Skanska is integrating drone images, ground images, and data collected from various other sources to develop comprehensive safety plans and develop a better workflow model.
The process developed by Smartvid.Io is able to collect data from employee smartphone, equipment on the job site, and drones to analyze safety procedures and increase productivity. The program being designed is going to help Skanska improve its use of personnel and resources to raise profit margins, lower accidents, and finish projects ahead of schedule.
Not Skanska’s First Tech Adoption Project
This is not the first time Skanska has turned to drones and big data to improve onsite efficiency. In a previous project, Skanska increased productivity by an hour per worker for each work day by using big data to help with materials and personnel placement. The process of moving materials from on part of the job to the other was taking up more time than Skanska was comfortable with, so the company turned to a big data analysis company to map personnel placement and develop more efficient ways to move materials around.
Skanska is just one of many large construction companies assisting in the development of new drone, wearable, and monitoring technology designed to improve construction efficiency. The data being collected is analyzed and used to improve project processes from bidding to project completion. Skanska has seen significant positive results and plans on continuing its technology projects to help continually improve its operations.
Skanska Construction is helping to blaze trails in the integration of technology and construction.
Bumps Along The Way
Even a big company like Skanska has problems integrating big data and drones into their operations. One of the biggest issues construction companies face is understanding what to do with all of the data being generated. While there are specific goals in mind with each project, construction companies know that the data being generated can help in other ways, but finding the experts to sift through the data is difficult.
Worker privacy and false data are two more problems the construction industry faces with big data. Is it ethical for construction companies to collect data on employees’ every move when those employees are on break or before they have even entered the job site? What happens when data indicates a machine malfunction when the machine was actually taken offline for maintenance and someone forgot to stop collecting data? These are just some of the challenges the construction industry faces while integrating big data into their regular operations.
If you want to keep up with the latest technology in the construction industry, then start a course with PDH Contractors. With PDH Contractors, you will have access to the resources you need to run your business now and in the future.