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Stay on time and within budget through innovation and digitalisation

what does productivity actually mean

There are two main goals that every construction project needs to achieve to be successful - timely completion and staying within budget. However, this is rarely the case as construction companies globally go beyond the initial established project plan.

Changes to the scope of projects are common. The reasons are countless and the damage could be massive: increased liability, decreased profitability and damaged reputation standing at the forefront. While unexpected project changes will certainly set you back, any other internal hiccups can be equally destructive. Lack of proper communication between your teams and costly administrative errors can ruin a project as easily as a last-minute scope change.

Let's take a look at some of the common factors

Paperwork

Probably the biggest challenge when it comes to administration is the use of physical paperwork. This method heavily relies on each employee manually filling in the relevant documentation and ensuring it’s been delivered to the right people for processing. 

This inevitably leads to such challenges as 

  • Issues with paper asset transfer and asset requisition forms
  • Not knowing where assets are and who has them
  • Wasting money on hiring assets that you already have but can’t find
  • Buying duplicate tools and building up excess stock
  • Non-compliance of people and tools
  • Fines for missing deadlines

Inventory

Construction companies should have a good understanding of what their inventory looks like and what stock they’ve got on the shelves. Poor inventory may lead to projects missing deadlines and going over budget. An out of stock inventory can cause unnecessary downtime while waiting for supplies to arrive. Or, they could end up buying more than necessary due to lack of visibility of what they own. Manual inventory processes makes the job extremely tedious, time consuming or sometimes completely impossible.

Compliance

Poor administration and lack of visibility over compliance can also seriously impact the safety of your jobsites. Managing employees’ training qualifications and certifications, as well as inspection and maintenance regimes is crucial to ensure nothing is missed. Otherwise, it can lead to project overruns, a damaged reputation, fines, prosecution due to non-compliance and even jail time for duty holders.

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Is there a way to overcome these challenges?

“In last 2 years we have seen Covid-19 affect many industries and the impact it has had on the global construction industry is undeniable. The pandemic has brought with it challenges but is also acting as a catalyst for change. The current climate has shown us there are multiple ways of being more efficient and productive on a jobsite even with all the restrictions. That is the beauty of technology and innovation.

Projects are getting back on track with a renewed focus on productivity throughout the industry. With technology innovations and exciting digital solutions available, there is a positive future ahead", says Martin Stirling, Head of Tool and Asset Management Solutions, Hilti Australia.

 

Internet of Things (IOT)

Digital transformation is shaping industries and changing the way we work across the board and construction is catching up with implementing new technology. One area where this is visible and can bring substantial productivity benefits is asset management. The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a key part in the digitisation of the construction industry. IoT works by capturing data through sensors on tools and equipment, feeding into software, helping run and manage business processes. Technology solutions required for implementing IoT are available at a size and cost that makes them a viable product for many construction businesses.

Having an adequate asset management solution in place can help ensure that all your equipment and tools are logged and accounted for. Combined with technology, it can provide your administrators with a single platform to communicate with each part of the organisation - giving them full visibility and flexibility to keep operations and logistics running smoothly. This will decrease the level of theft on your site, minimise downtime spent looking for tools and will allow you to meet compliance regulations by tracking certificates and maintenance dates. As a result, you won't overspend on already existing assets that aren't being utilised.

Asset Management

Asset management software can help tackle these issues through in-depth data management and actionable insights. You can analyse reports on asset utilisation and keep track of work orders, maintenance and inspection regimes - ensuring that your equipment is always up to date with regulatory requirements.

Effective communication streamlines workflows and makes projects a lot more efficient. With an asset management system, you’ll be able to minimise the impact of administrative errors and lost or stolen equipment, as well as being able to reduce costs and proactively manage projects so they're delivered on time.

ON!Track

For example, Hilti ON!Track software lets you keep track of what tools and equipment you have, where they are and who is using them. It also supports tool maintenance with alerts when tools need calibrating or replacing. Through Bluetooth powered smart tags, you can carry out fast inventory checks or locate nearby equipment. ON!Track further supports with compliance and reminds users ahead of time when training or certifications are due to be updated or renewed. With new features, such as proactive tracking, assets costing and quantity items for commodities and consumables, you can rely on the power of data and automation to efficiently control expenditures and manage project costs.

 

There are many ways to implement digital into current processes, it is not one size fits all: different companies will require different solutions. Luckily, there are a number of products, tools and software available to support all areas of digitalisation. The innovations emerging onto the market today are shaping the construction industry of tomorrow. 

At Hilti our expert teams continuously innovate with new products and software iterations being launched regularly to support the ‘digital revolution’ in construction. Talk to us today to find out how you can implement asset management in your business