Construction Industry 2.0: How Technology is Changing the Game for Construction Material Suppliers

The construction industry is traditionally known for its low productivity levels, with many projects running over time and over budget. In a report by McKinsey and Company, the industry is also characterized by sluggish annual growth.  The more conscious effort of technology integration can help streamline processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency that would eventually spark opportunities for construction material suppliers in the Philippines.

The construction industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. These changes in technologies, materials, and methodologies have brought about both opportunities and challenges for the industry, leading to a lot of speculation about its future. Here are trends and technologies that are likely to shape the future of the construction industry.

Sustainability and Green Building 

Sustainability has become a crucial factor in the construction industry in the Philippines and in the entire world, as the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation. Green building practices and materials have gained widespread acceptance in the industry, as they help reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and lower the carbon footprint of buildings. In the future, sustainable and green building practices are likely to become even more prevalent, with stricter regulations and incentives from governments and industry associations. 

3D Printing 

3D printing has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry, as it enables the creation of complex structures and components with precision and speed. 3D printing can reduce construction time, material waste, and labor costs while also allowing for greater customization and design flexibility. In the future, we may see 3D-printed buildings become more commonplace, especially in areas with limited resources or where traditional construction methods are not feasible. 

Modular Construction 

Modular construction involves the fabrication of building components off-site, in a factory or workshop, and then assembling them on-site. This method of construction can reduce project timelines, lower labor costs, and minimize material waste. In the future, we may see modular construction become more prevalent, especially for projects such as affordable housing and emergency shelters. 

Take for example a prefab mobile house. A hardware in Cavite manufactures this ready made house with the following specifications:

• Total floor area: 8.93sqm 
• Dimension: 2.44m x 3.66m
• ELECTRICAL PROVISION
• SOLAR AND GENSET PROVISION
• FULLY PAINTED INSIDE AND OUT
• PAINT COMBINATION ARE CLIENT’S PREFERENCE
• MOVABLE & EASY TO TRANSPORT

To know more details, visit

https://www.topmosthardware.ph/

Robotics and Automation

Robotics and automation have already made their way into the construction industry, with machines such as drones, robotic arms, and autonomous vehicles being used for various tasks. In the future, we may see the adoption of more advanced robotics and automation technologies, such as robots that can lay bricks, autonomous cranes, and drones that can perform inspections and surveys. 

Building Information Modeling (BIM) 

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital process that enables the creation of a 3D model of a building, incorporating information on its design, construction, and operation. BIM can help improve project coordination, reduce errors, and increase efficiency in the construction process. In the future, we may see the use of BIM become even more widespread, with increased integration of data and the incorporation of emerging technologies such as augmented reality. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the construction industry, as it can help optimize construction schedules, improve safety, and enhance project management. AI can also be used for predictive maintenance, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of construction equipment and systems. In the future, we may see the adoption of AI become more prevalent, especially as the technology becomes more advanced and accessible.

Similar with other fields or industries, integrating technology is dread because of its perceived negative implication on manpower, i.e. reduced requirement for human resources.  Integrating technology in the construction industry will open more opportunities for increased productivity and continuous growth and innovation among  stakeholders including hardware in the Philippines, and building/property owners.

                                                                                        Image source: Stanford University