Key Benefits of using Technology for Effective communication between Construction Offices and Site.

Are you experiencing communication flaws at your construction sites? Do you feel there is a communication gap between the contractor and workers? Then you are not alone. According to a survey, it is shown that more than 65% of the construction companies experience a lack of communication between construction offices and the field. Read this blog and learn how you can fill those communication gaps that restrict you from meeting deadlines.

Before we jump to the topic, let us understand why communication is important in construction businesses?

Although communication is vital for all sectors, its significance cannot be overstated in the construction industry. No matter how big or small is the project size, people who work in the construction field must have a very clear line of communication with each and every agency involved in the project. 

The lack of communication is the most common reason for the dispute in the construction industry that could lead to many problems causing a delay in completing the project. For instance, the project can go out of budget or the finished project does not meet the specifications given by the clients.

Now let us look at some key benefits of why construction companies should leverage technology to streamline internal communication.

In the past, it was a common practice for office and field staff to schedule a meet once or twice in a week to exchange site progress reports and relay information regarding designs. While these meetings were beneficial it also caused the delay in addressing cost and productivity problems.

Thus it is imperative for both office and field workers to take full advantage of new technology for effective communication and project success.

Below we have compiled a few major benefits of using technology for effective communication.

1. Mobile Technology making more beneficial regular exercises:

Efficiencies in IT have altogether extended in the last 10 years. In a short period, companies changed quickly to combine PCs and internet and now web accessibility through a tap on a mobile phone. This is an enormous transformation that has made information and communication quick and open. The advancement of business is the equivalent.

Rusty Linkous, head of business development at Linkous Construction Co., Inc., quoted in the Memphis Business Journal saying that “communication has been the best change starting late, especially with present-day Personal Digital Assistants.”

Gone are the days when project managers would draw up project charts, records, blueprints, and operations for their teams. Mobile technology and project management software have allowed them to do this essentially more gainfully than in prior years. These digital records make it much less complex to keep consistent communication with workers, reenact 3-D models of the project, and even control costs in the work environment. Adapting these technologies make for a less separated yet rather more streamlined operation.

  • Mobile Technology ensures safety at site:

Construction sites are also a place where accidents happen frequently and a lot of time is wasted in informing the superior about the same or locating certain people on site. However, with the help of mobile technology, communication is easy and fast. With communication apps messages can be sent to the concerned authority with just a swipe of the screen and important decisions pertaining to human life can be taken without wasting a single minute.

2. Tele-meeting/Video Conferencing:

Construction business and architects are under constant pressure to meet the project deadline and within the estimated budget. This makes regular communication between all parties involved a must. But since construction companies are running many projects simultaneously, it can be difficult for managers, architects and other decision-makers to visit the site daily for meetings. This is exactly where video conferencing can come handy to keep the construction sites working smoothly. With the help of video conferences, the project managers can monitor sites and check progress over distance. 

They can also discuss and sort out complications using live video streams which will speed up decisions, reduce the cost of travel time and keep the project on the time track.

3. Automated Reporting

Reports have always been considered as a tool for informing and storing information related to fieldwork. However, it is time-consuming and tedious to retain so much paperwork. Even handwritings are sometimes hard to read adding further to the confusion. But with automated reporting, field workers can now receive time limits for updates on important matters. Those updates will be set up through technology that facilitates them into automatically generated reports that are clear and easy to read and more accurate. 

These reports directly reach the site office allowing sharper coordination and making the entire process of reporting fast and efficient. Further, the concerned authority can use these reports to make a decision that will save both time and money.

Also read here: Different Ways to Overcome Labor Shortage in Construction Industry

Conclusion

With the accessibility of smartphones and cloud innovations, incredible steps are being taken to show the impact of technology on the construction industry. While a greater part of subcontractors has not accepted this new technology, those that have progressed to construction management software, profit by gigantic time savings. In particular, improved field to office communication and documentation can ensure that a construction company benefits in time savings, profitability, and claim avoidance.

Mirage Industrial Group the recognized construction leaders believe in moving forward with the technology to ensure labor safety, effective communication and client satisfaction.