Some contractors use digital tools, such as artificial intelligence (A.I), to enhance their work, improve communications and boost safety. However, there are specific areas where the benefits are significant. Not all tools are equal, and not all are being used to their full potential.

The rise of generative A.I.—which creates text, images and more based on the data it was trained on—signals a pivotal moment in the construction industry’s digital transformation. Already contractors, engineers and construction technology companies, are exploring generative A.I.’s potential for enhancing efficiency.

That change has been coming gradually. Consulting and analysis company Deloitte noted in 2020 that only 1.2% of construction revenue was allocated for IT, for instance, compared to a 3.5% average across all industries. That same Deloitte study found that, while labor productivity across industries has increased by 25% in the previous 20 years, it had only grown by 5% in the construction industry.

More digital tools are available to builders now than ever before. Use of BIM and project management software, and digital documentation and communication, have made major inroads in the construction process. In the longer term, the software can enable more process automation. Project management software serves as a foundation for all other programs, from drones and virtual reality to A.I.

Key features that contractors leverage from such software include document storage and management, cost estimation and budgeting, data integration, request for information and daily logs, risk management, reporting enhanced scheduling and mobile capability.

Meeting new pressures with technology

Construction projects are increasingly becoming more complex, and communication is key in meeting the changing needs, said Sidharth Haksar, vice president, head of construction strategy and partnerships for software company Autodesk, San Francisco. 

“Electrical contractors and specialty contractors of all types are faced with growing pressures to do more with less,” he said.

Trends include a drive to make projects more sustainable and meet stricter building standards and requirements. At the same time, there is a significant skilled labor shortage, which is only going to get worse, Haksar said.

Digital tools can help electrical contractors meet demands by bridging communication gaps between the field and the office and getting all stakeholders on the same page early.

“This will drive greater productivity in the field, minimize rework and ultimately lead to better project outcomes,” Haksar said.

The Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) connects people and data throughout the building life cycle—from bidding on projects to project completion.

“We’re seeing contractors taking advantage of recent features such as specifications, which helps automate the tedious manual process of preparing specifications,” Haksar said. 

It does so by using machine learning to extract, and then section, project requirements into relevant specification divisions.

Some software automatically analyzes project data to provide insights on project health and performance. By sifting through project data points, from issues to subcontractor assignments, Autodesk’s Construction IQ, for example, highlights and prioritizes risk factors daily, according to Haksar. Electrical contractors can then better manage the unique hazards their electricians and technicians face on the job site.

Creating connections

For a software system to suit a contractor’s needs, it must have the ability to connect the constituents on the work site.

“Since electrical contractors need to work in lockstep with other specialty contractors, as well as general contractors and project owners, [Autodesk’s] construction management tools can help keep everyone on the same page,” Haksar said.

Electrical contractors that use such solutions manage their daily workflows while establishing their effective BIM processes. A contractor’s team of BIM modelers, project managers and superintendents can work together within this kind of software to achieve project goals and deliverables. According to Haksar, companies that have used ACC as their common data environment have minimized errors and instances of rework on deliveries by 80%.

With the right tools in place, contractors can then build out to technologies that leverage the data. That can include drone companies, internet of things (IoT) technology providers and other systems that are enhancing the visibility of what is happening on-site.

The job site of the future will be characterized by the seamless integration of advanced technologies, sustainable practices and enhanced safety measures, Haksar said. 

“This evolution will lead to more efficient, safer and environmentally friendly construction processes, with a focus on collaboration and data-driven decision-making,” he said.

Job site of the future

Technology in the future will provide more support aimed at reducing manual or repetitive tasks. Already companies are building autonomous robots that will handle repetitive and physically demanding tasks on the work site. However, these robots will labor alongside human workers, and the expectation is that they will help improve productivity and reduce the risk of injuries.

Drones will be more commonly used for site surveys, inspections and real-time progress monitoring. Sensors and IoT-enabled equipment can provide real-time data on equipment performance, worker safety, material use and environmental conditions.

Workers today use augmented reality goggles to overlay digital information onto the physical environment, and that application is expected to keep growing, Haksar said. 

“This could include viewing instructions, checking measurements or visualizing how components will fit together in real-time,” he said.

Finally, A.I. and machine learning algorithms will analyze vast amounts of data from past projects, current site conditions and external factors (such as weather) to optimize construction processes, predict outcomes and make informed decisions.

 Haksar advises contractors to prepare for these developments now by testing and adopting the early versions of software. Make note though, he said, “of the fact that it takes time and patience, as change management is difficult.”

Gaining independence on the work site

Collecting data on work sites also makes employees more accountable and the project tasks more accurate. Digital tools combined with flexible and detailed management helps in logging, executing and reporting on the ECs’ daily tasks, said Josh Keenzel, construction success team manager at Fieldwire by Hilti, San Francisco.

A key trend Keenzel has witnessed is the increasing demand for software solutions that enable subcontractors to manage their own project data independently from the GC’s software.

“This shift allows subcontractors to stay up to date with the latest plans, revisions and project updates without relying on the GC,” he said. 

This autonomy improves efficiency and responsiveness, giving ECs greater control over their projects and reducing risk.

Fieldwire offers a feature that focuses on tracking project schedules and manpower through task management, which aids in planning and managing crew assignments. This capability allows teams to work proactively by managing scope details, forecasting manpower needs and providing real-time updates to stakeholders.

One relatively recent feature now in use is the integration of QR codes for equipment tracking, Keenzel said. By placing QR codes on panels or other equipment, for example, electricians can scan it with their smartphone and access detailed task information to improve on-site efficiency and data accuracy.

Electrical contractors also use Fieldwire’s system for managing requests for information (RFI) and change orders. The platform’s project management features enable users to generate RFIs and change orders efficiently and consolidate all project data in one accessible location.

The company also sees contractors use its forms feature for completing daily reports, inspections and other on-site documentation.

Electrical subcontractors have developed their own specific use cases within Fieldwire, Keenzel said. For example, project managers often preplan work by placing task pins with detailed instructions on project plans. This ensures that field teams receive clear guidance, improve quality control by documenting real-time conditions and verify completed work.

“When evaluating management software, electrical contractors should prioritize tools that facilitate seamless communication between the field and office and emphasize ease of use,” he said. 

Beyond basic digital plan viewing and paperwork, contractors should look for software that offers detailed and flexible control over all project aspects, from planning to execution.

“The goal is to find software that not only addresses these needs in a detailed manner, but also remains intuitive and user friendly. This ensures smoother adoption and more efficient project management, minimizing obstacles to information flow and enhancing overall project success,” Keenzel said.

To prepare for emerging tech, contractors should stay informed about industry advancements, he said.

Contractors that focus on managing their own data now will be better positioned to make informed decisions. The future will increasingly prioritize the needs of subcontractors more than ever.

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