Maximizing Efficiency on the Job Site
Not only did the construction industry lose approximately 2 million skilled construction workers during the recession between 2007 and 2011, many of the skilled workers that were forced out of the industry have not returned. What’s more is that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment in the construction of buildings will be about 1.7 million in 2026. With growing demand and a diminishing supply of skilled labor workers in the construction industry, contractors are forced to maximize efficiency in any way they can.
The Impact of the Labor Shortage
The construction industry has been negatively impacted by the skilled labor shortage and many problems have thus been presented. Not only are jobs taking significantly longer to complete, additional costs are arising throughout the project duration for both the contractors and the clients.
The recent layoffs have brought on a certain stigma within the construction industry. Young workers are afraid to invest in a career in the construction industry due to its unpredictability of job security in the past. Schools are putting less focus on trades and young adults are being guided toward the now mainstream 4-year university studies. The recession also led to less funding for apprenticeships and internship programs that provide young workers with experience and allow employers to properly train and evaluate potential employees before bringing them on board.
Without these programs, employers are forced to hire workers before being able to properly evaluate their skills, which leads to less qualified workers and higher safety concerns. Since evaluation and training is being cut down, employers have no choice but to hire less-than-qualified workers which is a concern with high-stakes jobs such as construction.
How to Maximize Efficiency on the Site
Replacing traditional methods of doing certain tasks is one way to cut down on the time and effort needed for a small- or large-scale construction project. Using machinery such as pumps can help reduce labor and increase productivity. Since many of the workers entering the construction workforce lack certain skills and expertise, using state-of-the-art technology and machinery can help cut down on production time and increase the quality of work being produced. This enables smaller teams to work at a faster pace and uphold higher production standards.
How The Construction Industry can Benefit from Smart Technology
These days, technology is essential to the construction industry. It helps develop and enhance the building sector by speeding up processes, improve communication, and maximize efficiency every step of the way. Technology helps cut down on the time and resources needed, save on project costs, and streamline processes by eliminating the need for destructive testing methods, among other things.
How Technology Helps Ready-Mix Producers
With tools like SmartRock® Plus, ready-mix producers are able to calibrate their mixes before being sold. This allows them to upsell their Smart™ mixes and enable their customers to cut down on time and increase effectiveness of projects. What’s more is that ready-mix producers are able to benefit further by gathering data right from their customers’ job sites and utilize it to refine Smart™ mixes. SmartRock® Plus enables producers to:
- Achieve up to 20% increase in profitability
- Stand out and differentiate themselves in the local market
- Expand and increase market share
- Increase customer loyalty
How Contractors Benefit from Smart Technology
There are many reasons why contractors value SmartRock® Plus and other smart concrete technology. First of all, it saves money on heating costs during the colder winter months and allows them to efficiently utilize labor in a time when there is a shortage of workers available.
SmartRock® Plus and concrete sensors like the SmartRock® allow contractors to make the most of their time on the job site. By eliminating the need for timely procedures like break tests and embracing real-time temperature monitoring, workers can get started on the next phase of a project as soon as concrete reaches appropriate temperatures instead of waiting on test results to be sent back from the laboratories.
Easier and Non-Destructive Concrete Testing Methods
As mentioned above, smart sensors enable contractors and workers to eliminate unnecessary destructive testing methods. This cuts back on the time necessary to perform break tests, and eliminates laboratory costs as well as time lost during the waiting process.
Visit Giatec.ca for more information about smart technologies that enable contractors and workers to save time and money on construction projects.
