A successful construction business requires skill, dedication and on-site efficiencies that promote safety and sustainability on the jobsite. As companies look for solutions to cut costs and boost productivity, adopting new technologies is more important than ever before. Eighteen months of pandemic-induced challenges has forced construction professionals to rethink business as usual. Read on to learn the significant construction trends to watch in 2022 and how drone survey data can help companies succeed next year and into the future.
- A historically challenging labor market. The construction industry is in the midst of a historic labor shortage—more workers are retiring than there are new workers to replace them in the field. According to recent data by the U.S. Department of Education, Transportation, and Labor, the number of job openings in the construction sector is predicted to be 68% higher than the current pool of talent available to fill them.
- Increased focus on efficiency. Many construction projects miss budget targets and fall behind schedule. With the current labor shortage and a volatile building materials market, companies now need to do more with less to avoid cost overruns. Forward-thinking enterprises will invest in new technologies to optimize their processes and prioritize cost-saving opportunities.
- New worksite safety protocols. The construction industry can be hazardous, with 21% of all workplace fatalities occurring within this sector. Beyond addressing new pandemic protocols, companies are emphasizing greater safety for workers on the jobsite by addressing excavation hazards, repetitive motions and many other safety risks.
- Greater focus on sustainability. Public interest in environmental sustainability is growing rapidly—and construction project stakeholders are attentive as well. With communities demanding environmentally-friendly construction projects, sustainably-sourced materials, reduced emissions, and energy conservation will be a distinct focus in 2022 and beyond.
Embracing Technology with Drone Survey Data
Drones are becoming a common sight at construction projects around the globe. Adopting a drone survey program unlocks efficiency at every stage of construction or earthworks project. Here’s how drone survey data can help construction companies keep up with next year’s trends:
- Helping teams hire and retain new talent. Investment in drone technology—and cutting-edge technology in general—is an excellent recruitment and marketing tool that can help construction companies address the current labor shortage. Companies that adopt and embrace new technologies have an edge when it comes to attracting young talent who may otherwise not consider more physical work. Young workers expect to use tech in the workplace in a meaningful way, and the safety and sustainability benefits are just two advantages of drone survey technology that the entire team can support.
- Supporting efficiency from start to finish. Drone survey data makes even the largest, most complex projects more efficient before boots and equipment have even hit the ground. Drone data provides important pre-construction insights that enable better estimating, helping teams develop competitive bids that maximize revenue. Throughout the duration of the project, drone data offers key insights through frequent progress tracking for quick decision making. By flying the site regularly, your team can ensure progress continues according to plan.
- Improving safety on the jobsite. When compared to traditional survey methods, drone surveys are much safer. They eliminate the need for workers to traverse potentially dangerous sites and hard-to-access areas. With drone survey data, inspectors have all the information they need to conduct inspections remotely without having to visit hazardous spots on the site.
- Supporting sustainability. Make your day-to-day operations more ecofriendly with the help of drone survey data. By taking to the skies to survey a site, construction teams greatly reduce the need for pre-construction intervention and disruption on untouched sites. During construction, drone surveys reduce natural material waste and keep carbon emissions to a minimum on a site by reducing the potential for rework and providing clear direction for heavy machinery operators, eliminating excess fuel burn.
Drone technology benefits construction companies in many tangible ways. From attracting the latest and greatest talent to supporting sustainability goals, adopting a drone survey program streamlines workflows and can improve project revenue margins. Surveying with drones can turn tomorrow’s challenges into opportunities, advancing the industry in productive and meaningful ways.
