Covid-19 speeds-up construction’s digital revolution

Grant Prior 5 years ago
Share

The Covid-19 pandemic is accelerating the adoption of digital technology across the construction industry.

A survey of 250 construction managers by software specialist Procore Technologies revealed 66% of companies rolled out some sort of new technology during lockdown.

The vast majority – 94% – said they saw an improvement in the way their teams work as a result.

The research also revealed 80% of those quizzed believe that working with a single digital platform offering all information in one place will play a key role in the future construction working.

Brandon Olivieri O’Connor, Director of UK and Ireland at Procore UK&I, said: “With much around construction being disrupted, technology has proved the one constant and this is being increasingly realised by businesses.

“We’ve seen contractors proactively making the move away from manual methods and excel towards platform technology.

“Construction won’t be the same as it was before, with connectivity and mobility driving a new way of working.”

The survey also shows that 58% of construction companies have seen a higher demand from workers for a way to stay connected and work more efficiently.

Having the option to reduce the number of staff onsite and social distance has allowed construction companies to comply with health and safety regulations.

The majority of construction managers (52%) which rolled-out online collaboration and productivity technology solutions since lockdown said the safety for their teams has improved.

Matthew O’Dowd, Group QHSE Manager, Elliott Group said: “At Elliott Group, the means to work digitally gives us a competitive advantage and ultimately helps us to achieve our mission of delivering projects defect-free – maintaining quality, reliability as well as safety.

“Technology has always played a central role in the way we work, and this has accelerated as a result of Covid-19.

“Having Procore’s platform technology at our fingertips has enabled us to continue working during the pandemic, and most importantly to do this in a way that has allowed us to make quick decisions and keep everyone connected safely.

“Thanks to this technology, the flow of information has been fast-tracked. We trust that everyone across our team, and our clients, have access to the latest information, in one place and in a format that everyone can understand – whether it’s observations or drawings.”

Latest news

Morgan Sindall contracts league champion for second year

Kier ranks second in closely contested race between majors
20 hours ago

New Year layoffs as Scottish modular house builder collapses

East Ayrshire Connect Modular falls into administration
20 hours ago

Thames Water bidders day for £2.2bn reservoir scheme

Tenders to be invited in October for new Abingdon reservoir in Oxfordshire
20 hours ago

Buckingham Plant Hire quits heavy kit market

Firm to sell fleet and focus on lighter, sustainable plant
2 days ago

Clients ‘ignoring building safety’ reforms

Clients still subjecting contractors to aggressive and sub-economic pricing
19 hours ago

Castleforge plans expansion after £100m data centre deal

Investor moves into booming data centre market
20 hours ago

Construction output growth drops to six-month low

Subcontractor rates rise at fastest rate for 18 months
2 days ago

Suir Engineering swoops for Scottish M&E contractor

Irish M&E firm launches UK expansion with Taylor & Fraser acquisition
2 days ago

Aggregates supply firm files administration notice

Ashville Aggregates and Concrete operates across London and South East
2 days ago

Plans in for 44-storey Manchester resi tower

Developer Glenbrook to appoint contractor this year
3 days ago

Briggs & Forrester names new engineering services MD

Will Newman replaces Ian Lawrence who steps down after eight years
2 days ago

Morgan Sindall bags Salford Uni acoustics building

Planning submitted for Acoustics Building at Crescent Innovation area
2 days ago

Lambeth to release six sites for £250m homes plan

Call for development partner to deliver 450 mixed tenure homes
2 days ago

Adrian Speller joins brother as joint MD of Midlands builder

Speller Metcalfe boosts senior leadership team
3 days ago

Winner unveiled for £2.9bn aqueduct revamp

Construction costs for Haweswater Aqueduct rise to £2.9bn from £1.75bn
5 days ago

Fortem and Equans face fight for £3bn housing upkeep deal

Birmingham City Council aims to sign new 10-year deals for four regions
3 days ago

Lendlease strikes deal to sell UK construction arm for £35m

US private equity firm Atlas to finalise purchase deal by summer
7 days ago

Hercules to offload suction excavator arm

Fleet of 30 trucks generates around £5m revenue a year
3 days ago

Tarmac trials new technique to cut concrete road noise

Quieter trips for drivers and longer-lasting roads
3 days ago

HS2 set for “fundamental reset” to lower construction costs

New chief executive promises action after latest project update
1 week ago

Solar panel installer fined £120,000 after roof fall

Court hears how employee broke his leg in fall
7 days ago

Network Rail chief Andrew Haines knighted

Thin pickings for construction in this year's New Year Honours
1 week ago

Staff stunned as engineering consultancy Clarkebond closes

Firm was only bought three months ago by rival Independent Design House Group
2 weeks ago

Vistry issues third profit warning in three months

Profit expected to fall £50m below forecast due to delayed completions
2 weeks ago

Miller Homes buys St Modwen Homes for £215m

Scottish house builder snaps up £368m turnover rival
3 weeks ago

Keltbray fine increased to £18m after failed bid rigging appeal

Contractor loses penalty discount for settling with competition authorities
3 weeks ago

Luxury house builder goes under with 70 job losses

Octagon Developments in administration after 40 years in business
3 weeks ago

Top Ten best read stories of 2024

The biggest headlines of an eventful year. Have a good one and here's to a successful 2025
3 weeks ago

BAM Nuttall fined £800,000 after concrete skip tragedy

Young labourer killed by falling bale arm
3 weeks ago

Keltbray infrastructure business reveals new name

AUREOS means "new dawn" after private equity acquisition
3 weeks ago

Contractor services