Construction needs tech investment

Following calls from the House of Lord’s Science and Technology Committee for the construction sector to avail itself of modern technology in order increase productivity, expert insight warns that a full package of investment is required.

Investing in small areas of tech won’t cure construction’s dwindling productivity, says software and service providers Engage Technology Partners, with them advising that a focus on outputs alone won’t deliver an increase in production.

The Committee advised the industry should increase its use of offsite manufacturing and other new technologies in order to improve productivity. However, Engage explain it is not so cut and dried.

Drey Francis, Director at Engage explains: “While investing in more efficient processes such as offsite manufacturing is certainly a step in the right direction, this alone won’t solve the problem of hard to meet targets. There’s immense stress on the industry at the moment, with a high demand of expectations and low availability of talent. What we need to see is a greater focus on the use of technology across the entire construction remit, rather than just pockets of investment in the likes of offsite manufacturing.

“For example, small steps in back office systems which provide real-time, transparent data can help firms keep project costings on track, identify staffing shortages early on and, ultimately, ensure completion targets are more likely to be met.  If we look at examples from other sectors – such as travel and entertainment – it’s clear that the integration of technology across all areas of the business can help a firm thrive. With pressure on the sector set to increase, now really is the time for construction to play catch up.”