The construction industry, traditionally known for its conservative practices, has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades, largely due to the Internet of Things (IoT). Using IoT technology in construction works leads to an increase in efficiency and accuracy, and workers’ safety by minimizing human errors and machine failures. IoT-based sensors installed on machines help create cyber-physical systems (CPSs) like smart grids, virtual power plants, smart transportation, and smart cities which ensure round-the-clock data collection and help with actionable insights and reports, preventing any breakdown, lapse, or unnecessary changes at construction sites.
Since the construction industry is advancing rapidly, companies employing IoT can successfully provide solutions to some of the niche industry challenges.
IoT in the Construction Industry
Advanced IoT Sensors can monitor changes in temperature, heat, cold, pressure, strain, toxic gases, etc. IoT Sensors can also measure weight, height, and proximity with great accuracy. When all of this data is combined into construction work, you get a streamlined workflow and round-the-clock operations while ensuring the safety and security of your workers at the sites.
Valuable sensing data can be transformative at a job site. Keeping track of tools, monitoring the strain and repair status of crucial machines can optimize productivity and prevent sudden breakdown which also ensures safety compliance.
Introducing technology-based solutions and automating manual tasks has always been the thing in this business and IoT technology has the potential to rapidly change how a construction business manages work sites, work progress, and workers’ safety.
Top 7 Benefits of IoT Sensors at Construction Sites
IoT leverages various sensors and modern communication technologies to provide a safe, productive construction site.
Here are the top 7 benefits of IoT in the construction industry:
1. Inventory Management in Construction
Maintaining a proper flow of resources on the construction site is a must. You can use RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags to label your supply units and maintain a record of your supply units. If the count goes down to the required level, then, the system will trigger a request to fill up the inventory requirement. Due to this, it will reduce the time spent on hold, and industries will complete their construction projects on time.
Implementing IoT technology in the tracking of tools and equipment by companies can reduce the time spent looking after lost and misplaced items. It will also save companies money that would be spent on replacements. With the help of RFID technology and a GPS tracker with IoT-enabled sensors to track the machinery locations on the vehicles and the position of construction equipment within the site.
IoT sensors also help in the performance of machines and vehicles, which can help companies enhance their ability to maintain and repair them quickly. Similarly, IoT-enabled sensors can track excessive vibrations or temperature fluctuations in heavy machinery to identify the appropriate time for servicing the machinery. Sensors implanted in the machinery send a warning to the connected device. Which can help in fixing the problems before they cause further damage. This early detection of maintenance and tracking of tools is a cost-saving approach because fixing the fully damaged machinery can be expensive and will result in downtime for construction work.
3. Resource Management Using IoT
Resource management will benefit the construction industry by improving productivity. The use of IoT technology in the construction industry offers real-time results, enabling time management and enhanced productivity. For example, taking attendance of employees (Biometric attendance system). With IoT technology, it is easy to take attendance of workers or monitor the location of employees. With the help of IoT sensors in combination with CCTV, the whereabouts of workers and their time utilization can be easily tracked in real-time. This way, one can save resources and increase productivity at construction sites. The use of IoT sensors ensures efficient resource allocation and the utilization of these resources.
4. Enhanced Productivity at Construction Sites
Using IoT technology in construction will enhance productivity at construction sites. We can do so by implementing adequate safety measures for workers, better planning the project, and using IoT-based wearable devices to ensure the right working conditions for employees.
Implementing IoT sensors at construction sites will maintain a smooth workflow and reduce the chances of downtime. Reduction in downtime will positively impact the time utilization, and boost productivity.
5. Waste Management in Construction with IoT
IoT can also help in tracking and minimizing waste management at construction sites. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has published a report saying that construction and demolition activity generated 600 million tons of waste in 2018, excluding waste from fuel and other energy.
Using IoT tracking equipped with RFID or GPS-based technology provides insight into the industry's need to reduce waste. Data generated from a vehicle tracking system can reveal inefficient patterns of vehicle usage. So, the construction team can adjust their way of operating vehicles and minimize their fuel consumption.
6. Workers’ Safety with IoT Sensors
The safety of workers can be ensured using various IoT sensors at construction sites. For example, equipping machines with IoT sensors. IoT sensors on machines can help with unwarranted accidents at construction sites. Various IoT sensors are used to measure strain, temperature, performance, etc. thus helping with safe working conditions for laborers.
Implementing IoT in the form of RFID technology at construction sites can help supervisors monitor the entire premises in real time and reduce the chances of machine failures and accidents.
7. Remote Operations and Data Sharing
The use of IoT sensors and devices can unlock automation and remote operations where it easier to manage the site. Using surveillance cameras and measurement sensors allows one to control and operate machinery remotely while ensuring accuracy in operations.
Additionally, the sensing data can be remotely shared through the cloud, ensuring that business owners who are not present at the site can get insights on machines, workers, and the working environment, and take necessary, informed decisions.
To conclude, IoT is revolutionizing the construction industry by enhancing efficiency and safety, reducing costs, and improving the overall management of the project. IoT is reshaping how construction projects are planned, executed, and maintained. As companies invest in IoT technology, new use cases and benefits arise, too. EnCstore and Ruddersoft are leading AIDC firms in India that offer advanced IoT, RFID and BLE devices and sensors, allowing Indian business owners access to premium products so that they can bring much needed automation in business operations whether it is retail, healthcare, warehousing and logistics, construction, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions on IoT in Construction
Q1) What is IoT technology in the context of the construction industry?
IoT in construction refers to the use of smart devices and sensors to collect and exchange data, improve efficiency and safety, reduce costs, and manage projects. It is used in many construction and real estate sectors like infrastructure, homes, buildings, and businesses.
Q2) How does IoT benefit construction project management?
IoT helps in real-time monitoring, providing a data-driven approach to decision-making, and improving project scheduling for optimum resource allocation. This helps in enhancing the overall efficiency of a project.
Q3) What are the other advantages of IoT in the construction industry?
1. Enhanced labor productivity
2. Better project management
3. Environmental monitoring
4. Employee tracking
5. Theft Prevention
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