Despite the fact that it seems like nearly everyone knows someone who works in construction, there is a steep decline in the amount of workers available in the industry. The construction industry will need to attract around 501,000 additional workers in 2024, this is on top of the normal pace of hiring, in order to meet the labor demand. Technology can help address the construction labor shortage by increasing productivity and efficiency, making it possible to do more with fewer workers. 53.7% of construction companies in 2021 reported that they have a process for testing and implementing new technologies. However the path to minimalist construction isn’t as easy as it seems. But how can SiteMap® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, and similar technologies make a difference?

Boosting Productivity 

Technology has the potential to boost productivity in big ways. For instance, research firm McKinsey cited an engineering firm that enticed workers with the use of robotics. A report also referenced a heavy equipment manufacturer that used what were dubbed “cobots″ to automate repetitive tasks and free up workers. The use of these so-called “cobots” resulted in a 40% productivity gain and a 50% improvement in resource utilization. This report also referenced another manufacturer that used technology assists like digital twins and remote controls. These tools allowed employees to solve issues from anywhere in the world, which in turn reduced vacancies by 25%, while also nearly doubling productivity.

The use of technology is expected to, and has the potential to, boost productivity and help revitalize the construction industry, while not taking it over. The use of technology is set to help attract new workers, while supporting the current, in a new wave of construction efficiency and management. 

 

Here are other ways that technology like SiteMap® can help support a new era of construction:

1. Streamlining Data Management

SiteMap® centralizes your 99.8% accurate GPRS data, along with self-provided sources, and other GIS integrations, making it easily accessible and manageable. This reduces the time and effort required for data entry and retrieval, allowing workers to focus on more critical tasks. While SiteMap® contains its own intuitive GIS component, it can also easily integrate with your existing GIS software to provide an extra layer of safety and security for your data – powered by GPRS’ 99.8% accuracy rating for GPR utility locating and concrete scanning across more than 500,000 jobs. When workers can simply access the crucial information they need, their work becomes more efficient. 

2. Enhancing Communication

Effective communication is crucial in construction projects. SiteMap® provides tools for easy communication and collaboration, ensuring that all stakeholders, workers, and everyone in between are on the same page. This minimizes delays caused by miscommunications and helps keep projects on schedule. You can also print, save, or copy your SiteMap® data to communicate real-time subsurfaces as built information in whatever format suits your needs.

3. Optimizing Resource Allocation

By providing detailed insights into project progress and resource usage, SiteMap® helps project managers allocate resources more effectively. This ensures that labor and materials are used efficiently, reducing waste and improving overall productivity. By accurately seeing where issues lie, managers are able to carefully allocate resources where most crucial, juggling matters with greater knowledge and ease. 

4. Improving Safety

In 2022, the United States construction industry had the highest number of fatal work-related accidents resulting in 1,092 deaths. Also, in 2022, there were 4.5 million medically consulted injuries among construction workers, which is higher than any other workers. It’s safe to say that safety is a concern in construction. SiteMap helps with safety metrics and ensures compliance with safety regulations. By identifying potential hazards early, the platform can help prevent accidents and reduce downtime due to safety incidents. Because SiteMap® is backed by GPRS, you’re also given the accurate data you need to make smart decisions about where you dig, bore, or scrape. Further, if you become a member of GPRS’ JobSite Plus program, your safety benefits increase even more. When you become a GPRS Project Plus partner, GPRS becomes the only company on site locating utilities, scanning concrete, inspecting pipes, conducting 3D laser scans, and crafting state-of-the-art CAD drawings, maps, and models to fit your project’s needs. This means that you get GPRS’ commitment to safety, accuracy, and excellence across the board. 

5. Reducing Rework

Mistakes and rework are costly and time-consuming. With SiteMap®, managers can accurately work towards detailed planning and monitoring, meaning errors can be identified and corrected early in the process, reducing the need for rework. This also saves valuable time and resources. Your SiteMap® easily offers GPRS’ 99.8% subsurface visualization accuracy, that can be aggregated to provide an instant snapshot – past, present & future – secured in one centralized, accessible database.

6. Supporting Remote Work

With the increasing adoption of remote work, SiteMap® allows project managers and other stakeholders to monitor progress and make decisions without being physically present on-site. This flexibility can attract a broader range of talent to the industry. This also makes it much easier to manage your worksite, while also allowing managers and workers to check important areas even from afar. 

There were 336,000 job openings in the United States construction industry as of May 2023. The construction labor shortage is a significant challenge, and despite the Biden Administration pumping funds into the industry, many firms are struggling to find the labor they need. In fact,  about 80% of construction firms have trouble when it comes to finding workers. However, technology like SiteMap® offers powerful tools to help solve this growing issue.  By streamlining data management, enhancing communication, optimizing resource allocation, improving safety, and more, SiteMap® can help the construction industry do more with fewer workers. Sometimes more is less, especially when you have the best on your side, like SiteMap®, the platform that simply offers more. 

For more information on how technology can help address the construction labor shortage, and how SiteMap® can serve your projects, contact us today.