Over the last year, the construction industry like many other industries has faced various impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the largest hurdles the industry has had to overcome is the lack of access to jobsites. Around the world, safety restrictions have been instituted, ranging from international lockdowns to limiting just two people to each freight elevator, which a year ago were shuttling dozens of construction workers in one cabin.
This has required construction managers to find innovative solutions to move projects forward without incurring additional risks or delays.
Integrating Technology
Integrating technology into the construction process has become a necessity for many construction teams to maintain communication with all parties, monitor site progression and complete various tasks typically done in person. Technology platforms like OpenSpace.ai provide 3D photo documentation capabilities, allowing project teams and stakeholders to virtually track and tour jobsites they’re not able to visit in person.
Other apps offering virtual assistance, such as advanced calendaring, geo-locating and equipment tracking, have all helped to ensure seamless continuity over the past year.
Local Market Knowledge
Outside of on site challenges, access to commodities has caused issues with project progression. When foreign steel and lumber companies experienced supply chain shortages, many construction firms turned to domestic providers.
Understanding the global landscape with local market knowledge has proven crucial when looking for and sourcing materials. Having local connections has enabled many construction jobs to continue with limited interruptions.
Client Experience
Maintaining a strong client experience, even while incurring internal and external challenges, is important. Just like with their internal teams, construction managers need to make sure their key stakeholders and decision makers are informed, comfortable and satisfied through the process.
Finding work arounds, communicating and reinforcing commitment is key, especially if teams are unable to visit site locations.
Integrated Approach
Through an integrated approach that blends strategy and design with pre-construction and delivery, issues with access and other hurdles are resolved early on in the project. Combining these services into one process removes the risk of cost overrun, scheduling delays and other risks.
When construction is involved in the beginning during the planning stages, potential issues can be communicated and minimized with a collaborative plan of attack. This enables teams to deliver projects more quickly without sacrificing quality. Particularly during uncertain times, a seamless process and end-to-end experience can establish a long-standing partnership with clients.
Technology platforms like OpenSpace.ai provide 3D photo documentation capabilities, allowing project teams and stakeholders to virtually track and tour jobsites they’re not able to visit in person.Suffolk Construction
The pandemic has challenged construction and design executives to push the boundaries and expand their horizons to incorporate new tools and processes. By leveraging technology, knowing the local markets and focusing on the client experience, all within an end-to-end approach, construction managers can complete projects successfully even under difficult circumstances.
Tracy Lea Neff is operations director, Americas at Unispace.
