With 41% of construction businesses needing forecasting to allow them to better prepare for best and worst-case scenarios, big data is something that is vital to increase efficiency and productivity.  Below, we delve deeper into how the construction industry is using big data. 

Improved Design 

Big data can be used to determine what to build, and where to build it. Historical data can be used to analyse patterns and probabilities of risks to steer new projects towards success, and away from any pitfalls in the immediate or distant future. 

Improved Planning 

There are often large amounts of stakeholders involved within a construction project, which can make planning difficult. However, big data allows for real-time project updates to be calculated, as well as identifying how stakeholders may be affected by a change in the project. This allows the project to run more efficiently, as well as providing clear communication throughout the process.

Drone Data 

Drone data can be used to help with initial site surveys, as well as making weekly progress maps far quicker to create and analyse – helping to boost overall communication. 

Drones also facilitate greater and easier information exchanges between construction companies and their clients, boosting overall efficiency and communication. What’s more, drones can be used to maintain the safety of employees and protect the job site from vandalism or theft, increasing security efficiency. 

Real Time Data  

Real Time dashboards help to give a deeper insight of the operations, project process and resourcing, combined with new types of data such as weather – helping to see if it is going to pour with rain and not a good day to lay concrete. 

Sensors 

Having sensors attached to on-site operational machinery gives developers information on how to use their time. It can show the ideal active times of the machinery, helping to boost fuel efficiency and tell them whether it is more cost-effective to buy or lease machinery. Some companies are already using these sensors – paired with telematics (telecommunications integrated with communications technology), to monitor points on its machines. Data from activity – such as community, traffic, and even weather – can be analysed to determine optimal phasing of construction tasks. 

Experts agree that big data means big value, and as the construction industry strives to become more efficient – businesses will move from being data-generating to data-powered. If you are interested in more big data solutions, contact us now to see how we can help.