The construction industry is one of the most important sectors of the economy, in which various technologies and processes are used. However, in the past few years, the construction industry has started to face various problems such as low efficiency, high project costs, labor shortage, etc.

To solve these problems and improve construction efficiency, an increasing number of companies in the construction industry are starting to use digital technologies. Digitization of the construction industry is becoming an increasingly relevant topic in today's world, and it is not surprising, because digital technologies can increase the efficiency and quality of construction, as well as reduce project costs.

Digitization of the construction industry means the use of digital technologies and tools to improve the design, construction and operation of buildings and structures. This may include the use of building modeling (BIM) software, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), process automation and other technologies.

Digitizing the construction industry can bring many benefits, including increased productivity, improved quality control, lower project costs, fewer errors, and improved job safety. In addition, digitalization can help make construction more green and sustainable, which is an important factor in today's world.

The current state of the construction industry in Ukraine

The construction industry is one of the key sectors of the Ukrainian economy. However, today the construction industry of Ukraine faces a number of problems that complicate its development.

Problems faced by representatives of the industry:
● Low resource utilization efficiency. In Ukraine, construction often takes place using outdated technologies and equipment, which reduces labor productivity and increases project costs.● Lack of qualified personnel. The low level of wages and few prospects in the industry lead to the fact that young professionals go abroad in search of better work.● Lack of the one strategy for the development of the industry. In Ukraine, there is no single strategy for the development of the construction industry, which leads to the fact that companies work in isolation from each other and do not use modern technologies.● Low level of use of modern technologies and tools in the construction industry. For example, most companies do not use 3D modeling and computer-aided design of objects (BIM), which could significantly speed up and make the construction process cheaper. Also, there is no widespread use of project management systems and cloud technologies, which complicates the coordination of work and the exchange of information between project participants.

In general, it can be concluded that the construction industry of Ukraine needs modern technologies and work methods that will make it possible to speed up and reduce the cost of the construction process, increase the quality and safety of objects, and also increase the productivity of workers.

Digitization of the construction industry

Various technologies are used for digitization of construction, helping to optimize processes, increasing productivity and quality of work, as well as reducing costs.
The following technologies are most often used in the digitalization of the construction industry:
● BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a method of modeling buildings and infrastructure in digital form, covering all elements and characteristics. This helps to improve design, planning and construction management.● IoT (Internet of Things) is network technologies that make it possible to connect to the network various devices and equipment used on the construction site, such as sensors, cameras, automatic control devices, etc. This enables data to be collected in real time and used for construction management.● AI (Artificial Intelligence) is a set of algorithms and methods based on machine learning that are used to automate processes and make decisions. In the construction industry, it can be used to automate design, planning, resource management and quality control.● AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality) - technologies used to create a virtual environment and project additional information onto real objects. In the construction industry, they can be used to visualize projects, train staff, and manage construction processes.● Construction automation software are solutions that help manage all construction-related processes, from project management to resource and financial management. An example of such a program is Dedal CPMS, which covers all aspects of the construction process.● Robotics - the use of automatic machines to perform various construction tasks such as cutting, welding, bricklaying and others. This helps to speed up the construction process, reduce the number of errors and increase the safety of works.● Cloud Computing is a technology that allows you to store and process data on remote servers, rather than on local computers. In the construction industry, this can be used to store and share data, as well as to collaborate on projects.● Blockchain is a technology that makes it possible to create reliable and secure databases that cannot be changed or deleted. In the construction industry, it can be used to create a supply chain, record production and control the quality of materials.
All these technologies work together to ensure efficient and safe construction. They also help reduce errors, speed up the construction process, improve quality control, and lower project costs.

Challenges and obstacles of digitization of the construction industry

The implementation of digital technologies in the construction industry faces a number of challenges and obstacles that make it difficult to successfully implement and use new innovative solutions.

Here are some of the challenges companies face when adopting digital technologies:
● The need for investment. The implementation of digital technologies in the construction industry requires significant investment in the purchase of equipment, software and personnel training.● Lack of competence and knowledge. The introduction of new technologies requires qualified specialists, which may be in short supply in companies, especially in Ukraine, where the industry is not as widely developed as in other countries.● Compatibility issues. Different digital technologies can have different data formats, which complicates the compatibility of their use at different stages of the project.● Lack of standardization. There is no single standardization system for the use of digital technologies in the construction industry. This can complicate compatibility and exchange of information between different project participants.

The role of digitization in the future of the construction industry

Digitization of the construction industry already today plays an important role in increasing productivity and improving the quality of projects. In the future, it will continue to develop and take on new forms.
Here are some of the digitalization trends in the construction industry that can be predicted:
● Increasing use of BIM technologies. BIM technologies will continue to develop and improve, including the ability to work together and share data between different project participants.● Expanding areas of drone application. Drones are already used today to monitor and inspect construction sites, and in the future they can be used to deliver materials and equipment to construction sites, as well as to perform other tasks.● Growing use of IoT technologies. IoT technologies will continue to develop and be used to collect and analyze data on the operation of buildings and equipment, as well as to optimize processes.● Development of virtual and augmented reality technologies. Virtual and augmented reality can be used to visualize projects, train staff and simulate various scenarios.
Companies that are ready to implement digital technologies in their work have many prospects. They will be able to increase their productivity and improve the quality of projects, which can lead to increased revenues and business growth. In addition, companies that are ready to work with new technologies will be able to attract and retain talented professionals who are looking for opportunities to work with innovative methods and technologies.
However, in order to successfully implement digital technologies, companies must prepare for the necessary changes in culture and work organization. It is also necessary to invest in staff training and equipment upgrades. It is important to remember that the digitization process can take a long time and require significant resources.

Recommendations for the implementation of digitalization in the construction industry

Tips for companies planning to implement digital technologies in their work:
● Start small. Don't try to implement all digital technologies at once. Start with one or two and gradually increase their number and complexity.● Work with professionals. Hire digitalization experts to help you design and implement technology solutions.● Conduct staff training. Staff training is an important step in implementing digital technologies. Make sure your employees know how to work with new technologies.● Collaborate with technology providers. Work with software and hardware manufacturers to get the best solutions for your needs.● Rate your results. Follow the results of the implementation of digital technologies. Evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of technology in your work.

Conclusion

Digitization of the construction industry is a necessary component of its development and competitiveness in the modern world. The implementation of digital technologies can help to optimize construction processes, reduce production costs, improve the quality and safety of works, as well as improve project management.

For those who are planning to implement digital technologies in their construction company, we recommend starting this process by carefully studying the basics of digitalization and identifying specific problems that can be solved with their help. It is important to correctly define the needs of the company and choose appropriate technologies that will help achieve the set goals.

It is possible to conduct a competitor analysis and study how they are already using digital technologies to determine which ones can be useful for your company. It is also important to conduct a cost estimate and understand how much time and resources will be required to implement new technologies.

In general, digitization of the construction industry should be a priority for its development. It can help improve processes and increase competitiveness, as well as improve the quality and safety of work.

If you want to automate the work of your construction company, but do not know where to start, leave a request for a free consultation on our website or call us at (044) 209-26-53. We will be happy to help you!