Author: devato

In the world of construction and infrastructure, innovation continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. One such groundbreaking development is the advent of self-healing concrete. Imagine a material that can autonomously repair its cracks without human intervention. Sounds like science fiction, right?

Well, self-healing concrete is very much a reality, revolutionizing the way we build structures. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of self-healing concrete, exploring its composition, working principle, and benefits over traditional concrete.

What is Self-Healing Concrete?

Self-healing concrete, also known as self-repairing concrete, bio-concrete or autonomous repairing concrete, possesses a remarkable ability to mend its cracks automatically. This advanced material is designed to repair damage caused by shrinkage, external stress, or other factors that lead to crack formation.

How does it work?

At the heart of self-healing concrete lies a natural marvel: bacteria. Spores of specific bacteria, such as Bacillus species, are embedded within the concrete mix during production. These microorganisms remain dormant until cracks form within the concrete. Once exposed to moisture from the crack, these spores spring to life, producing limestone to seal the gap and restore the material’s structural integrity. Over time, this repair process ensures that the structure remains intact, reducing the need for manual intervention and costly repairs.

Benefits of Self-Healing Concrete:

1. Durability: Self-healing concrete boasts exceptional durability. Extensive testing has demonstrated its resistance to harsh conditions, such as freeze-thaw cycles and chemical exposure.

2. Reduced Maintenance Costs: Self-healing concrete minimizes the need for costly repairs, saving time and money in the long run. Addressing cracks as they occur prevents further structural deterioration and associated maintenance expenses.

3. Increased Lifespan of Structures: The autonomous repair capabilities of self-healing concrete contribute to the increased lifespan of structures. This ensures structural integrity and enhances sustainability by reducing the need for frequent reconstruction.

4. Resistance to Crack Formation: Traditional concrete is prone to cracking due to various factors, including temperature changes and structural loads. Self-healing concrete, on the other hand, actively combats crack formation, preserving the integrity and aesthetics of the structure.

Comparing Self-Healing Concrete to Traditional Concrete

Research and studies have provided compelling evidence regarding the superiority of self-healing concrete over traditional concrete. A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Materials Science revealed that self-healing concrete achieved a compressive strength recovery of over 90% after crack healing. This finding underscores the long-lasting performance of self-healing concrete.

Furthermore, a life cycle cost analysis performed by researchers at TU Delft showed that the initial higher cost of producing self-healing concrete was offset by reduced maintenance and repair expenses over the lifespan of a structure. The study indicated that the long-term cost savings could be substantial, making self-healing concrete a financially viable option.

Self-healing concrete represents a significant leap forward in the world of construction. As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, self-healing concrete promises a future where structures possess the power to heal themselves, revolutionizing the way we build and maintain our world.

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

In today’s data-driven world, information is invaluable, and the construction industry is no exception. Construction job site data refers to the vast amount of information generated during the planning, execution, and completion of construction projects. This data encompasses everything from project progress, equipment usage, material inventory, worker productivity, safety incidents, and more. It holds significant value as it enables construction companies to gain insights, improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and make informed decisions.

In this blog post, we will explore the various opportunities construction job site data offers to businesses and the challenges associated with data monetization.

The Value of Construction Job Site Data

Construction job site data is a treasure trove of information that can drive innovation, optimize processes, and improve project outcomes. Some of the key reasons why this data is valuable include:

1. Improved Decision-making: Access to real-time data allows construction firms to make informed decisions promptly. This includes adjustments to project schedules, resource allocation, and addressing potential issues before they escalate.

2. Productivity and Efficiency Enhancements: Analyzing job site data can identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, leading to process improvements that boost productivity.

3. Safety and Risk Mitigation: Monitoring job site data helps identify potential safety hazards and enables proactive measures to prevent accidents, reducing liabilities and insurance costs.

4. Predictive Analytics: Data from construction equipment and machinery can be utilized to implement predictive maintenance strategies, reducing downtime and repair costs.

5. Source of Revenue: Construction companies can generate revenue by selling anonymized and aggregated job site data to interested third-party organizations. These could include urban planning agencies, research institutions, or other construction-related industries seeking insights for their own purposes.

6. Developing Data-driven Services: By analyzing job site data, startups can create new services and solutions tailored to the construction industry. For instance, offering predictive analytics platforms, equipment utilization optimization, or risk management services.

Companies like Caterpillar, Trimble, and Autodesk are already leveraging job site data to enhance their services, improve customer experiences, and open new revenue channels. For instance, Caterpillar uses data from its equipment fleet to provide predictive maintenance services, while Trimble’s Connect platform allows construction professionals to analyze and share project data seamlessly.

Pitfalls and Risks

Monetizing data, however, is not without risks. Key concerns include data privacy and security. Construction job site data often contains sensitive information, such as worker identities and project details. Proper data anonymization and privacy protection measures must be put in place to safeguard against potential data breaches.

Cybersecurity is another significant concern when handling large volumes of construction data. Companies must implement robust security protocols to protect against unauthorized access or data manipulation.

Here are some tips for Data Protection and Value Delivery:

• Before selling or sharing data, ensure that it is stripped of any personally identifiable information and aggregated to protect the privacy of individuals and companies.
• Employ robust encryption methods to safeguard data both during transmission and storage.
• Limit access to sensitive data to authorized personnel only and implement strong user authentication mechanisms.

The monetization of construction job site data is revolutionizing the industry in multiple ways, offering insights and efficiencies that were previously untapped. It’s driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and opening new growth opportunities. As we continue to generate more data than ever, companies that harness this resource effectively will be well-positioned to lead the industry.

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

The construction industry has always been at the forefront of innovation, continually adopting new technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity. In recent years, the rise of autonomous heavy equipment has taken the construction world by storm. With advanced sensing, computing, and machine learning capabilities, these autonomous vehicles are transforming the way construction projects are planned and executed.

In this blog post, we will explore the emergence of autonomous heavy equipment in construction and look at the various types of autonomous vehicles revolutionizing the industry.

The Rise of Autonomous Heavy Equipment

Construction companies are increasingly turning to autonomous heavy equipment to tackle challenges such as labour shortages, safety concerns, and productivity demands. Autonomous vehicles offer the potential to reduce human error, improve precision, and optimize workflows. These vehicles can perform complex tasks with greater efficiency, accuracy, and safety by leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and sophisticated sensors.

Types of Autonomous Vehicles in Construction

Autonomous Excavators

Excavation is a crucial part of many construction projects, and autonomous excavators are making this process more streamlined and efficient. These vehicles can autonomously navigate job sites, accurately dig trenches, remove debris, and load materials onto trucks. Equipped with advanced computer vision and GPS technology, they can precisely identify objects, avoid obstacles, and operate with minimal human intervention.

Autonomous Bulldozers and Graders

Traditionally, grading and levelling tasks required skilled operators to ensure accurate results. However, autonomous bulldozers and graders are transforming these operations. These vehicles use advanced laser and GPS systems to navigate and level surfaces with remarkable precision. They can create flat, even surfaces while minimizing material waste and reducing the time required to complete grading projects.

Autonomous Cranes

Construction sites often require heavy lifting tasks, which skilled crane operators have traditionally performed. However, autonomous cranes are revolutionizing this aspect of construction. These intelligent machines can precisely lift and move heavy loads using sophisticated sensors and computer algorithms. With increased safety features, including collision avoidance systems, they can enhance both productivity and worker safety.

Autonomous Trucks

Material transportation is a fundamental aspect of construction projects, and autonomous trucks are reshaping this process. These vehicles can navigate predefined routes, transport materials, and unload them at designated locations. With integrated sensors and communication systems, they can optimize logistics, minimize transportation costs, and enhance overall project efficiency.

Benefits of Autonomous Heavy Equipment

The integration of autonomous heavy equipment in construction offers several compelling advantages:

Enhanced Safety: By minimizing human involvement in hazardous tasks, autonomous vehicles reduce the risk of accidents, protecting workers and the public. These machines are also equipped with advanced safety features such as sensors and cameras that can detect and avoid obstacles, contributing to a safer work environment.

Improved Maintenance: Autonomous heavy equipment comes with advanced monitoring systems that detect issues before they develop into problems. These systems can diagnose and troubleshoot components, alerting maintenance teams to take action before a malfunction occurs.

Environmental Considerations: Autonomous heavy equipment can be designed with energy-efficient systems, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, optimized operations minimize waste and promote sustainable construction practices.

Cost Savings: Despite the upfront investment required, autonomous heavy equipment can lead to significant cost savings over time. Reduced labour costs, optimized resource utilization, and improved project timelines contribute to the financial benefits.

Increased Productivity: Autonomous heavy equipment operates continuously without the need for breaks or shift changes, thereby improving overall project efficiency and reducing downtime.

Improved Precision: With advanced sensing capabilities and precise control systems, autonomous vehicles can perform tasks with unparalleled accuracy, ensuring high-quality results.

The advent of autonomous heavy equipment marks an exciting era in construction. As construction companies continue to embrace these innovations, we can expect a future where autonomous heavy equipment plays a pivotal role in shaping the construction landscape.

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

Amidst the current global economic landscape, material shortages and cost escalations have become increasingly prevalent. Material shortages can result in lost sales, production delays, and customer dissatisfaction. Escalations, on the other hand, can lead to increased costs and reduced profitability.

In this blog, we’ll explore how warehouse investment and management can combat these issues.

Investing in Warehouse Infrastructure

By building or expanding warehouse facilities, businesses can store and manage more inventory, reducing their reliance on just-in-time (JIT) supply chains. JIT systems rely on a tight inventory control system, where raw materials and components are delivered just as they are needed without having to store excess inventory. However, this system is vulnerable to disruptions in the supply chain. By investing in warehouse infrastructure, businesses can build inventory buffers that can be used to address material shortages and escalating prices.

Implementing Warehouse Management Systems

Warehouse management systems (WMS) software helps businesses manage their inventory levels and track the movement of materials in real-time. This technology enables businesses to optimize their warehouse operations, reducing inventory carrying costs and minimizing the risk of stockouts. By implementing WMS, businesses can also reduce the time it takes to find and pick materials, increasing efficiency and reducing the likelihood of delays.

Embracing Automation

Warehouse automation technologies such as robotics and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can help businesses increase efficiency, reduce labour costs, and reduce the risk of human error.

For instance, robotics can help businesses manage inventory levels and optimize warehouse space, while AGVs can transport materials around the warehouse more efficiently. By embracing automation technologies, businesses can reduce the time it takes to manage inventory and the likelihood of stockouts.

Improve Visibility

With the help of technology such as IoT sensors, RFID tags, and GPS tracking, businesses can gain real-time visibility into their supply networks, from raw material acquisition to finished product delivery. This can help businesses identify potential bottlenecks, optimize delivery routes, monitor inventory levels, and make informed decisions to prevent stockouts and delays.

Build Strong Partnership

By establishing a strong relationship with suppliers and distributors based on trust and transparency, businesses can work collaboratively to identify potential risks and mitigate supply chain disruptions. This involves streamlining communication, establishing effective forecasting methods, and developing contingency plans in case of emergencies.

Implement Sustainable Practices

With the growing awareness of environmental concerns, consumers see businesses that prioritize sustainability as being socially responsible and environmentally conscious. Incorporating sustainable practices into your warehouse operations can help reduce costs, improve efficiency and gain customer loyalty. This includes implementing energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, reducing packaging, and optimizing the logistics network to reduce carbon footprint.

Plan and Forecast for Future Demand

Accurately forecasting future demand for your product will allow you to manage inventory more effectively. You’ll be able to ensure you have enough inventory to meet customer demands while avoiding costly overstocking. Carrying too much inventory for too long can lead to material waste and reduced profits for your business. You should regularly review historical data to identify trends and plan for upcoming peaks and valleys in demand.

Investing in warehouses can provide a buffer between suppliers and construction sites, reducing the risk of shortages and stabilizing prices. Effective warehouse management involves monitoring inventory levels, managing logistics, and optimizing space utilization. Investing in technology can also help warehouses operate more efficiently. By implementing these measures, the construction industry can overcome material shortages and price escalations, enabling it to continue to provide essential infrastructure.

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics. As an integral part of the construction industry, it helps streamline the building process, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes. BIM has evolved over the years, with 3D, 4D, and 5D BIM being the most commonly used.

Understanding the Evolution of BIM: From 3D to 5D

3D BIM involves creating a digital model of the physical structure, including its shape, size, and geometry. 4D BIM incorporates time into the model, allowing construction teams to plan and visualize the construction process. 5D BIM goes a step further by incorporating cost information into the model, providing real-time information on the cost of construction and the impact of design changes on the budget.

5D BIM facilitates collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and owners in the construction industry. The model allows each team member to view the project from their perspective and contribute to its design and construction. By incorporating cost information into the model, 5D BIM allows construction teams to make informed decisions about the project, reducing costs and minimizing errors.

Benefits of 5D BIM Implementation in the Construction Industry

Improved Collaboration: One of the significant benefits of 5D BIM implementation is improved collaboration, enabling all stakeholders to work on a single platform and access the same information. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and any changes are immediately reflected in the model. This eliminates communication gaps and minimizes errors, ensuring that the project is completed within the specified time and budget.

Enhanced Cost Management: With 5D BIM, cost management is integrated into the construction process, enabling project managers to identify potential cost overruns early on. The software uses real-time data to provide accurate cost estimates, helping stakeholders to make informed decisions. This leads to improved cost control, better resource allocation, and reduced project costs.

Improved Project Planning: The 5D BIM model allows project managers to visualize the project timeline, which helps them to plan more efficiently. The model is updated in real time, and changes to the schedule are immediately reflected. This means that project managers can identify potential delays or issues before they occur, allowing them to take corrective action before it’s too late.

Reduced Rework: One of the significant benefits of 5D BIM is the ability to detect potential errors and conflicts before construction begins. This minimizes the need for rework, saving time and money. The software allows stakeholders to identify design clashes, spatial issues, and constructability problems early on, reducing the likelihood of costly change orders.

Improved Safety: The 5D BIM model enables stakeholders to identify potential safety hazards and mitigate them before construction begins. The software can simulate hazardous scenarios, allowing stakeholders to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. This leads to improved safety on the job site and a reduction in accidents.

The Future of 5D BIM

The future of 5D BIM in the construction industry looks promising as technology continues to advance, and construction teams seek ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. As 5D BIM becomes more widely adopted, we’ll see even more advanced features and functionalities added to the technology, such as enhanced simulation capabilities, improved data analytics, and more seamless integration with other construction software tools.

We may also see increased use of 5D BIM in areas like facility management and maintenance, where the technology can be used to optimize building performance and reduce ongoing costs. Ultimately, 5D BIM has the potential to revolutionize the way we design, build, and manage buildings and infrastructure, and we can expect to see continued innovation in this space in the years to come.

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

The way in which documents are reviewed and analyzed has changed significantly over the past few years, particularly in the construction sector. Automated document review technology is revolutionizing how legal teams and other stakeholders in the industry review and interpret contracts. This article will explore how this technology works, how it can help construction companies streamline processes, and highlight specific tools like Document Crunch that provide simplified agreement analysis for better risk identification and mitigation.

How Does It Work?

Automated document review technology utilizes artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze large amounts of textual data quickly and accurately. AI-based text analytics can detect patterns, similarities, and discrepancies between sources, allowing it to identify potential risks or areas of non-compliance faster than any human reviewer ever could. In addition, automated document review tech enables much faster completion of reviews – meaning projects can be completed quicker with reduced risk of errors associated with traditional manual analysis!

Benefits for the Construction Industry

Increased Accuracy: Since ADRT automates document review and provides a reliable and consistent method, it eliminates the risk of human error. Furthermore, it aids in the identification and highlighting of any potential issues or inconsistencies in the documents, reducing the risk of costly legal or regulatory errors.

Faster Processing: Compared to traditional techniques, ADRT can analyze massive amounts of information much more quickly. This is essential in the construction industry because a lot of data is often produced during the project’s planning and design phases. Workers can focus on the most crucial and pertinent information by using ADRT to quickly recognize and extract relevant information.

Better Data Control: Automated document review technology aids companies in better data administration. Businesses can make sure that all relevant papers are collected and systematically reviewed by automating the document review process. This reduces the possibility of information being overlooked or filed incorrectly, improving the overall quality and precision of the data evaluated.

Compliance: ADRT’s ability to assist organizations in complying with various rules and construction codes is another critical component. Companies can avoid expensive legal and regulatory penalties by using software that can quickly detect and flag any papers that do not conform with regulatory requirements.

Improved Efficiency and Collaboration: By automating the document review process, the company can streamline its workflow and end up making its operations even more effective by trimming down on the time it takes to review and approve documents. Moreover, it also supports multiple reviewers to access the documents at the same time.

Adapting to additional tools: With the potential to integrate with other tools and document-management systems, automated document review technology facilitates a faster and much more efficient workflow throughout the organization.

Cost Savings: Saving money on expenses is probably one of the biggest advantages of ADRT. Companies can automate the document review process to save on the amount of time and cost associated with manual document review processes. This can lead to significant long-term cost savings, particularly for businesses that manage enormous amounts of information.

One example of an automated system used within this domain is Document Crunch – a tool designed to simplify reading & understanding agreements efficiently so that risk is easier to identify & mitigate. Founded in 2017 by software developers who wanted to leverage natural language processing (NLP) & AI technologies for better contract comprehension, Document Crunch has been commended due to its straightforward interface while also providing thorough reports containing all key considerations one may have when dealing with such agreements! By automating contract reviews through such systems, organizations not only save valuable resources but can ensure compliance with predetermined rules while mitigating potential future issues!

Automated document review technology is quickly becoming indispensable for a variety of sectors – particularly those related to construction. Not only does AI-based text analytics reduce time spent on manual checks, but it also helps ensure higher standards of accuracy than ever before – allowing entities within this industry to make informed decisions based upon solid evidence from these reports generated, which contain all pertinent information required within these types of agreements! With tools like Document Crunch simplifying agreement analysis and cutting down on risk identification processes, businesses are now empowered to operate at peak efficiency no matter the project or task they handle!

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

In recent years, construction job sites have felt the heat of stricter regulations on carbon-based fuel sources. But, as they say, when one door closes, another opens. This is an opportunity for construction sites to embrace the future and adopt alternative forms of power that are not only better for the environment but also wallet-friendly in the long run. Let’s dive into why alternative power sources are the way to go for construction sites and explore some of the options available.

Advantages of Alternative Power Sources 

Switching to alternative power sources in construction is like hitting the jackpot! Not only will you be saving money by ditching those costly generators, but you’ll also be doing your part to save the planet. Think about it, solar energy is a renewable resource that can be harnessed with photovoltaic (PV) systems, turning sunshine into electricity. You can use it right away or store it for later, it’s like having your own personal battery charger. And the best part? Many forms of alternative energy are emissions-free, which means you may even qualify for some sweet government incentives.

But it’s not just about saving money, alternative power sources also make your job site a safer place. Traditional fossil-fueled equipment like generators require regular refueling, which can be a risky business. But with alternative options like hydrogen fuel cells, you don’t have to worry about refueling at all! Plus, electric tools don’t require combustible materials like traditional gas-powered tools, so you don’t have to worry about any fire hazards. All in all, switching to alternative power sources is a no-brainer. More efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety, what more could you want? It’s a win-win situation!

When it comes to powering your construction job site, you’ve got plenty of choices to pick from. Check them out below:

Solar Energy: As mentioned before, PV systems harness the power of the sun, converting it into electrical energy that can be used on-demand or stored for later. It’s a great alternative to fossil fuels as it’s widely available and only becoming more efficient as technology advances.

Hydroelectricity: Water turbines convert the kinetic energy from flowing water into electrical energy, providing a low-cost option for those with access to rivers or lakes with sufficient flow.

Wind Energy: Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from gusts of wind into electrical energy, which can then be used directly or stored in batteries for later use again just like with hydroelectricity above – though wind turbines don’t require access to bodies water like hydroelectricity does so they can potentially be located almost anywhere with enough wind present (depending on local regulations).

Biomass & Biofuels: These renewable fuels are produced from organic materials such as plants or animal waste, making them an attractive option for replacing diesel or petrol engines on job sites. Biogas produced through fermentation processes is one such example.

Geothermal: Heat pumps extract heat from deep within the earth’s surface, providing efficient heating solutions with lower running costs than traditional fossil fuels.

Say goodbye to fossil fuels, hello to alternative power sources! With the cost of fossil fuels on the rise and regulations cracking down on their environmental impact, it’s time to switch things up on your construction job site. But don’t worry, finding the perfect alternative power source for your needs is a piece of cake. From solar energy, to hydroelectricity, to wind energy, to biomass and biofuels, to geothermal, the options are endless. And the best part? Not only will you be saving money in the long run, but you’ll also be doing your part to save the planet. So, let’s make the switch and show Mother Earth some love!

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

Traditionally, the construction industry has been a very hands-on, machinery and equipment-focused one where thoughts of vulnerabilities to cyber-attack have been at best, limited and in some cases, non-existent. Smaller companies in particular assume they have fewer vulnerabilities than larger players in the industry and because the explosion of digital software in the industry itself is relatively new, so too are considerations related to maintaining the safety of related data. With recent, large-scale cyber-attacks, including one against a Canadian company, its time cybersecurity became a core focus of your construction company – for your own benefit and those of all the vendors with whom you interact.

As outlined in a recent report by Deloitte, “attacks on organizations in critical infrastructure sectors have increased dramatically, from less than 10 in 2013 to almost 400 in 2020!” That’s a 3,900% increase and one that should have construction professionals focusing heavily on cybersecurity.  ¹The risks are numerous, and costly. They include:

• Significant downtime and business interruption
• Breach of your intellectual property and intellectual theft
• Fraudulent wire transfers – using elaborate scams that my even reference your family & friends
• Ransomware – as the name implies, a demand for payment before releasing your data
• Not just downtime will result from cybersecurity risks but also project deadlines, supply chain issues and a trickle-down chain of events that impacts every level of your site operations and those of your vendors/suppliers too.

The staggering and trickle-down costs of a cybersecurity attack are almost incalculable and are certainly significantly more than just the price of any ransomware demand.

Evaluating your risks

Vulnerabilities in the construction industry are many and primarily related to the multiple entry points from which cyber-attacks can occur. Remote work presents greater challenges to maintaining strict controls and with multiple workers, contractors and vendors on a construction site or working remotely from home or an office, opportunities for hackers abound.

According to a study done by Safetydetectives.com, “construction companies were the third most common type of industry to be targeted by hackers—more than 13 percent of the total. And according to the website Cybertalk.org, in 2020 – 2021 nearly one out of every six construction firms reported a ransomware attack.”  ²Compounded by the variety of software programs used in construction, the use of various platforms – whether Mac or PCs are the primary tools of choice, you have a recipe for potential disaster.

Take Action

The first step in any plan of action is fostering awareness. If you were not already aware of the potential risks to your cybersecurity systems, consider this short overview, an introduction. Now that you are aware, it’s time to undertake a plan of action that clearly identifies the level of threat and puts strategies in place to minimize the risk. Consider:

• A complete risk assessment, identifying potential entry points and level of risk. Include your suppliers, general contractors, and subcontractors, in short everyone on or with access to your project, remotely or in person.
• Identify effective risk mitigation strategies after this thorough analysis and develop a plan of action.
• Embed new cyber security systems into every aspect of your business and make cybersecurity a part of your culture from the top down.
• Have strong plans in place for the “what if” scenarios and ensure everyone is trained in the risk/response strategies and their immediate implementation.
• Have insurance in place to help recover from worst case scenario outcomes.

No one industry is immune to the threat cyber-attacks pose and in fact, recent history is demonstrating that construction can be particularly vulnerable. If you have not already given thought to a comprehensive overview of your risks and vulnerability to a cyber-attack, it’s time to do so now. A 3900% increase over the last almost ten years indicates those with a nefarious mind have identified recent advances in the use of technology on the construction site as an opportunity waiting to be exploited.

Don’t fall victim, make cybersecurity your core focus in 2023! And if you have any questions or just wish to discuss how Plexxis can help secure and protect your valuable information assets, please contact us at connect@plexxis.com.

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

Looking back at our postings in 2022, and now, as we reach the end of the year, there’s certainly been a long list of exciting technologies that hold tremendous promise for improving worksite safety, efficiency as well as the overall workplace environment on construction sites.

LIDAR is one such technology to add to or list!  What is it and what are its many applications in the construction industry? Let’s break it down.

To begin, LIDAR is an acronym for the words “light detection and ranging” – technology that uses eye-safe laser beams to create 3D representations of the environment it has surveyed – environments like your construction site. You may also hear LIDAR referred to in broader terms such as laser scanning, or 3D scanning. The first use of LIDAR technology, perhaps surprisingly, dates back several decades when it was used during the Apollo 15 moon mission in 1971! Of course, it has evolved significantly since that time and is fast becoming an increasingly relied upon tool for advancing and enhancing the worksite in a number of industries, including construction.

Here are just some of the highlights regarding the potential end uses of LIDAR technology:

Land surveys. Using LIDAR, a light sensor emits pulsed light waves from a laser into the environment. The pulses bounce off surrounding objects, returning to the sensor, which then uses the time taken to calculate distance traveled. Repeating the process millions of times results in a real time 3D map of the environment – potentially in less time than it would have taken to drive to the job site and begin the survey process! These surveys are crucial for determining worksite safety, building obstacles and land-use challenges and more. LIDAR is often best facilitated when combined with drone technology to provide the most accurate and comprehensive picture of the site to be developed.

Construction site safety. From an ongoing construction perspective, LIDAR technology use is fast becoming a critical tool in preserving and protecting worker safety by identifying hazards in real time before an accident happens. It can reduce the number of people required on the job site by enabling key personnel to view the site without ever stepping foot on it – thus reducing the potential for accidents. The resulting 3D mapping of a construction site will identify potential job hazards before construction even begins. Used throughout construction, it will continually update and identify potential pitfalls not just from a worker safety point of view but also any flaws in the building design.

Design and the details. Speaking of design, LIDAR enables virtual reality walk-throughs for end users so they can “see” their project in “real life.” This means changes can be made before a project starts, or adjustments made mid-stream if design flaws are identified prior to being built. Since a rework of a project is significantly more expensive than addressing a design flaw before construction, LIDAR saves both time and money!

LIDAR makes high risk situations low risk. Let’s not leave out height inspections – which also represent  a significant danger. The use of LIDAR as a tool to assess risk at heights significantly lowers potential accidents. As well, industries such as petro-chemical, forestry, and mining (and any related construction projects) also benefit from the use of LIDAR in identifying risk without impacting worker safety.

Using LIDAR is applicable at every stage of construction from initial land surveys to site planning, 3D modeling and assessing workplace safety and hazards while construction takes place. Safety, efficiency and improving the overall working environment, will each result in budget and timeline improvements as well.

LIDAR has come a long way since mapping the lunar surface for NASA, perhaps it’s now time to apply it to your next project.

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

Artificial Intelligence is finding multiple uses in construction; why not here too?

We’ve been talking about a great deal of innovation in the construction industry of late through the use of technology. Applications for AI technology abound. It’s in use everywhere you look these days, so perhaps it makes perfect sense that from a contract risk mitigation factor, we might once again turn to AI. How? Why? In this brief 5-minute read, we’ll explore AI and contract risk mitigation.

We’ve already gone on record in previous blogs as stating the benefits of AI on the construction site, but how about the benefits that AI can add to the process BEFORE a shovel ever hits the ground? It’s now possible to employ artificial intelligence tools throughout the contract process to ensure every single contractor, developer, insurance company, architect or tradespeople involved in the construction of a new build or renovation will benefit.

Using AI to mitigate contract risk can be achieved by employing a tool that streamlines and automates the contract risk mitigation process. Several tools are currently available on the market, and they operate by scanning [quickly and accurately] for a variety of red flags that identify potential risk, look for typical mandatory provisions, review insurance policies, check for non-disclosure agreements, schedules of work. More advanced tools are even capable of working to identify what might be missing from a contract. 

What’s risk management, and why does mitigation even matter?

By definition, risk mitigation is the process of ensuring you and/or your team have done everything in your control to ensure a project is completed in a timely manner, without cost overruns or expensive mistakes – thus limiting or at least reducing your liability in the event of the unexpected.

Avoiding delays, labour disruptions, and enhancing productivity through increased efficiencies are all part of the risk mitigation process, generally involving a team of experts like accountants, lawyers, insurance specialists, the commercial real estate developer or the General Contractor. AI can also preemptively work to mitigate risk by identifying issues with supply chain management and workflow, as well as vendor selection processes. It can also predict (or as one developer refers to it) “foreordain” workflows for review and sign-off, ensuring the contract is not only examined but passed along to the correct persons, in a timely fashion – with important noted amendments.

Typically, all these tasks, to name just a few, are time and accuracy-intensive as the team must complete a comprehensive, line-by-line review of the contact, often requiring oversight by more than one team and/or individual. AI can complement this process by performing tasks efficiently while also “learning  along the way – performing better each time it is employed.

In short, AI has material potential to save time and reduce risk – both which can make or break job profitability.

Reduce lost time, profits and perhaps even reputation by implementing a rigorous process that includes the use AI throughout your contract draft, design, implementation and negotiation processes. It’s estimated that by 2024, as much as 60+% of a manager’s workload will be replaced by technology and that in turn, technology like AI will help to vastly reduce the CLM (Contract Lifecycle Management) journey.

Greater productivity on the job site, better workflow and more efficient supply chain management – are just some of the positive outcomes of a strong AI risk mitigation program.

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.