According to the Associated General Contractors of America, the construction industry is among the largest in the U.S., creating approximately $1.3 trillion worth of structures each year. To build these structures, the industry relies on other industries to supply materials and equipment — putting millions of dollars to work.

Construction companies are also home to over 7 million employees. This combination of factors shows just how vital construction is to the U.S. economy. However, because of the pandemic, it is important for construction companies to check if there are any construction restrictions or local guidance in the area before construction is able to continue.

At a time when Covid-19 cases are surging, and the economy is teetering on a recession, how do we ensure that the construction machine keeps running?

My company, among others in the industry, has been working with construction companies to identify ways to solve these new challenges with tech-driven solutions. No matter how good the solution, however, the company’s strategic application of technology throughout the building process is the key.

Going Remote

In addition to assisting in the strategic scheduling of jobs and coordinating where workers are on-site to ensure proper social distancing, technology can also be leveraged to reduce the number of people at job sites. Typically, limiting people on-site means that work slows and project dates slip. However, by taking a strategic approach, you can make some processes more efficient and save time.

By gaining remote access to job sites through photos and video, a single worker can document what’s happening on-site. For instance, our tech incorporates a 360-degree camera synced to software, providing a Google Street View-esque experience for those on the project to look at.

By using photo and video, your project teams can make rapid assessments. Maybe the current workflow needs to change. With digital documentation serving as a guide, consider shifting your labor, timing or ordering in ways that make the most business sense right now. This allows teams to move forward without delays.

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