Whilst some industries are bouncing back from the post-pandemic slump, the construction industry is among those that are facing tough times with more yet to come. The Russo-Ukrainian war, coupled with inflationary pressures, and ongoing labour issues is creating havoc for the sector in many ways. Here we focus on the key issues faced by the construction industry, and the top apps that could ease the pain for those heading up and working in the sector.
Skills shortage
The UK Office for National Statistics reported in 2022 that 35% of construction firms in the country were experiencing a shortage of workers, with the Construction Skills Network (CSN) report stating that more than a quarter of a million workers will be needed by the end of 2026.
Inflationary pressures
As UK inflation hit a 40 year high in September 2022, building contractors were increasingly experiencing reluctance of customers to commit to work. This is leading to freezes on hiring and orders of materials.
Rising prices
Inflation coupled with astronomic energy prices is forcing the price of materials to new heights. Margins are squeezed and construction companies are struggling to make ends meet.
Tightening regulations and environmental standards
In response to climate change, many buildings now have to comply with strict regulations on energy efficiency and sustainability. These building enhancements drive the cost up and reduce the profitability for building contractors.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. There are a number of handy apps that are helping the construction industry to address some of the challenges head on. We summarise the top construction industry apps here.
1.Kizeo Forms
This construction management app is a one-stop shop for completing many tasks that will save time and money. Workers can complete materials reporting, site safety checklists, equipment inspections, site supervision and construction contractor forms in one place. Features include sharing information in real time, taking and uploading photos on mobile devices and quick, accurate completion of daily reports without the need for transcription from paper to digital.
2.Sage 100 Contractor
The handy app designed by Sage Accounting software allows employees and construction contractors to submit job-related time sheets directly to the Sage 100 Contractor application in the field. Timesheets can be completed in real time and quickly approved or rejected by payroll.
3.BIMx
If you’re trying to win a lucrative building contract, having the ability to visualise the design will go a long way. With the BIMx app you’re able to interactively present a 3D model of your 2D Building Information Models that are created using ArchiCAD.
4.DEWALT mobile pro
This app will take the guesswork out of your quote process and avoid any under or over-pricing. Take advantage of the construction calculator, wiring, plumbing and masonry calculations. Access previous calculations and share quotes instantly by email.
5.Finger CAD
This will give construction workers, architects and designers the edge whilst on site. Instead of traditional sketches you can draw directly onto photos taken on site, freehand jot down notes and measurements. The final design can be saved in standard format (ex. DXF) and sent via email.
6.Sharemytoolbox
Keep track of valuable tools and ensure you always have the right tool for the job with this peer to peer sharing platform. Create your tool inventory, ensure workers check tools in and out. You’ll reduce your annual spend on tools, reduce rental cost by not buying duplicate tools and decrease the number of lost tools.
7.DroneDeploy
This app is the leading cloud software for commercial drones. It gives you the ability to easily explore and share high quality interactive maps, orthomosaics and 3D models directly from your mobile device. Fly your drone directly from your mobile app or tablet and quickly process images of your site all whilst in the field.
8.Autodesk Build
For all things construction management, the newly branded Plan Grid app, has all your construction project management needs covered. View and markup plans and designs, create, track and resolve issues on-site, capture, annotate and share progress photos, schedule and access meetings and view 3D models. Comprehensive workflows and connectors between tools will help you to deliver projects on time and within budget.
There are a plethora of construction industry apps at your fingertips, the key is identifying the areas of your business where you need to save time and money, and digitising these areas first. Construction apps will increase team collaboration, efficiency and accuracy not only in individual projects, but in future construction business processes too. You will be able to use historic data and learn from previous examples. It’s time to start digitising the construction industry.