The construction industry is evolving as technology is improving. The productivity and safety gains have been enormous. One area of improvement has been the construction layout equipment that simplifies the task of preparing a site.
What was once a labor-intensive task, prone to human error that adds to production costs and introduces delays, has been streamlined by new automation tools. Construction companies are looking for faster completion times, increased precision in measurements, and the ability to manage complex designs easily. The industry started with hand tools and rudimentary measuring equipment. Power tools and digital measuring devices improved workflows tremendously.
Now, construction layout equipment has enabled the automation of the process. 3D modeling software, GPS and laser-based measurement systems, and advanced layout robots have combined to revolutionize how these problems are addressed.
10 Tips for Choosing the Best Construction Technology for Layout Automation
While there are many powerful tools available, there still exists the challenge of integrating them effectively into an existing workflow and merging them with your current technology. Making the right decisions as you upgrade your technology can have a large impact on how much you benefit from the upgrade. The tips below will help you find the best construction technology for your needs.
1. Define Your Construction Layout Project Requirements
Investing in construction layout technology requires a detailed look at the broader requirements of construction projects, going beyond each individual job. When you spend money on the best construction technology, you need to be able to use it on every job.
To maximize this utility, look at the common challenges that all of your projects have. Look at the average scope, size, and complexity of your project and the common key deliverables. This list will help you find technology that aligns with the objectives of most of your projects.
2. Assess the Ease By Which Technology Can Be Adopted
It's easy to be drawn in by the promise of a new technology. But careful planning is necessary if it's to be used effectively.
How easily will your team be able to learn to use the new tool properly? How compatible is the new technology with your current tools? What changes will your processes need to make use of the tool?
Answering these questions before adopting a new technology will minimize disruptions.
3. Ensure the Technology Is Compliant with Internal Systems
There are a lot of moving parts in technology that extend beyond the tools themselves. Before bringing something new into your tech stack, be sure that it's compatible with your existing systems:
- Is it compatible with the software you're currently using?
- Does your hardware meet the minimum requirements?
- Will the integration technology you're currently using to connect technologies work with the new one?
Here, again, is an opportunity to avoid unwanted delays.
4. Consider Scalability for Future Growth
So far, we've talked mostly about your current needs. Those aren't the only ones you should consider, however. You don't want the technology you invest in to become obsolete as your business grows.
Look for solutions that will scale well as workloads increase, projects become larger, and new technology becomes available. This may include looking at parts of your older tech stack and upgrading them, as well.
5. Does the Technology Have a User-Friendly Interface?
The ability of everyone on the team to get up and running quickly with a new tool is important for sustained productivity. Look for tools that have simple user interfaces.
The more intuitive a tool is to use, the lower the learning curve will be, the fewer mistakes will be made, and the more time your employees will be able to spend working instead of learning.
6. Evaluate Data Accuracy and Reliability
When adopting new tools, you want the best construction technology available. Any tool you plan on bringing onto a construction site should be evaluated for accuracy and reliability.
The best tools will provide detailed specifications that will help you determine how accurate they are. In addition to reading those, look for reviews from other users to see if the device lives up to its claims. If possible, try it out for yourself before making a commitment.
7. Consider Cost-Effectiveness
The initial purchase price is an obvious part of its cost-effectiveness, but it isn't the only part. Long-term costs such as maintenance, updates, and operational efficiencies also play a big part in how much it will cost to adopt the technology.
As you evaluate your options, be sure to include these factors when determining whether or not it's the right choice for your company.
8. Support and Training
We've discussed the user-friendliness of the tool itself. While this is important, the level of training and support you can get for the tool is equally important.
Without proper support, even the best construction technology can be a disappointment. Comprehensive training can make it easier to get the most out of a tool. Similarly, if something goes wrong while using the product, great customer support will get you back on track quickly.
9. Explore Cloud-Based Solutions
Many technologies are moving to the cloud. Cloud-based solutions offer remote accessibility, easier collaboration, and automatic updates. This can decrease the costs of maintaining the technology and provide a more scalable solution.
Not all cloud providers are created equally. As you evaluate cloud-based solutions, be sure to evaluate the security practices and uptime guarantees.
10. Observe Reviews and Product Feedback
We've discussed user reviews as a way of evaluating accuracy claims. They can also be a great source of information about what it's like to use the tool. They'll provide meaningful insights into what the tool is like in real-world scenarios.
This can help you avoid investing in a product that seems to meet your needs on paper but doesn't quite align with your objectives.
Addressing Common Challenges
There are several challenges in adopting new construction layout equipment. Many have been addressed in the tips above.
In addition to the types of challenges that impact the selection process itself, it can often be hard to get buy-in from staff. Workers are resistant to changes in what they're already comfortable with.
Overcoming this resistance, as well as all of the potential problems discussed above, can be achieved by developing a clear implementation strategy. Carefully plan how the new technology will fit into your current workflow, including how it works with existing technology and tools. Clearly communicate the benefits the technology will provide your workers to get them on board with the change.
HP SitePrint has been designed with the challenges typically faced in mind. We've built a straightforward and intuitive user interface to reduce the friction of getting up and running.
The high precision and reliability of our construction layout equipment will make its benefits immediately clear to any apprehensive workers. We've strived to build a solution that works well with existing tools, making it easier to integrate with whatever your current technology is.
Optimize Your Work Processes With the Right Construction Layout Equipment
The adoption of advanced construction layout equipment like HP SitePrint can provide a big jump in productivity. They streamline processes and increase accuracy, efficiency, and project outcomes. HP SitePrint's user-friendly interface and seamless integration make it a particularly compelling solution.
Using the best construction technology available will give you an advantage over the competition. To learn more about how SitePrint can transform your construction company, contact us for a consultation.
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