What is the Internet of Things?
The technology of the Internet of Things (IoT) has been gradually developing over the past few decades and has recently received much attention for its potential to transform industries. IoT technology essentially involves large connected systems of devices which communicate with one another wirelessly over the internet to perform certain tasks. These devices, which are integrated with sensors that collect sensitive data from environments, then relay that information back to a central platform for detailed analysis.
One application of IoT that gained much attention during the early stages of the technology’s emergence was in the area of the smart home concept. Smart home systems essentially allowed home owners to access information surrounding their homes via a mobile application. The app would provide information on areas such as home-security, indoor temperature and energy consumption, allowing users to monitor these and make adjustments from a remote location.
27 Group, a business consultancy and advisory organisation geared towards project development and socioeconomic transformation strengths, weighed in saying with its short deadline of seven years to achieve a massive input of national strategy and implementation, it has been termed a moon-shot campaign policy with immediate goals in mind to raise the lagging industrial and manufacturing sectors. It has a range of targets which tie into economic growth, job creation and ESG enhancements, among others, and takes on a new mission-based approach to achieve its targets.
Quite apart from its household applications, however, IoT technologies offer numerous benefits to industries, as the technology can be adapted to enable greater levels of operational efficiency and productivity to a number of key sectors. Within the healthcare industry, for instance, IoT systems can be leveraged to enable quick and accurate access to a patient’s medical information. In the manufacturing sector, IoT technology allows factory operators to monitor and engage in better machinery upkeep practices.
The Global Internet of Things (IoT) market is estimated at USD 1.17 trillion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.37 trillion by 2029. As the technology continues to develop with greater levels of sophistication, its applications are being considered within the construction sector as a means of improving construction development and project management activities within areas such as site safety management and supply chain optimisation.
IoT Applications in the Construction Sector
While digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) have been utilised within the construction sector over the years to specifically improve building design processes, IoT technology offers a range of applications which have the potential to bring improvements to various aspects of construction operations.
Health and Safety
Health and safety issues are a major concern within the construction sector. Construction site accidents accounted for 21% of all work-related fatalities in the U.S. in 2021 and the accumulated costs associated with safety amounted to approximately $12 billion.
IoT technologies provide an added level of oversight and visibility with respect to on-site health and safety standards. The integration of the technology through cameras and sensors allows users to effectively monitor construction sites in real time and collect data on safety parameters.
Site mangers can, for instance, track on-site worker mobility and ensure that personnel are adhering the necessary safety standards. Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity can also be closely monitored and analysed, ensuring that workers are not exposed to unfavourable environmental factors. Additionally, safety hazards such as gas leaks, exposed wiring, stagnant water deposits and fires can be identified and managed in a timely and efficient manner.
Another way in which health and safety measures can be improved is through the usage of wearable devices. Such wearables, in the form of smart watches, smart helmets and smart vests are able to collect information on workers’ vitals, tracking their health conditions while they are engaged with activities on site. By tracking worker health conditions in real-time, potential emergencies can be responded to in a swift and efficient manner.
Surveillance and Monitoring
Another key area that can benefit from the introduction of IoT technologies is in site surveillance and monitoring. Here on-site cameras can be fitted with IoT features to provide an added level of security monitoring on construction sites. Such devices can enable detailed personnel identification, allowing site operators to track and manage human activity on site.
In addition, high-quality on-site surveillance systems can support site managers in observing and monitoring daily work activities. Information relating to construction progress, worker productivity, and equipment usage can be collected and analysed, allowing project managers to make better decisions which improve operational workflows and increase overall productivity.
The use of drones equipped with IoT technology offers another important avenue in terms of visual on-site surveillance. Drones are able to provide aerial views of construction sites which can be collected to improve site analysis, project planning, construction progress management, and overall safety standards. The use of drones also reduces the probability of on-site injury from workers trying to access hazardous terrain.
Resource Management and Supply Chain Optimisation
The data gathering capabilities offered by IoT also enable improvements to occur with respect to resource management and supply chain optimisation. One way in which this achieved is through more detailed and efficient tracking of assets and equipment. Important tools, materials, and equipment which are used on-site can be fitted with IoT sensors to track their location and usage over time. This allows project managers to keep better track over the use of these resources, reducing unnecessary wastages and preventing associated cost overruns.
This level of monitoring and oversight extends towards key on-site resources such as water and energy. Properly integrated IoT systems can support project managers in more accurately tracking the use of key resources over time, allowing them to better plan and manage project costs and overall resource utilisation.
IoT technology can also be leveraged to improve supply chain optimisation. IoT sensors can be integrated into on-site inventory management systems, allowing them to detect shortages and automatically order the necessary items when stocks run low. This ensures that projects maintain a continuous flow in operations and reduces delays associated with supply shortages.
Building Management and Maintenance
Another key area that can be improved through the integration of IoT technologies is building management and maintenance. Here, IoT sensors can be utilised to support structural health monitoring by being embedded into key sections of building which relay sensitive structural data. These sensors can collect and transmit information on vibrations, cracks and other structural issues, and allow for timely maintenance to take place.
IoT systems can also be integrated into Building Automation Systems (BAS), allowing project managers to access and manage on-site building systems such as lighting, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) and Security. The integration of IoT into these systems greatly improves building performance and reduces energy consumption.
Real-time data captured by IoT sensors allows for fine-grained adjustments to lighting intensities based on occupancy, minimizing energy waste. Intelligent HVAC systems react to temperature fluctuations and usage patterns, ensuring optimal comfort while reducing energy consumption.
In addition, IoT technology can be leveraged to access the relevant data surrounding on-site equipment and machinery, to support the effective scheduling of maintenance protocols. This type of data-driven predictive maintenance allows companies to reduce downtimes and extend the lifespan of their construction assets.
The Challenges of Implementing IoT in Construction
While IoT technologies certainly afford various advantages to the construction sector in terms of performance improvements, the implementation of the technology does not come without its challenges.
Safeguarding Data Integrity
As we have seen, IoT technologies leverage on vast amounts of data to support the various monitoring mechanisms and operational adjustments that need to be made on site. This data, collected from a wide range of construction project operational activities can be highly sensitive to both the construction company as well as its clients and associated stakeholders. Thus, ensuring that that this data is sufficiently protected using the most advanced and appropriate cybersecurity systems is vital for such systems to function seamlessly.
High Costs of Implementation
IoT technologies can have a significant price tag attached them, and while the cost of the sensors has come down in recent years, the overall upfront costs associated with adoption are still quite considerable. Depending on the size of the construction firm in question, costs can be prohibitive for smaller firms, however scalability and the long-term cost reductions associated with better operational practices are nevertheless compelling reasons to consider the investment.
Interoperability Issues
Issues may arise with respect to utilising IoT systems from different vendors in terms of how effectively these devices communicate with each other within a given network. The complications that arise from such issues can be a major hindrance in terms of seamless integration. Nevertheless, users have the option of choosing IoT platforms that support universal integration and should be prudent when selecting the appropriate vendors.
Workflow Integration Concerns
The seamless integration of IoT based systems into existing workflows can pose its own challenges. Key site personnel and workers need to be trained to properly utilise and incorporate the new system, and integration into existing software frameworks also needs to be handled with care. Training programs tailored to different roles, from executives to frontline workers, are crucial for understanding and utilising the new systems effectively. Additionally, collaborating with technology providers who specialise in integrating cutting-edge solutions with existing infrastructure is essential to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of IoT.
The benefits which IoT technologies can bring to the construction sector are indeed impressive, making the adoption of the technology a factor that can be highly compelling for firms who wish to bring an added level of quality and performance to their project management capabilities.
The added level of control and oversight that the technology affords, whether through improvements made to site safety standards, security and maintenance, resource management, supply chain optimisation or building maintenance, ensures that construction projects can be carried out in the most efficient possible manner, keeping operations well within budgets and projected schedules.
While the technology is certainly not without it challenges in terms of implementation, such as those associated with the cost of adoption and effective integration, these can be overcome as the technology continues to evolve, cost margins fall, and companies increasingly make use of them within their operations.
27 Group is a business consultancy and advisory organisation geared towards project development and socioeconomic transformation strengths. They provide project management and master planning services for clients within multiple industries and are also keenly involved in the development of socioeconomic initiatives within the public sector. Our guiding ethos of ‘Rebuilding Humanity’ drives us to deliver transformative projects with the right amount of care and attention, meeting both stakeholder expectations and the essential needs of the wider communities that the group serves.
