CATEGORY: IT

The construction industry is changing faster than ever. We are constantly seeing new tools, technologies, and concepts with the potential to revolutionize how structures are designed and built. One such technology is the Internet of Things (IoT).

Thanks to advancements in sensor technology and modern wireless connection speeds, information can be transferred almost instantaneously, allowing for better decision-making, productivity, and an overall safer worksite environment. But what is the Internet of Things, and how does it work?

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things, or IoT for short, is a collective network of electronic devices that constantly send and receive data to each other in real-time. At first glance, this technology doesn’t sound all that ground-breaking when we consider that we live in a world built around the Internet. However, when we take a closer look at the components that make up IoT, we can start to see its revolutionary potential.

Components of IoT

The Internet of Things consists of four major components: sensors, a wireless connection, a data processing program, and a user interface. These simple yet powerful tools allow data to be collected, transferred, analyzed, and viewed.

Sensors – Sensors are fundamental to the Internet of Things. These devices collect data from the environment where they are installed. In a construction setting, data sensors are often installed to monitor temperature, humidity, and light levels, as well as detect motion and on-site traffic. These sensors include:

• Construction Wearables: Smart helmets, vests, glasses, and watches can help monitor worker vital signs, detect falls, and alert project managers of potential hazards, facilitating better on-site safety protocols.
• Smart Components: Building components with built-in sensors, such as HVAC, lighting, and security systems, can be integrated with IoT and controlled remotely, leading to better energy efficiency during and after construction.
• Heavy Machinery Sensors: IoT-enabled machinery can be closely monitored to calculate the most opportune moment for routine maintenance.

Wireless Connection – A wireless connection is what makes IoT possible. Once data is collected by on-site sensors, it can be sent to other devices or a centralized location via a wireless signal like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, or 5G.

Data Processing Program – Information collected by sensors is immediately sent to a data analysis program that can analyze, sort, and distribute it appropriately. In most cases, sensor data is processed by a BIM (building information modeling) or AI (artificial intelligence) software to derive usable insights.

User Interfaces – After data has been collected and processed, it needs to be made available for practical use. This is where a user interface comes into play. Mobile apps are a common choice for construction managers and engineers as they can display critical data needed during construction.

Use Cases of IoT in Construction

The Adoption of IoT into the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) fields has introduced various innovative applications that have been proven to significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and project management. Here are five of the most common uses for the Internet of Things in a construction setting.

Use 1: Improved Worker Safety

Construction wearables equipped with IoT sensors can monitor workers’ vital signs and environmental conditions on the job site. These devices can detect potential hazards, such as exposure to harmful gases or extreme temperatures, and immediately alert construction managers. This real-time data collection helps improve site safety and reduce accidents.

Use 2: Streamlined Construction Processes

IoT-enabled systems can integrate with BIM software to provide a comprehensive overview of the construction project. This integration allows for better planning, coordination, and task execution. IoT solutions also support automation and robotics, enhancing workflow and reducing manual labor costs.

Use 3: Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance can be a game-changer in construction efficiency. IoT sensors can monitor the condition of heavy machinery and construction equipment, predicting when maintenance is needed before a breakdown occurs. This proactive approach minimizes downtime, reduces repair costs, and extends the lifespan of valuable equipment.

Use 4: Improving Supply Chain Management

IoT technology enhances supply chain management by providing real-time tracking and inventory management. Sensors and trackers on materials and equipment ensure that construction companies can monitor their supply chain, anticipate shortages, and manage deliveries efficiently. This optimization reduces delays and keeps projects on schedule.

Benefits of Using IoT in Construction

By leveraging IoT-centered real-time data and advanced analytics, AEC companies can streamline workflows, improve construction sustainability, and make better decisions pertaining to their projects. The following four benefits highlight IoT’s efficiency as a construction management tool.

Benefit 1: Improved Decision-Making

IoT technology provides construction firms with a surplus of data analytics, enabling informed decision-making. Real-time data helps stakeholders understand the current project status, identify potential issues, and make timely adjustments. This level of insight is crucial for optimizing the construction process and ensuring project success.

Benefit 2: Enhanced Sustainability

IoT solutions contribute to sustainability in the construction sector by promoting efficient use of resources and reducing waste. Smart sensors can monitor energy consumption, water usage, and material utilization, helping construction companies adopt more sustainable practices. This focus on sustainability not only benefits the environment but also enhances the reputation of construction businesses.

Benefit 3: Better Compliance and Documentation

IoT systems can automatically record data related to compliance and OSHA safety standards. This automatic documentation ensures that construction companies can easily meet regulatory requirements and provide evidence of compliance. It also reduces the administrative burden on project managers and improves the accuracy of records.

Benefit 4: Enhanced Worker Productivity

IoT-enabled wearables and devices can monitor worker productivity and health. By providing insights into worker performance and identifying areas for improvement, these devices help construction managers optimize labor allocation and improve overall productivity. Additionally, ensuring workers’ health and safety leads to higher morale and efficiency.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things represents a digital transformation in the way construction projects are carried out. From improved decision-making to enhanced worker safety, the benefits of IoT almost always justify the initial investment cost. If you are interested in integrating IoT into your construction firm’s workflow, we suggest heading over to the University of Cincinnati’s website and checking out their in-depth guide on How To Choose The Right Sensor For Your IoT Project.

The AEC industry has come a long way from traditional paper-based processes. With advancements in technology over the past three decades, there’s been a remarkable transformation towards a digital future. It began with Computer-aided Design (CAD), then Building Information Modeling (BIM), and eventually capabilities such as modeling, visualization, simulation, analysis, automation, generative design, and even AI. Behind the scenes, the digital infrastructure supporting these capabilities has evolved, too; a modern, efficient, and flexible file management infrastructure is a must for design and construction firms leveraging the latest technologies.

In this article, we’ll discuss the evolution of “going digital,” the importance of a cloud-based file management system, and how supplementing the design and collaboration capabilities offered by Autodesk with Egnyte’s cloud-first platform can offer significant benefits to architecture, engineering, and construction professionals.

The Evolution of “Going Digital”

While paper deliverables still retain much of their popularity—primarily due to contractual requirements—the methods used to generate them have changed significantly over the past 40 years. This evolution began with Computer-aided Design (CAD) software, which allowed designers to create 2D and 3D drawings. Building Information Modeling (BIM) software began growing in popularity in the late ’90s, enabling designers to create intelligent, fully-parametric 3D models that contained all the necessary information about a building. BIM models often include everything from material properties to highly-detailed structural and MEP systems. This makes it possible, for example, to test the performance of a building using the digital asset before the physical structure is ever built. Today, we see ever-more-sophisticated examples of these digital capabilities, from rapid conceptual iteration with AI-driven generative design tools to automated jobsite safety monitoring using advanced sensors and analytics.

The Challenge

As architecture and engineering projects continue to grow in size and complexity, the sheer volume of data generated in the BIM authoring process can easily become overwhelming. Without a modern and efficient file management system in place, organizing and maintaining this vast repository of data can seem like a daunting and time-consuming endeavor, hindering productivity and efficiency. It’s essential for professionals in these industries to have a robust system in place that can effectively handle this data across the project lifecycle—and indeed across all projects in their office. Seamless collaboration and accurate information management are critical to achieving successful project outcomes.

The Solution

Egnyte’s cloud-based document management solution replaces the functionality of on-premises file servers, offering a secure, modern, flexible, and efficient file management infrastructure. Egnyte seamlessly integrates with popular AEC tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud and Newforma as well as productivity apps like Microsoft Office 365, Teams, and Zoom. Egnyte’s cloud-first solution enables teams to access and work on project files from anywhere, on any device, while also ensuring that project data is kept up-to-date across all platforms.

The integration between Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and Egnyte provide a comprehensive solution for AEC projects and professionals.

ACC offers powerful design collaboration capabilities, particularly for Revit-centric projects, as well as dedicated project management tools for design and construction professionals. Similarly, Egnyte provides a simple, powerful, and secure file management system that supports sophisticated digital project workflows.

Using ACC Connect, design and construction professionals can integrate ACC and Egnyte to streamline their business practices for file sharing, collaboration, and document management. Project data is always kept up-to-date, minimizing the risk of data loss or inconsistent versions.

Pairing Autodesk and Egnyte cloud solutions offers endless possibilities for collaboration and information exchange across projects while efficiently managing, streamlining, and securing data. And as AEC technologies continue to evolve, the infrastructure required to support those projects must continue advancing to remain ‘ahead of the game’. This is Egnyte’s strength, and we are committed to ensuring our customers are prepared for the industry’s digital future.

If you want to learn more about how Autodesk and Egnyte can help you better manage your files, content, and change processes – schedule a meeting with us!

Microsol Resources Corporation, a recognized leader in building information modeling (BIM) technology solutions and a leading Autodesk Gold Partner serving the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, is pleased to announce the addition of Egnyte to its growing association of technology partners.

Egnyte transforms where and how companies work with their content. Combining many different software categories into one unified platform gives IT the visibility and control they require while also empowering knowledge workers with the intelligence, automation, and flexibility they crave.

The new partnership draws on the distinct strengths of each company

Microsol Resources’ ability to help our clients address customers’ content collaboration, security, and compliance requirements all at once, and Egnyte’s ability to enable AEC firms to improve file access, security, and management to save time and boost productivity.

“We’re excited to partner with Egnyte, a top provider of cloud-based collaboration and data governance solutions,” said Emilio Krausz, President of Microsol Resources. “Egnyte’s platform streamlines document management enhances collaboration, and ensures data security for our AEC clients. By integrating Egnyte into our portfolio, we offer a comprehensive solution tailored to industry needs, driving productivity and success.”

“Partnering with Microsol Resources presents a great opportunity to enable seamless integration of Egnyte’s advanced solutions into the workflows of architects, engineers, and construction firms. This partnership reflects our commitment to enhancing collaboration, security, and data governance capabilities with a modern cloud-based all-in-one solution for their clients across all AEC sectors,” said Kevin Soohoo, senior director of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction at Egnyte.

This latest partnership reinforces Microsol Resources’ dedication to matching business needs with products and support. This is one of many reasons the company has received numerous recent accolades and exceptional customer satisfaction rankings.

To start this new partnership, Microsol Resources is hosting an online event called, Business Risks of Uncontrolled Data Growth and How Egnyte Helps, on June 27, 2024 at 12 pm ET. To register for this event, click here.

For more information about our new partnership with Egnyte or to help you manage, secure, and govern your cloud content, contact info@microsolresources.com.