Digital transformation of Australia’s construction sector is gathering pace and those who don’t get on board this runaway train risk missing out on all the benefits that embracing digital has to offer.
We know that up to [i]250,000 new jobs will be created by digitalisation by 2025, and this number is expected to keep growing. Australia had more than 770,000 technology workers in 2019, which was a 6.8 per cent increase on the previous year, so it’s clear that we’re on an upward spiral. [ii]However, most builders still find themselves stuck in the basic stage of digitalisation, and it could be a decade before industry reaches digital maturity.
The push to deliver on-time, on-budget projects and build greater accuracy and trustworthiness has, up until now, been stymied by barriers such as the cost of software and licensing.
But the experts agree that digital preparedness can deliver the following for Australia’s built industry:
· More accurate and trustworthy outcomes
· Reduction in build costs driven by expertise in prediction and subsequent time saving; and,
· An employment boom in higher skill roles
Large construction projects require a much higher level of digital skills than ever before. There is a growing demand from leading construction companies for contractors and employees to be equipped with digital skills.
[iii]Forbes recently stated that digitalised infrastructure is key to the future of the engineering and construction industry, and the $140B critical infrastructure spend in Australia. Digital twins are viewed as a foundation to the digitalised infrastructure vision, in the centralising of all the data involved in a project, allowing all stakeholders to share information and move the project along more swiftly and seamlessly.
Supply Chain has been a huge issue for Australia’s construction industry throughout the pandemic. [iv]A survey of Australian and New Zealand construction companies found that supply chain transformation would provide the biggest productivity opportunity for Australian construction, post the pandemic. Those able to adapt faster and reduce their cost base are more likely to experience greater productivity.
Along with the aim of reducing operating costs, increasing competitiveness and reliability of operations, and income growth, almost half of all organisations surveyed said they were looking to improve contractor relationships and outcomes through digital transformation.
At Veyor, we believe digital solutions such as ours will be essential to creating a more efficient, lower risk environment. Our technology is allowing companies to move away from the whiteboard and use a specifically designed construction app that is simple to rollout, easy to use and is already making a difference on some of Australia’s largest projects such as the SydneyMetro.
Keen to learn more? Reach out to the Veyor team to learn more by emailing info@veyordigital.com.
[i] https://digitaleconomy.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-07/digital-economy-strategy.pdf
[ii] https://www.nsw.gov.au/building-commissioner/how-digital-ready-construction-industry
[iii] https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2021/10/18/the-digitalisation-behind-australias-140b-critical-infrastructure-spend/?sh=15ae77284da7
[iv] https://www.sydneybuildexpo.com/news/supply-chain-transformation-cites-as-biggest-productivity-opportunity-for-booming-australian-construction-industry-post-covid-19
What Are Some Of The Challenges Of Crane Management ?
It being a complex process that requires careful planning, organization, and coordination, there are several challenges that Site Managers or Superintendents face when managing their cranes, such as:
1. Weather Conditions
Changing weather can significantly impact crane operations. High winds, rain, and snow can make it unsafe for cranes to operate, and extreme temperatures can affect the crane's performance. Site Managers or Superintendents need to keep an eye out for any difficult weather conditions and plan ahead for alternatives such as shifting materials using internal lifts or having set areas to store the additional materials when cranes can’t operate. For example, some site teams set up warehousing areas on-site to store surplus materials that helps teams keep busy when there is a slow down in material delivery flow.
2. Site Constraints
Many construction sites have limited space, making it challenging to maneuver cranes around. Careful planning of the crane’s movements needs to be coordinated to avoid any obstacles that could be in its path. Superintendents or Site Managers also need to consider the crane's height and weight limitations to avoid damaging the site's infrastructure. Additionally, the location of the crane, access to unloading zones on roads, and staging areas need to be taken into consideration to ensure that the crane can operate safely and efficiently.
3. Availability of Cranes
Depending on the size and complexity of the project, multiple cranes may be required. Site Managers or Superintendents need to ensure that there are enough cranes available to meet the project's needs and that the cranes are being used effectively to avoid downtime. When this isn’t planned properly at the start of the job, supplementary mobile cranes are often brought in, which come at a high cost.
4. Scheduling Conflicts
Construction projects involve many different subcontractors, each with their own schedules and timelines. Scheduling conflicts can easily arise when multiple teams need to use the crane at the same time, leading to delays and inefficiencies. Good collaboration between all parties involved is essential to ensure that the assets are being used efficiently.
5. Human Error
Crane operators and other on-site personnel need to be trained to operate the crane safely and efficiently. Poor communication, lack of experience, and scheduling clashes can lead to accidents on-site. In order to minimize the risk, Site Managers or Superintendents need to provide proper training and supervision to ensure that everyone on the site is collaborating and communicating. When new high risk activities are undertaken, it is also crucial that site teams perform an appropriate lift study that is audited by all key stakeholders prior to work commencing.
How to Optimize Your Crane Management?
To optimize your crane management, digital comprehensive solutions such as Veyor’s Construction Logistics Management Software are the way to go. Veyor offers a range of features that revolutionizes crane management with just a couple of clicks. Some of the features of Veyor include:
- Easy crane booking system
- Collaborative scheduling
- Real-time notifications about changes and cancellations
- Tracking of crane usage for actuals and planned data
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
- Visual logistics board
Effective crane management is an essential aspect of construction logistics management. By optimizing crane usage, minimizing downtime, and ensuring safety, construction companies can save money, improve efficiency, and prevent accidents. With a comprehensive solution like Veyor, Site Managers or Superintendents can optimize their crane management and focus on their projects' success.
.avif)
