Bridging the Talent Gap: Using AI to Transform the Construction Industry
Like almost every other sector, artificial intelligence is poised to transform the way the built environment works. But while generative AI tools like ChatGPT are a fairly new addition, other forms of the technology have had major impacts on the construction industry for some time.
AI tools are already helping industry professionals with many use cases throughout the lifecycle of a project or asset – improving overall design, planning, safety, quality, sustainability and productivity. The technology can handle the more monotonous tasks, allowing us to be more productive and creative in the way we work.
Autodesk’s recent State of Design & Make Report shows that AI is shaping business transformation across industries as trust in the technology grows. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of construction leaders surveyed say they are close to or have achieved their goal of integrating AI into technology. their activities. Companies are already using it to increase productivity and automate work, and leaders predict that generative AI will help people make critical design decisions about physical products, buildings and digital assets in the coming years.
AI is a key driver of digital transformation within AECO while simultaneously enabling digital acceleration for companies to continuously evolve and adapt to achieve desired business outcomes.
I’m especially excited about the way AI can level the playing field. It has the potential to bring construction’s technological capabilities on par with those of other, more digitally native industries, while also giving smaller companies access to the same game-changing tools as their heavyweight counterparts. A world where companies of all sizes can leverage the benefits of AI means more competition, more innovation, and ultimately better results.
Head of Technical Solutions, Autodesk Construction EMEA.
Grow an expanded workforce
Construction companies are facing an aging workforce, turnover and a much-discussed skills gap. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the sector recruited 200,000 new workers in Britain last year, but there was still a net talent loss, with 210,000 people leaving. The pace of digitalization is only widening this skills gap, with organizations competing for a limited pool of the best technology talent.
It’s no surprise that 36% of the industry leaders we surveyed in our report say closing a skills gap is a key use case for AI within their company. As workforces become leaner, companies see AI’s potential to help manage the workload of smaller teams, free up employees for more meaningful and creative work, and fill talent gaps. While it won’t solve the core problem, AI will enable the brilliant people in our industry to achieve even more by augmenting and supporting their talents and expertise.
When it comes to the successful implementation of AI in construction, having a skilled and knowledgeable workforce is crucial. Construction professionals will therefore need to be trained in the technology, data analysis and a wide range of systems to use them effectively in their projects. This requires a commitment to permanent education and further training within the sector. The closer people get to understanding the benefits and risks of AI, the less likely they will be to think it will replace their work, rather than seeing its potential to expand and improve our work.
A foundation for data excellence
Before construction companies can adopt more complex technologies like AI, they need the foundation of a solid digital and data strategy to produce truly actionable insights. Autodesk’s recent report with Deloitte, which surveyed construction industry leaders in 12 different countries, found that those considered “data leaders” were seven times more likely to deploy AI and machine learning solutions. The good news is that Britain has the highest share of data leaders (18%) of the five European countries analyzed, demonstrating the importance of data in the UK construction sector.
But while the benefits of data leadership are clear, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of data-driven practices in construction. An important barrier is data fragmentation. According to the Deloitte report, 43% of UK construction leaders reported that their organizations were storing data on too many different platforms, leading to problems integrating and analyzing information. Using tools like a Common Data Environment (CDE) helps businesses significantly by providing a centralized, integrated, and standardized data management platform. This ensures that project data is clean, well-organized, and readily available for AI implementation.
Making AI work for the construction industry
The potential of AI to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in construction is enormous. We need to embrace AI and what it can offer to augment and improve our working lives, while ensuring we don’t become overly reliant on it, which could lead to a decline in standards or quality of workmanship . This is why regulations and companies implementing guidelines are critical.
The impact of AI on the workforce is a topic of both excitement and fear. The risky and costly nature of most construction processes means that even the smallest mistakes can have huge consequences. As a result, there is often little incentive to move away from the traditionally known, proven ways of doing things, even when these innovative technologies have the potential to deliver substantial benefits.
By having a solid foundation in data leadership and management, and by taking an approach to AI that puts our great people at the center, AI can be a springboard for the construction industry to reach new heights.
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