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technology and embrace Digital Transformation . Morag Evans , CEO of Databuild , highlights six emerging trends which are impacting the construction industry .

The pandemic has forced construction companies to accelerate the adoption of

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“ The emphasis on quality , safety and timely delivery of projects is greater now than ever before , and companies are being forced to accelerate their adoption of technology ,” said Databuild CEO , Morag Evans . “ It ’ s no longer a question of if companies will digitalise , but when and how they are going to bring their businesses into the 21st century and adapt their day-to-day operations to streamline the building process .”

Evans pointed to six emerging trends significantly impacting the construction industry and which participants should seriously consider incorporating into their business model if they wish to enhance their offering while improving efficiencies in the value chain .

Cloud computing

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for real-time communication and information sharing in the construction industry , not only between the office and the job site , but also between various stakeholders such as architects , developers , suppliers and contractors .

Cloud computing not only makes it possible to check on the status of a project without having to physically visit the construction site , but also provides a holistic view of the project data which facilitates decision making and reduces delays and budget overspends .

Internet of Things

Closely allied to cloud computing is the Internet of things ( IoT ). Internet-connected devices are placed around the construction site and enable the collection of all sorts of data around site conditions , activity and performance .

Additionally , biometric sensors can be worn by workers to track their temperature , heart rate and other vital signs . Safety officers are immediately notified if elevated readings are detected .

“ IoT has become particularly appealing in the pandemic-ridden world as project managers look for effective screening measures to

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS HIGHLIGHTED THE NEED FOR REAL-TIME COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SHARING IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY .