Video conferencing is one of the best ways to enhance the sluggish 1% productivity growth rate within the construction sector. The modern construction firm engages with multiple stakeholders, requiring greater agility to ensure timely delivery. Additionally, with increasing pressure mounted on profitability due to the pandemic, there are critical challenges that need to be overcome via better on-ground connectivity.
With less than 36% of global firms being well prepared during the peak of the global lockdown, most developers were focused on adopting the right technology capabilities. Companies were reviewing platforms to connect distinct workflows, such as online meetings, documentation management, labour productivity, etc. Remote connectivity emerged as a leading area of focus for several developers that fully explored key options for high-quality video and remote conferencing.
Top benefits of video conferencing in construction sector
Reviewing the top benefits of video conferencing in construction can help us understand the core need for this critical function better.
1. Streamlining project management for remote sites
A core function of construction project management is execution monitoring, ranging from procurement to site work. There are several challenges in acquiring real-time information that is accurate and updated, especially if site teams are manually providing progress insights. For project work to flow seamlessly across stages, managers need access to video conferencing and online meeting tools.
Key challenges that can arise on sites can be solved faster as well. Through the visibility provided by leading solutions, such as the Zepth Meet video conferencing tool, developers can visually understand the scale of the challenge and provide agile solutions. Teams can instantly track problem resolution across its lifecycle and add pins and flags for video follow-ups.
2. Improving collaboration for better site execution
One of the main reasons why companies adopt a video conferencing tool is to improve the level of collaboration stakeholders can have to improve execution quality. With construction projects experiencing delays of between 2-3 years, for larger-scale projects, an ideal way to shorten execution lifecycles is to improve collaboration. Video conferencing also provides a more dynamic communication model through the virtual meetings medium.
Site collaboration can also improve team productivity and output, owing to the seamless nature of connecting with vendors, site inspectors, contractors, equipment managers, etc. The interconnectedness of execution workflows helps reduce the risk of uncertainties arising on construction sites. Video conferencing also helps introduce a sense of trust through visual verification and engagement beyond phone calls and document sharing.
3. Anytime calling and accessibility via mobile and cloud
The construction industry’s digital future revolves significantly around the efficiencies driven by cloud and mobile technologies. With global spending on the cloud rising 23% this year, the multifaceted benefits offered by digitization are allowing construction firms to be more dynamic. Video conferencing tools, powered by the cloud, are providing unparallel access to construction sites, material stores, warehouses, and equipment at any time.
The additional benefit of adopting a video conferencing solution for construction firms is that they can be initiated through mobile devices. With mobile and 4G penetration across most corners of the world, it is easier to call teams through a stable and latency-free medium such as a video conferencing solution. Firms locally based can easily work with global architects, engineers, consultants, and researchers through the right video conferencing medium.
4. Risk reduction in problems caused by execution blind spots
A vital issue that many construction firms are dealing with as they scale up is execution blind spots. These are areas where site teams may not be able to capture the complete breadth of information made available to them. Through video conferencing, key areas such as material quality, site work mismatch, issues with the foundation, equipment mishandling, and other pertinent issues can be captured sooner.
The ultimate benefit of deeper visibility is risk reduction in execution. Developers can visually verify and double-check all aspects of construction site work, which greatly reduces the risk of blind spots. Firms that formalize inspections can leverage video conferencing to capture data first-hand and record it for auditing as well. Video conferencing can be the primary tool to acquire site insights at scale without significant disruption in activities.
5. Ensuring adequate availability of all resources
Material unavailability, lack of the right equipment, labour shortages, and other critical lapses can increase time to completion and costs associated with delivery. Construction firms need video conferencing solutions to identify workflow issues faster and facilitate the necessary rectifications in real-time. With projects taking nearly 20% longer to finish than scheduled, any area of optimization in execution can help reduce time to delivery.
Resource management, across materials, equipment, manpower, etc., can be audited regularly through video conferencing solutions as well. Teams can conduct regular inspections in warehouses, vendor storage areas, leasing houses, etc., prior to issuing them on sites for work completion. Labour management teams can also conference project managers for any issues with availability as well.
6. Performing quality and compliance checks in real-time
Compliance is a key area of concern for many construction firms, which is why having a video conferencing solution can optimize the process. Performing the right checks on-site work can be time and resource-intensive and can be expedited with the help of an integrated video conferencing solution. Through video chats, companies can also track the progress of compliance testing across all projects simultaneously.
Routine stagewise compliance testing can also be performed with remote video conferencing capabilities. Teams can connect to various stakeholders involved with specific stages and review site conditions dynamically. Multiple teams can be connected to video calls, making problem-solving immediate and resolution much faster. The increased collaboration on targeting specific challenges can boost productivity. This can be established as a standard operating practice, making resolution of compliance issues streamlined for future projects.
7. Workflow optimization through task management, minutes, etc.
One of the main benefits of opting for a video conferencing construction solution is the access to secondary tools that are bundled with video connectivity. Tools such as task management, minutes of the meeting, auditing, live data sharing, progress mapping, and history tracking can help optimize workflows significantly. These tools are also vital to developing a more connected construction ecosystem.
Workflow optimization allows for better budgetary adherence, timelier completion, and greater compliance to quality metrics. Teams that are remotely located can also be reached out to through video conferencing as well. This improves team morale, allowing managers to engage with employees at any time. The boost in morale, due to greater connectivity, can help improve site execution speed and lower the cost of delivery.
What are the right features necessary within video conferencing solutions?
The next stage of analysis for developers would be to understand the unique requirements that can be fulfilled through a leading video conferencing solution. Some of these features are mentioned below –
- Automated scheduling of meetings through video conferencing across the network.
- Seamless connectivity and high video quality output for every call.
- Minutes of the meeting tracking, assigning tasks, role management, etc.
- Easy data and document sharing across live calls.
- Secure connectivity; protect against intrusions, leaks, and breach attempts.
- Anytime and anywhere connectivity, through mobile and cloud.
- Multi-seat (200+) video conferencing capabilities built for business needs.
- Optimized UI and UX for ease of use of video conferencing functionalities.
