There are a slew of terms we could use to describe AI and its use today. It is intimidating and exciting. It’s both scary and misjudged. Its functions are simultaneously abused and misused. And somehow, it’s both overutilized and underutilized. And no matter where you stand on its employment, it’s most definitely powerful.

That’s especially true when it comes to construction administration. AI tools can truly reshape and revolutionize how we design, plan, and manage construction projects. This guide on how to apply AI to construction administration will highlight some of the best, more practical ways to use artificial intelligence to deliver better projects and run a better business. 

Applying AI to Construction Administration

When it comes to construction administration, AI is already having a major impact. It’s being used to design, plan, and monitor projects in order to save time and improve accuracy and efficiency. It’s also revolutionizing the way businesses are running and evolving, from the front office staff to the folks on the ground. 

Here’s 10 ways you can apply AI to your business:

1. Use (and Understand) Location Intelligence

Selecting a building site can be a bit of a gamble. Sure, we refer to data to make decisions when we can, but unless we know how to process that data correctly, a lot comes down to luck. But AI helps reduce the variables when it comes to site selection. There are AI tools designed specifically to analyze data and help construction administration teams make the best possible decisions.

These tools utilize unstructured data (foot traffic, for example) to drive decision-making processes. These data can be challenging to analyze and fully understand, but data analysis is what AI does best. 

2. Streamline Pre-Construction Planning

Working with a client to come up with the right design is an art that truly requires a pro’s touch. But what if there was a shortcut to get there? AI is that shortcut, and it’s one of its best, most practical uses. 

The concept is pretty simple. The client uses an AI design tool to create a design that comes close to the one they’re envisioning. They then take that base design to a professional architect who can then use it as the jumping-off point to really nail the client’s vision. This can cut the number of renderings down significantly and save the designer time.

3. Perform AI-Powered Site Inspections

Site inspections might be a nice break from day-to-day administrative duties, but there are better ways to get it done. You guessed it: AI.

When it comes to analyzing site conditions and project progress, artificial intelligence programs make short work of it. For one, there are a few AI-powered drones that can easily maneuver around a site quickly, performing the actual inspection and data collection processes. AI programs can then analyze the data and photos to identify objects and determine project progress, compare the actual site conditions against the plans, and look for safety hazards.

4. Let AI Automate Simple Tasks

AI is extremely good at identifying patterns and replicating them, making it the perfect solution for many mundane tasks. For example, rather than manually reviewing shop drawings, AI software can automatically review drawings and compare them against the project specs to identify issues quickly with improved accuracy. 

Or, how about automating submittal logs so your team never misses another without spending endless hours creating the log? AI can do that, too. 

5. Accept and Utilize AI Robots

We all know AI robots exist, and more are coming. You can spend your days fearing them or you can accept that they’re here and that they might actually make your life easier.

AI-powered robotics are getting better at their tasks and capabilities all the time. We already mentioned AI-piloted drones, but there are also AI machines now that can map floorplans with incredible accuracy and even a machine that hangs drywall completely on its own. There are also cases where robots can enter dangerous areas or circumstances without risking human life. 

In some regards, complex problem-solving still requires human oversight. But, allowing these simpler, straightforward tasks to be performed by robots allows CA teams and construction crews to focus on more pressing decisions and tasks. 

6. Let the Data Guide Materials Selection

Streamlining the design process is one of AI’s greatest skill sets. Designers can use AI programs to choose materials, furnishings, and other design details, helping them design which materials or finishes will work best with the design. With just a few quick tweaks, they can try multiple styles or combinations to find that perfect feel with fully-functioning renderings.

But it’s not just interior designers that can wield the power of AI. Architects will soon be able to use AI to guide decisions regarding energy efficiency and building performance. These programs can analyze a design to determine which materials should be based on data like cost, efficiency, availability, sustainability, and variables. 

7. Make Better Decisions Using Data

AI is all about data utilization, and construction administrators, contractors, developers, property owners, and designers can make the most of it. These programs can analyze and interpret huge amounts of unstructured data to help these folks make better decisions. They can use the latest data combined with historical data and other user inputs to mitigate risk, improve company performance, and deliver better projects.

8. Ease the Labour Shortage Strain

Imagine a world where a small, lean company can operate efficiently despite a labour shortage. AI can fill the gap rather than allow the lack of dedicated, capable, and available employees to hold the company back. 

Companies need to use AI software to automate time-consuming tasks and develop efficient workflows. For instance, consider an AI assistant that reviews submittals for the user and makes suggestions. The amount of time saved is significant, allowing team members to work on other tasks. Suddenly, a lean team is more efficient and can do more with less despite the labour shortage. 

Learn more about our AI-powered Submittal Assistant in this Part3 webinar:

9. Evolve Your Business

AI can empower a company to diversify its offerings and develop additional divisions or ventures. For example, some design professionals might find themselves offering AI-powered solutions at a lower cost, serving more clients while devoting a smaller share of their time to each project. 

Also, as AI continues to grow, customers will start to expect certain services or courtesies. Clients will come to expect data entry and simpler tasks to be free, as they know these aspects of the project can be automated. Companies will have to evolve and restructure their billing needs. Luckily, companies that adopt AI will be able to maintain their competitive edges over those that don’t.

10. Keep Learning

AI is constantly evolving, and so must construction administration professionals. Constant training on the newest tools to keep employees and leadership up to date is a necessity. Re-skilling certain employees to focus more on AI utilization will be key, especially if their typical tasks are turned over to an AI solution. 

Companies and employees that keep their fingers on the pulse of AI technology will become more valuable the larger and wider-spread AI gets. It will also help these companies mitigate risks associated with AI, as it’s far from perfect despite all its uses. 

Don’t Fight AI. Adopt It.

Ultimately, fighting AI is a waste of time. It’s powerful, efficient, and if used correctly, nowhere near as risky as some folks think. If you want to learn more about how Part3 is adopting and implementing AI to increase its capabilities and help you run a better construction administration business, book your demo today.