The use of modern technology in the construction industry, broadly defined, is helping to improve efficiency, save time and money, as in many other industries. Some of the technologies already established in the industry include BIM (Building Information Modelling), sensor technologies, the Internet of Things, the cloud and mobile technologies. There are also new solutions that are gaining significant popularity and are being used increasingly boldly by the industry, such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The main benefits of using new technologies in the construction industry are first and foremost process optimisation, which leads to greater efficiency and improved quality of work. It also saves time and reduces material waste. This, of course, reduces costs and increases the competitiveness of a company that uses modern, innovative solutions.
According to Mr. Krzysztof Studzinski - Regional Manager of PlanRadar in Poland, "the current state of digitalisation in the construction industry in Poland can be described as dynamically developing, but still at a lower level compared to some more advanced markets. There are still a large number of small and medium-sized construction companies in our country, which may face difficulties in adapting to new technologies due to limited financial resources and lack of awareness of the benefits of digitalisation. It can be seen that more developed markets, such as the United States, the United Kingdom and the Scandinavian countries, are more advanced in the digitalisation of construction. There, BIM, IoT, data analytics and construction robotics technologies are widely used and accepted. In Poland, however, there is a growing awareness of the importance of digitisation, and the government and industry organisations are taking initiatives to promote and support the adoption of new technologies. One example is the National Industry 4.0 Programme, which also includes the construction sector".
An increasingly popular trend in the introduction of new technologies into the construction industry is Building Information Modelling technology - a digital record of the physical and functional characteristics of a building in a parametric form for the creation and use of construction data as a source of knowledge that is fully accessible to those involved in the process. Construction and design firms are increasingly using BIM to create accurate digital models, integrate data and coordinate projects. In addition, more and more industry players are using construction and real estate project management software. Introducing new technologies into the construction industry presents many challenges, including the need to change the culture and mindset of adopting new technologies and improving the digital literacy of the industry's workforce. An important step is to choose the right technologies, that are tailored to a company's human and financial needs and capabilities. Thoughtful choices can help minimise costs in the long run and increase the competitiveness mentioned above.
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