Leap to technology: integration and efficiency

The world and societies evolve. This goes hand in hand with technology and the need to meet objectives more efficiently. The construction sector does not escape this evolution, so we want to share a little about how our process of adaptation to new systems and trends has been, from our perspective of project management.

For us, in a simple way, efficiency is doing things well in the shortest possible time, optimizing the use of resources. This is how in recent years we have achieved an implementation of cleaner, more efficient, and highly specified construction systems, which has allowed us to be at the forefront of the requirements requested by our clients or transnational entities. This has allowed us to be competitive and to contribute greatly to the projects in which we have participated.

In the construction sector —one of the areas where we can see the evolution of technology and the search for efficiency— and more specifically, in the areas of design and architecture, everything points to the use of BIM technology and its adaptation to the local market. It should be noted that an attempt should be made to promote this technology to clients in the simplest and easiest way that allows them to understand the efficiency involved in carrying out correct project planning.

As project managers, we also see it through the use of technology in tools. It is a widely developed field that makes it possible to obtain even greater benefits in the construction industry and that can still provide many additional advantages, but in which for various reasons (costs or consultancy) it often happens that the information or data that can be achieved with these devices, is not exploited.

At Mar Azul Projects, we have been pioneers in the use of the Procore construction platform, which is a state-of-the-art tool that provides us with both efficiency in real-time data management and comfort in the execution of a work. Next, five main benefits that we obtain with the use of this tool:

1. Efficiency in inspection time;
2. More practical ways to work collaboratively, using digital tools;
3. Processes integrated with the practical management of construction administration and inspection;
4. Practicality to obtain authorizations and/or signatures regardless of the physical position of the person; and
5. Adaptability and flexibility in handling a high volume of documentation, as well as easily accessible and supported information.

As in all areas, adapting to new technologies, tools or systems always entails challenges from which no one escapes. Therefore, from our experience, here are the three that we consider the most relevant challenges:
→ Identify the correct tool;
→ Cost of the tool and implementation; and
→ Implementation plan and power of persuasion with the human staff that will use the tool.

The changes will continue. We positively see the new areas where technology is migrating, so we invite the construction sector to get involved and be interested in two extremely interesting and important fields, such as the implementation of 3D printers in construction, since it allows jobs to be carried out faster, with higher quality and in a cleaner and more efficient way, as well as sustainable construction, which is very important not only for the future of the industry, but also for our planet. Considering that resources are limited, we must focus on their best use and interact with nature, respecting and caring for it.

We know there is much more to do. It is a long road, but very promising, so we will continue to search for, integrate, and encourage technologies that allow us to continue increasing our efficiency and stay at the forefront of our projects.