U.S. construction companies not embracing technology: KPMG survey

NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2016 – U.S. construction companies are not embracing technological advancements, such as drone aircrafts, robotics, RFID equipment and materials tracking, and data analytics, according to KPMG International’s Global Construction Survey 2016, “Building a technology advantage (http://bit.ly/2d0zNSb).

The KPMG survey found that nearly half of organizations use multiple software platforms that are manually monitored, rather than a single, fully integrated project management information aystem (PMIS). When it comes to mobile technology and platforms, while most use remote monitoring on projects, 19% do not use mobile technology at all. Among those who do utilize mobile technology for projects, nearly 40% do not have them linked to an integrated system or broader enterprise-wide project management system.

“The survey responses reflect the industry’s innate conservatism towards technologies, with most firms content to follow rather than lead,” says Geno Armstrong, International Sector Leader, Engineering & Construction, KPMG in the U.S. “Many lack a clear technology strategy, and either adopt it in a piecemeal fashion, or not at all. The rapidly evolving infrastructure challenges of the next decade demands that both owners and engineering and construction firms embrace technology more strategically and at a far more rapid pace than in the past.”

In the KPMG study, two-thirds of respondents (67%) said they could not push one button on their desktop to obtain fully integrated real-time data on a project. Seventy percent do not use robotic or automated technology; most have no plans to use it in the future. In addition to traditional cost and schedule analytics, 65% do not use data analytics for any other aspects of their organizations’ projects.

“Integrated, real-time project reporting is still a myth, rather than a reality for most,” said Armstrong. “That’s largely because firms tend to use multiple software platforms that are manually monitored and disconnected, which severely compromises their effectiveness.”

A solid majority of respondents (61%) said their companies use building information modeling on projects.

On the bright side, 36% of construction executives surveyed said they felt construction has emerged from the recession and is starting to grow. Nearly a fourth (24%) said that things are looking up for all participants. Another 27% indicated that discrete segments are growing fast. Only 13% said they are seeing market declines or no growth in the past year.

Armstrong feels that embracing technology and innovation is a sure way to improve results. “Projects are becoming bigger, bolder and more complex – and with complexity comes risk,” he said. “Innovations like remote monitoring, automation and visualization have enormous potential to speed up project progress, improve accuracy and safety.”

About the survey

Building a technology advantage – Global Construction Survey 2016 highlights the views of over 200 senior executives from major project owners and engineering and construction companies – over 50 of which are in the U.S. The report looks at how the industry is embracing a range of technologies including data and analytics, robotics, drones, remote monitoring and visualization. The survey, now in its 10th year, includes both private companies and government agencies, with project owners from many industries including energy and natural resources, technology and healthcare.

The design of a new building that consolidates York University’s School of Continuing Studies into one location is a new architectural landmark at the Toronto school’s Keele Campus. “The design is emblematic of the school’s identity and culture, which is centered around accelerated professional growth in the face of a continuously evolving labor market,” according to a news release from Perkins&Will.

Contractors | May 10, 2023

A mental health crisis in construction demands greater awareness about causes and prevention

Leaders at Suffolk and Home Base, America’s largest private sector clinic, urge OSHA to make mental health a greater priority in its training.

AutoCamp camping destination near Utah’s Zion National Park offers a variety of all-season lodgings and amenities Photo courtesy AutoCamp/Matt Kisiday Photography

Hotel Facilities | May 9, 2023

A new camping destination near Utah’s Zion National Park offers a variety of all-season lodgings and amenities

Outdoor lodging brand AutoCamp has opened a new camping destination near Utah’s Zion National Park. A 16-acre property, AutoCamp Zion is located between the Virgin River and the desert of Southern Utah.

Headquarters | May 9, 2023

New Wells Fargo development in Texas will be bank’s first net-positive campus

A new Wells Fargo development in the Dallas metroplex will be the national bank’s first net-positive campus, expected to generate more energy than it uses. The 850,000-sf project on 22 acres will generate power from solar panels and provide electric vehicle charging stations.

The U.S. Supreme Court as composed June 30, 2022 to present. Photo: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States

Regulations | May 8, 2023

Supreme Court case likely to have huge impact on Clean Water Act

A case before the Supreme Court will likely determine how the Clean Water Act is interpreted and the ruling could open up new areas for development within or adjacent to wetlands.

Contractors | May 8, 2023

Announcing the third annual Construction Inclusion Week: October 16-20, 2023

Save the date for Construction Inclusion Week 2023: October 16-20, 2023. Construction Inclusion Week (CIW) amplifies awareness while celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the industry to spearhead change.

Aegis Living Lake Union senior living community in Seattle aims to be world’s first to achieve Living Building Challenge designation

Senior Living Design | May 8, 2023

Seattle senior living community aims to be world’s first to achieve Living Building Challenge designation

Aegis Living Lake Union in Seattle is the world’s first assisted living community designed to meet the rigorous Living Building Challenge certification. Completed in 2022, the Ankrom Moisan-designed, 70,000 sf-building is fully electrified. All commercial dryers, domestic hot water, and kitchen equipment are powered by electricity in lieu of gas, which reduces the facility’s carbon footprint.

Multifamily Housing | May 8, 2023

The average multifamily rent was $1,709 in April 2023, up for the second straight month

Despite economic headwinds, the multifamily housing market continues to demonstrate resilience, according to a new Yardi Matrix report.

St. Vincent Health Sciences Center at St. John’s University will feature geothermal heating, cooling

University Buildings | May 5, 2023

New health sciences center at St. John’s University will feature geothermal heating, cooling

The recently topped off St. Vincent Health Sciences Center at St. John’s University in New York City will feature impressive green features including geothermal heating and cooling along with an array of rooftop solar panels. The geothermal field consists of 66 wells drilled 499 feet below ground which will help to heat and cool the 70,000 sf structure.

Currently Reading

U.S. construction companies not embracing technology: KPMG survey

Tags

AEC Tech Innovation | May 12, 2023

University Buildings | May 11, 2023

Contractors | May 10, 2023

Hotel Facilities | May 9, 2023

Headquarters | May 9, 2023

Regulations | May 8, 2023

Contractors | May 8, 2023

Senior Living Design | May 8, 2023

Multifamily Housing | May 8, 2023

University Buildings | May 5, 2023

Most Popular Content

Magazine Subscription

Get our Newsletters

Follow BD+C: