The feedback we are getting from clients and contacts in the industry is that 2021 was a turbulent year for those in the construction industry. On top of the coronavirus pandemic, the supply chain crisis, workforce requirements, concerns for built environments, the sustainability of the industry, questions around safe construction, resource efficiency, financial considerations, levelling up – and of course – attracting and keeping the right staff, whilst keeping everyone productive and fulfilled!

2022 presents the construction industry with an opportunity to blow off last year's dust and drive initiatives to ensure that supply chains, the environment and safety and management of robust and integrated teams are navigated and managed even more effectively.

Technology will be at the forefront in ways to work smarter in construction by providing firms with data-driven visibility into their businesses and projects to ensure that they can draw from data pools of intelligence and make more informed decisions when challenges arise. Employees to drive these decisions that embrace technology are also needed.

Here's how technology will help the construction industry navigate the three biggest challenges ahead in 2022 and turn them into positive opportunities.

Tackling supply chain disruption

Research from IHS Markit shows that the current supply chain crisis has caused the worst delays and disruptions for manufacturers and deliveries in over 30 years of globalisation.

What's more, with the Beijing Winter Olympics taking place in February, factories will be closed in 64 northern Chinese cities to improve air quality. This move is bound to disrupt the supply chain further and therefore should be considered by commercial cost and procurement management teams.

Disruptions within the supply chain upset the project lifecycle as materials cannot be ordered on time. To prevent projects from running overtime, it is essential that project managers have clear, continuous visibility of what materials they require and can readily identify possible disruptions of their supply.

Digital tools, like construction management platforms, can communicate real-time data to all stakeholders, presenting construction managers with an opportunity to manage client expectations and project schedules while alternative suppliers are sourced. As this data is stored online, it is easily accessible no matter your on-site or off-site location. Therefore, supply chain disruption can be managed collaboratively as soon as issues present themselves.

Supply chain disruptions also threaten project financials, as changes in materials can make the project more expensive than initially calculated. Construction managers need better visibility and control of financial data to prevent projects from running at a loss. Technology can cross-check actual costs against predicted costs, accessing real-time labour costing and import cost codes to create accurate budgets. Gaining such market visibility can give firms the ability to make smarter business decisions and help mitigate the financial impact of the supply chain crisis.

Driving technology for sustainable practices

We are fortunate today that technology can help us achieve sustainability goals. However, digital tools can only support sustainability if the technology is easily understandable and practical to use. Companies will be seeking candidates who have the necessary skills to drive sustainable practices, grasp technology to measure success, ensure teams are in alignment with environmental goals and are willing to drive change.

Rework in construction is an expensive process and wasteful one. Using forward-looking data analytics, construction companies will look to identify areas and processes that are likely to lead to rework and create plans to prevent it. Integrating AI and machine learning into the construction process provides firms with the tools to minimise the environmental impact of construction works in the present and future.

Bolstering both quality and safety

Improving quality and safety in 2022 is top of mind for the construction industry. The industry has concerns around changing regulations and industry directions, safety standards and supply chain quality (think dodgy imports like asbestos in gyprock and the Grenfell disaster).

Greater transparency and high-quality site data crucially gives construction businesses and workers more control. This control is essential to navigate supply chain uncertainty, work sustainably, and improve safety for all. Operating within changing supply chains and regulations means staffing and managing communications to a high level is needed. Soft skills in communications, problem-solving, adaptability and team leadership will be highly sought.

According to Deloitte's 2021 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook, 76% of engineering and construction executives indicated that they plan to invest in digital technology this year. Technology will be used to keep track of adherence to safety standards. Self-documenting construction platforms give teams instant, accurate visibility of project safety measurements, so firms can make sure they're meeting all their safety targets. Having everything is in place for auditors means a business's upper management doesn't need to take weeks off before a visit and get their safety paperwork in order. A project platform also helps create and adjust ITPs, ensuring teams aren't stuck in data silos and everyone is working with the latest information. Understanding technology and specialised platforms will join the list of 'highly desirable' in job descriptions in 2022. You will see highly desirable companies seeking top talent and offering pathways to learning.

Getting the right candidate

We offer a highly customised service for our clients and pride ourselves on getting the right people to the right position. This expertise means crafting job descriptions and screening candidates are more complex than in previous years with a high-level understanding of a candidate's skills, knowledge, and experience and the soft skills that make the placement successful for both the candidate and client. Please have a chat with us about how we can offer you a 6 Star Service, whilst also giving you 6 Guarantees when you engage us to find you the right person!

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