Technology has always sought to make things easier, faster, and more efficient. Its various forms are continually being applied to different aspects of our lives – entertainment, education, work, and play. In this vein, it is no surprise that technology, particularly internet technology, is becoming an essential requirement in the construction industry.
Construction sites are places where all sorts of jobs are carried out with different equipment employed at various building construction stages. Construction site internet solutions provide an avenue for enhancing speed, reliability, traceability, and efficiency to reduce wastage of time and costs.
The Demand For Internet At Construction Sites
There are several reasons an internet solution for construction sites is essential. Let’s turn our attention to some of them that create the most impact on the industry.
Effective Communication:
Construction sites feature highly mobile workers whose mobility and deployment at various stations bring about continuous communication. They encounter different challenges, and even when such challenges are solved. Modern construction sites change quickly as multiple tasks are completed, and the relevant supervisors, site managers, or contractors need to be notified. Back in the day, an email would have satisfactorily answered some questions. Now, for the latest CAD or 3D images to be sent, a stable internet solution for construction sites is required.
Equipment Connectivity:
Just as the home office possesses printers and other supporting office equipment that use network access to function, the on-site office requires parallel connections. The Internet at construction sites provides the necessary connectivity to internet-enabled machines and equipment. WIFI and wireless connections provide greater ease as site workers and contractors can use their devices without disturbing others or changing cables creating a seamless working environment.
Site Security:
IP CCTV and wireless cameras are becoming more commonplace as construction sites attempt to fight the ever-present risks of safety and theft. These devices’ remote monitoring ability is only made possible by construction sites’ internet, reducing the need for physically present security personnel.
The “Internet of Things”:
The integration of internet-capable devices in construction work that can fully utilise the connectivity available on-site to communicate to workers, set off fire alarms, monitor and coordinate deliveries is a welcome development in the construction industry. We look at some of the benefits the IoT is bringing to the construction industry.
Construction Tools and Equipment Tracking:
On-site equipment labelled with RFID tags can easily be tracked without spending valuable time looking for them. From pumps to air compressors to knowing exactly how many bulldozers are at the construction site, GPS data in conjunction with construction site internet make it easier for excavating equipment to be precisely positioned on the construction sites and can automatically carry out instructions using a virtual map of the digging or other activities.
Supply Restocking:
Similarly, with RFID tags, units in storage or supplies in use can be tracked to determine their number so that when it falls below a certain threshold, the on-site system can request more from the main office or contractor in charge of resupply. Time wasted waiting for replenishment can be cut down, and project completion speed can be boosted. Costs are also reduced because the company does not have to order bulk that might not be required in the end but instead, just-in-time provision is made possible.
Building Information Modeling:
Building information modelling is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives professionals from the architecture, engineering, and construction industries the insight to efficiently plan, construct, and manage the building. BIM can be in turn, with the placement of sensors on the now completed building, track how the building materials have been affected by the elements or the passage of time. Such information can prove valuable in future construction endeavors.
Remote Operation:
Linking up to devices and machines via the internet to operate in areas that might be dangerous to human presence is now possible. Also, wearable computers like Google Glass can provide workers with information about their performance or manual of the equipment they are handling in hands-free mode.
Equipment Servicing and Repair:
Machines have sensors planted in them that detect their wear and tear or other faults and transmit them to the company or people responsible for their maintenance or repairs. Attending equipment or machines before they breakdown is a lot more sensible for several reasons like reduced downtime while waiting on repairs and preventing accidents in the event of a breakdown while in use, to mention a few.
Solution Tips For Protecting Your Construction Site Internet:
- Ensure your internet connection is private to you and your team
- Workers should use multi-factor authentication to gain access to the network.
- Work laptops should be encrypted.
- Use Mobile Device Management to track and control work devices.
- Provide security awareness training
- Segment network to prevent external users from viewing confidential organisation files.
