The construction industry is responsible for building high-quality infrastructure around the world. Various disruptions make it difficult to meet client needs and deadlines. From labor shortages to project delays, these obstacles restrict efficiency. Fortunately, construction sites can take many approaches to mitigate these challenges and build resiliency.
Recent Construction Industry Challenges
Like other industries, the construction industry faces significant challenges after the COVID-19 pandemic. From internal disruptions to situations outside of a builder’s control, these challenges make it harder to meet deadlines and maintain efficiency. By staying aware of these obstacles, companies can prepare for them more effectively. Here are frequent industry challenges for construction sites:
1. Supply and Labor Shortages
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the supply chain significantly. Shipping restrictions made it difficult to transport raw materials between suppliers and manufacturers. Even after these restrictions were lifted, lasting effects complicate supply chain efficiency today.
Material shortages and other disruptions have a ripple effect on other supply chain processes — for instance, the limited access to materials makes it difficult to manufacture products and meet deadlines. Companies might also find it harder to acquire construction equipment necessary to complete various projects, resulting in more disruptions.
In addition, a lack of skilled workers causes further challenges. The construction industry faces a significant labor shortage that impedes productivity for many sites. Aspects like an aging workforce, low pay and time constraints prompt many workers to switch industries or roles. Without sufficient employees, projects become delayed or have to take on extended deadlines. In addition, a lack of skilled workers can decrease project quality, lowering client satisfaction rates.
2. Environmental Challenges
As concerns about climate change grow, all industries face pressures to increase sustainable practices. Construction sites might find it difficult to meet sustainability requirements set by federal or state agencies.
The construction industry generates a significant amount of waste each year, especially with bulky items like concrete, asphalt, wood or metals. Various equipment types also produce air or water pollution.
Clients and businesses might continue to seek sustainable solutions. To remain competitive, it’s important to shift to environmentally friendly practices. However, without the right preparation and training, it may be challenging to adjust. As a result, the construction industry as a whole might face issues when trying to balance efficiency and sustainability.
3. Delays
The various construction challenges can all contribute to significant delays. Obstacles like supply shortages, lack of workers, equipment failures and environmental regulations make it harder to follow schedules and meet deadlines. In response, organizations might have to push back start or end dates. The longer it takes to complete a project, the more likely a client becomes dissatisfied. Excessive delays can damage brand reputation.
Delays can also have negative impacts on communities, preventing people from accessing necessary facilities or resources. For instance, a housing unit could burn down and displace residents, making an immediate replacement necessary. If this project becomes delayed, the residents will spend longer without a home and face more difficulties.
4. Adjustment to New Technologies
Another trend in many industries is the rise of technology. New software streamlines many manual processes, allowing companies to work more efficiently than ever. Construction businesses can use many technology types, from 3D printers to on-site sensors to design software.
As more companies shift to digital formats, it becomes essential to implement technology into daily operations. A lack of technology might limit communication between clients or make a company seem less competitive compared to more advanced options.
However, a sudden switch to new technology can become a challenge for construction sites. Without proper training and implementation techniques, employees might misuse technologies or software, which can lead to more delays instead of increased efficiency. Familiarity with legacy systems makes it harder to adjust to new systems, limiting productivity.
How to Improve Resiliency in the Construction Industry
Resiliency is crucial for success in construction. Sudden disruptions and challenges require swift responses. The faster you address these issues, the better you can prevent them from growing worse. Construction officials can use the lessons they learn from various challenges and apply them to daily operations.
These are three ways to boost resiliency in construction sites:
1. Improve Maintenance Methods
A thorough maintenance schedule can help companies minimize disruptions due to equipment failure. Regular machine inspections allow teams to catch problems before they grow more severe. In turn, you experience decreased repair costs, increased machine life spans, improved workplace safety and various other benefits.
Various equipment types have specific maintenance needs. For example, power generators require comprehensive maintenance inspections twice a year. Sites should follow manufacturer recommendations to build effective inspection plans. By committing to maintenance, you can minimize downtime and boost resiliency.
2. Build Response Plans
Organizations can address specific challenges by developing response plans. These plans describe the obstacle and build a proactive strategy to resolve it. Construction companies can create response plans for their most severe or frequent issues. That way, if the obstacle reoccurs, the organization uses the response plan to resolve it as quickly as possible.
For instance, a construction company could face frequent problems with raw material shortages. When they cannot obtain a particular product, they have to delay entire production schedules. To address this issue, the company might work proactively to stock up on the product. Various software solutions help teams anticipate shortages based on past buying history and market trends. If they notice a sudden spike in buying behaviors, they could purchase additional stock of the product before it runs out. That way, they stay on schedule and avoid the negative effects of the shortage.
3. Increase Sustainable Practices
Proactively introducing sustainable methods helps you address environmental challenges. Sustainable strategies can decrease costs and build a leaner environment, which might improve efficiency in the long term. In addition, more environmentally friendly techniques help you meet compliance standards and can boost brand reputation.
Construction sites can use many methods to increase sustainability, such as:
- Using sustainable materials
- Reducing energy and water usage
- Implementing environmentally friendly building designs
- Recycling proper materials
The Future of Construction
There will always be a need for construction, but proactively responding to challenges is still essential for the industry to thrive in the future. Adapting to sustainable practices will be one of the most vital ways the construction industry can remain resilient.
