4 Tips to avoiding a time delay in the Construction Process
There are a lot of moving parts and process in a construction project. Most of them take a definite amount of time and there is no way around it. However, what the AEC professionals can do is ensure that there are no errors which would lead to more delays and waste of time. On the construction site a delay in timeline doesn’t just equate with the loss of money but also a loss of reputation, poor management etc. Thus, it would be beneficial for the construction companies to do everything in their power to ensure that they are able to get the best project outcomes in minimum turnaround time.
In the current article we state four tips that could help avoid a time delay in the construction process.
Table of Contents
Improve Planning:
Today a lot of construction companies understand the importance of strategic planning right from the project onset which means deciding strict time frames of different phases of project delivery, determining job roles etc. However, one important part of this is to ensure that the company is prepared to deal with unexpected surprises onsite. More often than not anything when unexpected crops up it leads to delays in one way or the other. Using BIM in the preconstruction stage ensures that there are no errors onsite which could lead to rework and loss of time. Firstly, 3D Visualization and Clash Detection Services can be used to find any interferences in the preconstruction stage itself and consequently design changes can be implemented to rectify the same.
Another thing that the company must be on top of is scheduling. They should ensure that the materials, labour, equipment are all available in the right place and at the right time. According to a study conducted by McKinsey most firms are able to easily set monthly/yearly targets but fail to always know what comes the next day. Again, using BIM, more specifically 4D BIM allows to link time and schedule related data to the 3D model so that the contractors, project monitors etc. can all ensure that delivery, installation, assembly and construction is going according to schedule.
Complete Transparency:
There are so many players involved in construction from the very starting to end like architects, engineers, contractors, project managers etc. It is imperative that everyone here remains on the same page. Any miscommunication during any stage of the construction could lead to mistakes and errors. Even ineffective planning could lead to delay in time. For instance, if the job roles are not clearly defined from the start, then two people could end up working on the same part of the project or an important part of the project could be missed. BIM, specifically with Revit Modelling Services it is possible to ensure proper coordination. Revit Server allows the BIM team located across the wide area network (WAN) to work on the same model. BIM 360 on the other hand updates the team with data in real time allowing them to make informed decisions. BCF Manger also allows to detect issues in the 3D model and raises a query to the concerned party. It can be used to streamline workflows.
Keep the Client in the Loop:
In the construction process everything can go well up until the very end and then the client could feel dissatisfied with the final outcome. For instance, the client might not like the look of the room, or placement of the furniture or even the layout. In these cases, the whole thing will have to be changed. In order to avoid this the AEC professionals should determine that the client has a clear final picture. Many times, it is possible that 2D blueprints might be difficult for them to understand and they might not be able to always visualize the end project outcome exactly as the architect would want. With 3D Renderings it is possible to create photorealistic 3D visualizations, renders, walkthroughs, animations etc. which could allow them to see clearly what the end design will be like. Today, virtual reality and augment reality can also be used to create virtual environments which provide an exact representation and ensure that the client can clearly understand the intended final design. Even throughout the project the client must be kept updated via videos, photos etc. so that if they are dissatisfied with any particular aspect, it is figured out early on rather than when the project has progressed.
Capitalize on Technology:
There are various technological advancements which today provide the AEC professionals the tools to increase their productivity while maintaining their quality. By leveraging these technologies over the more traditional methods the speed of construction can be increased and delays avoided. Drones for instance can be used for supervision. They can cover large area in quick time as well are able to reach places which might be difficult for an individual to do. Robots can be used to carry out repeated tasks and they can work for longer duration also. Similarly, new methods of construction are now being used more and more like prefabrication, 3D printing etc. which can improve the project time. The most prominent advantage of using cutting-edge technology is that it reduces errors and improves the final time.
Thus, it is not always big changes which need to be undertaken to ensure that there are no errors. Even small changes and investments can put the company in a position that they are able to save and hopefully also increase their profits.
