The construction industry is one of the oldest and largest industries in the world, and it is also one of the most rapidly changing. New technologies have profoundly impacted how buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained in recent years. Innovative machinery is constantly emerging that has the potential to make the construction industry more efficient, sustainable, and safe.
However, the Philippines must catch up to other countries regarding technological adoption if the government wants to remain competitive in the global market. In a 2022 ranking by Global Finance Magazine of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, the Philippines ranked 61st out of 64 countries. The country ranked second lowest among the East and Southeast Asian countries featured on the list.
With this in mind, what is the future of technology in the Philippine construction industry?
Constructing the Modern Bayanihan
Despite lagging on the list of technologically advanced countries, in recent years, the construction industry in the country is inching to be on top of the digital maturity curve. Within the next three years, local construction management firms are also keen on implementing cutting-edge technologies in their services, such as BIM, pre-fabrication, robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, extended reality, and big data analytics. Only 26 percent of local construction businesses currently use construction technology, while 56 percent are ‘well on the way’ to digitalization.
Efficient data management is definitely one of the primary keys to find success in any industry. However, despite the prominence of using efficient data management, most companies still rely on paper for data management. On average, around 36 percent of local companies plan to continue using their existing paper-based records. They will likely use this method to manage environment records, estimating and pricing processes, and site activity, equipment, and asset records. This shows that despite the increasing attention to a digitalized future, traditional methods still have a strong hold on local construction firms.
Catching Up & Leaping Forward
The Philippine construction industry is on the brink of a technological upgrade. While ranking low in technological advancement, recent years show promising progress in construction technology, with above-average adoption rates of advanced technologies. Enthusiasm towards digitalization is palpable as local construction management firms plan to integrate BIM, robotics, AI, machine learning, and more in their services. However, traditional methods persist, urging the industry to find the delicate balance between innovation and heritage.
Through innovation and collaboration, we will shape a bold and sustainable tomorrow for the construction industry in the country and beyond.
Ready to build better businesses with JCVA? Reach out to us at info@jcvassociates.ph or visit www.jcvassociates.ph/construction-project-management to learn more.
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