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Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the construction industry by providing a range of innovative tools and applications that can help construction estimating professionals to work more efficiently and effectively. From content creation to project management and maintenance, AI has the potential to transform every aspect of the construction estimating process.
One of the primary benefits of AI for construction estimating professionals is the ability to automate and streamline many routine tasks.
Reporting
AI can be used to generate accurate and detailed reports and estimates automatically, which can save significant time and effort for construction estimating professionals. This can free up time for more complex tasks, such as analyzing data and developing customized estimates for specific projects. Read more about choosing the right reporting tool for your team from Domo.
Project Management
Another area where AI can be particularly useful for construction estimating professionals is in project management. AI-powered project management tools can help construction teams to track progress, manage budgets and schedules, and identify potential issues before they cause delays or cost overruns. These tools can also provide real-time updates to all team members, which can help to improve communication and collaboration throughout the project.
In their article, How AI Will Transform Project Management, Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez and Ricardo Viana Vargas from the Harvard Business Review identify six key areas of how project management will change as AI is adopted into business practices:
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Better selection and prioritization
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Support for the project management office
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Improved, faster project definition, planning, and reporting
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Virtual project assistants
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Advanced testing systems and software
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A new role for the project manager
Project management AI tools currently on the market include Trello, Wrike, and Asana. Other companies, like monday.com, are working to launch AI products or services in the near future.
Maintenance
AI can also be used for predictive maintenance tasks. AI-powered tools can monitor equipment and machinery in real-time to detect potential issues before they become major problems, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. This can be particularly useful in construction, where delays can be costly and have significant impacts on project timelines.
Abstract color-block illustrations produced by getimg.ai
Marketing
AI can help construction marketers in their creative efforts. Tools like ChatGPT and Copy.ai aide in the generation of content calendars, writing prompts for blog articles and caption copy writing. Grammarly, marketed as a writing assistant, is another well known tool used to produce error free copy writing for projects, emails and communications.
The possibilities are endless for how you can utilize visual AI programs like Midjourney, Getimg.ai or Craiyon to create stunning graphics to supplement your content strategy. The illustrations for this article were produced using getimg.ai using prompts like, "abstract color block illustration of landscape design for commercial construction projects material takeoffs."
Data Analysis
AI can be used to analyze historical data to help estimate costs more accurately and identify potential cost-saving opportunities. AI-powered tools can quickly and accurately analyze large amounts of data, such as historical cost data, to identify trends and patterns. This can help construction estimating professionals to make more informed decisions, identify pain-points, and develop more accurate cost estimates. Experts at Unite.ai ranked Tableau as their #1 data analytics software.
The potential applications of AI in the construction estimating industry are vast and varied. By automating routine tasks, streamlining project management, and providing real-time insights into project progress, AI can help construction professionals to work more efficiently and effectively. Utilizing AI tools for creative marketing efforts helps increase your ROI and ROAS by freeing up your team's time from repetitive tasks. Data analysis from AI helps provide insights to your potential clients demographics, buying habits and helps your team predict inventory demands to reduce waste down the line.
As the technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more applications of AI in construction estimating, which will help to further enhance the efficiency and productivity of the construction industry as a whole.