The Top Tools Revolutionizing Contracting in 2023

Introduction

The world of contracting is ever-evolving, and staying competitive in the industry requires embracing technological advancements. In 2023, contractors have a plethora of innovative tools at their disposal to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and boost productivity. This blog will explore the best tools available to contractors, which are reshaping the landscape and empowering professionals in construction, renovation, and other contracting fields.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software

Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is one of the most transformative tools for contractors. BIM enables contractors to create detailed 3D models of construction projects, streamlining collaboration among various stakeholders. These models can be used for visualizing, analyzing, and optimizing construction processes, reducing errors, and minimizing rework. BIM also allows for efficient clash detection, ensuring that different components fit together seamlessly.

Drones for Aerial Surveys

Drones have become increasingly popular in the construction industry due to their ability to perform aerial surveys and capture high-resolution images of job sites. Contractors can use these images to create accurate topographic maps and monitor project progress in real-time. Drones can also improve safety by inspecting hazardous or hard-to-reach areas without putting workers at risk.

Drone 1

Drone 2

Construction Management Software

Construction management software is an essential tool for contractors to efficiently plan, schedule, and track projects. These software solutions centralize project data, allowing easy access to all team members and stakeholders. Features like document management, budget tracking, and resource allocation help contractors keep projects on track and within budget.

Procore: Procore is committed to advancing the construction industry by improving the lives of people working in construction, driving technology innovation, and building a global community of groundbreakers. Our connected global construction platform unites all stakeholders on a project with unlimited access to support and a business model designed for the construction industry.

Buildertrend:  Align your team. Drive growth. Impress clients. With Buildertrend construction software, you can finally work simpler and run your business – without letting it run you.

Monday.com:  Centralize all your work, processes, tools, and files into one Work OS. Connect teams, bridge silos, and maintain one source of truth across your organization.

Clickup:  Plan, track, and manage any type of work with project management that flexes to your team's needs.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR technologies are revolutionizing the way contractors visualize and interact with construction projects. With AR, contractors can overlay virtual objects onto the real world, making it easier to identify potential design issues and visualize the finished project. VR, on the other hand, offers immersive experiences that enable contractors to "walk through" buildings before construction begins, leading to better-informed decision-making and improved client communication.

AKULAR: At AKULAR, we believe awesome AR & VR visuals are just the first step of many on the road to Digital Twins – meaning LIVING representations of your project. We work with the most progressive investors and contractors to turn 3D models into powerful project management tools. Augmented Reality inspection capability helps site managers flag up mistakes immediately.

GRAMMA AR: As an Architect himself, Caner Dolas, CEO of GAMMA AR, knows the field and its complications. As for, Jayan Jevanesan, CTO of the company, his experience as a Computer Scientist helped to bring the solution to life by creating the construction app.

Thanks to their personal experiences and professional skills, they created a construction app adapted to the need of Architects, BIM Managers, Construction Managers, Engineer, Projects Managers, and all other Construction disciplines.

ARVIZIO: Arvizio, a leader in augmented and mixed reality for the enterprise, demonstrates their no-code AR Instructor augmented reality (AR) solution for digitally assisted training and upskilling instruction, promotes operational excellence for businesses [...]

THE WILD: The Wild is a collaboration platform that helps teams work together using AR and VR. The Wild offers support for Revit and BIM 360, letting you bring your entire team into a virtual workspace, where you can review designs, add markups, and spatially communicate with your team. It works on desktop, mobile devices, and VR headsets allowing users to collaborate from anywhere. Thanks to The Wild, teams can speed up design reviews and stay aligned throughout the whole process without having to be in the same room.

Mobile Project Management Apps

Mobile project management apps allow contractors to stay connected and manage projects on the go. These apps offer features such as task assignment, progress tracking, photo documentation, and instant communication with team members. With mobile apps, contractors can stay on top of project updates and address issues in real-time, improving overall project efficiency.

Monday.com: Centralize all your work, processes, tools, and files into one Work OS. Connect teams, bridge silos, and maintain one source of truth across your organization.

smartsheet: Smartsheet is an easy-to-use work execution platform, with the power to plan, track, automate, and report on key workflows - not just tasks.

asana: Asana makes it easy to get your most important work done. Increase efficiency to deliver results and hit your goals on every project.

Jira Software:  If your team uses it, we integrate with it. Easily add your tools from the Atlassian Marketplace, keeping Jira as your central source of truth.

Wrike:  From intuitive Gantt charts to automated approvals, Wrike has the features to make your work easier and more enjoyable.

HubSpot:  Get both a high-level and granular view of tasks, deadlines, and resources so you can get more done, faster.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Project Insights

AI-powered tools are providing contractors with valuable project insights, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making capabilities. AI can analyze historical project data to predict potential risks, estimate project costs and timelines more accurately, and optimize resource allocation. These insights empower contractors to make informed choices that lead to more successful projects.

airworks:  AirWorks empowers project managers to deliver more projects, faster. Our geospatial intelligence solution quickly produces linework you can trust. By putting reliable data in your hands, we give you the tools to make the best decisions and reduce risks.

aurivus: aurivus AI understands laser scans from buildings, facility and plants. The Scan-to-BIM AI finds objects in 3D point clouds and provides a CAD-like interaction with direct information export. Reduce modeling effort or export information without modeling.

TestFit: TestFit's real estate feasibility platform makes it easy to do site planning. Our real-time AI configurators allow for rapid iterations to get deals done quickly.

delve:  Delve is a generative design solution that uses machine learning to empower real estate teams to design better, faster, with less risk.

ARCHITEChTURES:  Generate optimal building designs in real time. ARCHITEChTURES is an AI-Powered building design web tool for the residential sector to help you improve decision making and reduce design time from months to minutes.

PLANALOGIC:  Planalogic is a design and decision-making platform that uses Artificial Intelligence to find the best performing design.

Stylib: Stylib is an AI driven material search platform. We speed-up and simplify how premium architectural products are sourced and specified.

Hypar:  The world’s first cloud-based generative design platform.

SWAPP: AI-Powered Construction Documents in Minutes

Blueprints AI: Innovative AI for architecture and engineering. Streamline construction documents for professionals & one-time clients.

Togal.AI: Estimating Takeoff Software Powered by Deep Machine Learning

OpenSpace:  Software & app for capturing the site through 360 photo documentation.

Cupix:  3D digital twin platform to builders and owners

Construction Robotics

Advancements in construction robotics are transforming the way tasks are carried out on job sites. Robots can perform repetitive tasks such as bricklaying, concrete pouring, and welding with greater precision and efficiency than human workers. Integrating construction robotics can lead to reduced labor costs and increased productivity.

Environmental Monitoring Sensors

Environmental monitoring sensors help contractors ensure compliance with environmental regulations and create a more sustainable construction process. These sensors can monitor air quality, noise levels, vibration, and other environmental factors, allowing contractors to mitigate any potential negative impacts on the surroundings.

Construction Wearables

Wearable technology, such as smart helmets and vests, enhances safety and productivity on construction sites. These wearables can monitor workers' vital signs, detect hazardous conditions, and alert supervisors in case of emergencies. Additionally, wearable devices can provide real-time access to project information, reducing the need for workers to leave their work areas to access data.

Hard Hat: Hat

Foremanforklift: 2 Man Lifting System

Tool Belt: 16 Pouch

Boonie Hat: Reflective

Construction Vest: Reflective

Construction Harness: Reflective

Construction: Gloves

Construction: Boots

Safety: Glasses

Ear Plugs: Construction

Painter: Pants

Laser: Measure

Collaborative Cloud Platforms

Collaborative cloud platforms facilitate seamless communication and data sharing among project stakeholders, even if they are located in different parts of the world. These platforms offer secure storage, file sharing, and real-time collaboration features, enabling teams to work together efficiently and reduce the delays caused by traditional communication methods.

Conclusion

In 2023, contractors have an array of cutting-edge tools at their disposal to revolutionize the way they plan, execute, and manage construction projects. Embracing these technologies not only enhances efficiency and productivity but also improves safety, collaboration, and client satisfaction. Contractors who adapt and integrate these tools into their workflows are poised to thrive in the dynamic and competitive world of contracting in the years to come.