Benefits of Mobile Technology for Construction
With the rise of technology, nearly every construction worker has a smartphone in their pocket. So, why not use it as a prime tool for enhancing productivity and communication on the job site?
While smartphones aren't suited for physical labor like hammering nails, they are incredibly powerful for managing projects, communicating in real-time, and even ensuring worker safety.
In this blog, we’ll explain how construction workers use mobile phones to get the most benefits in the construction field.
Benefits of Mobile Technology in Construction
There are many construction apps for workers available, but how do they benefit construction processes? Here are the top benefits you can get from having a smartphone as a construction worker:
Benefit #1: Mobile Timekeeping for Construction
One of the most straightforward benefits of mobile technology in construction is the use of mobile timekeeping apps, such as Timeero and Exaktime.
These apps allow workers to clock in and out directly from their smartphones, reducing errors associated with manual time tracking and minimizing time theft.
The convenience of mobile timekeeping ensures that project managers can track labor hours in real-time, leading to more accurate payroll processing and better labor management across multiple projects.
Benefit #2: Reducing Paperwork Through Mobile Solutions
The shift from paper to digital has significantly streamlined construction workflows. Mobile technology reduces the reliance on paper forms, allowing for the digital submission of reports, plans, and compliance documents.
This transition not only saves time but also reduces costs associated with paper handling and storage. Moreover, digital documents can be easily shared and updated, ensuring that everyone on the project is working with the most current information.
Benefit #3: Daily Management with Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are now sophisticated enough to manage daily reports, checklists, and task updates efficiently. Construction workers can update the progress of their tasks in real-time, submit photos, and fill out safety checklists directly from their devices through apps like Raken and Buildertrend.
This instant updating facilitates quicker decision-making and allows project managers to address issues without delays, keeping projects on schedule and within budget.
Benefit #4: Instant Communication Across the Board
The ability to communicate instantly with colleagues and supervisors through your smartphone is another significant advantage. Whether it's a quick text message or a detailed email, mobile communication ensures that all team members can stay connected, regardless of their location.
For example, if a team on the 26th floor runs into a problem, they can instantly contact the people in the construction shed, plus off-site engineers and architects, to share the problem. They can even shoot a photo on-site or stream a live video so everyone can see the issue right then.
This process is further improved through the implementation of mobile apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams. This is especially useful in large job sites where team members may be spread out but need to collaborate closely to resolve issues quickly.
Benefit #5: Documenting Work Progress with Mobile Technology
Mobile technology also excels in documenting and sharing work progress. Construction workers can use their smartphones to take photos and videos of their work, providing visual proof of progress and highlighting any potential issues.
This capability is invaluable not only for maintaining accurate records but also for sharing updates with clients, stakeholders, or remote team members, fostering transparency and trust.
Benefit #6: Mobile Apps for Safety and Compliance
In terms of safety, mobile technology offers several specialized apps designed to maintain compliance and keep workers safe. For example, the OSHA Safety Regulations Audit app provides a comprehensive tool for workers to ensure their operations meet all safety standards.
Other apps like the Health & Safety Compass utilize augmented reality to communicate hazard information vividly and effectively on-site.
Construction Safety Training with OSHAcampus by 360training
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the benefits of mobile technology are becoming more apparent. Leveraging these technologies allows construction firms not only to increase their operational efficiency but also to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Make sure your organization is not left behind, and explore the various apps available on platforms like the App Store and Google Play to maximize your team's productivity and safety.
Another way to make sure your team isn’t left behind is by making sure they have the necessary knowledge to prevent construction-related injuries.
While there are no specific construction worker training apps, there are websites that offer 100% online OSHA training for construction workers, such as OSHAcampus by 360training. Take the most trusted, OSHA-authorized training: OSHA 30-Hour Training and OSHA 10-Hour Training. These courses will equip you with everything you need to know about OSHA 29 CFR 1926 standards.
Enroll today!
