Eliminating the guess-work in a construction proposal is challenging when the measures to ensure accuracy come with a cost. Typically, imaging and manual surveys are the primary methods to assess a jobsite/track progress, however these options can create delays and are subject to human error. A recent Construction Equipment Guide blog covers how drone/UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) technology is closing some of these gaps.
“With drone technology, you can do the survey in minutes (10 minutes for a 100-acre site) and get the data back in real time. In addition, you can fly a drone as often as you like. If you use a simple, automated solution (one that takes off and lands on its own), you can get updated data back every week or even every day. When you have data that frequently, estimates are more accurate, and you have an ability to catch and fix mistakes immediately, before major time and resources have been spent.”
This can open doors for general contactors engaging in bidding processes by helping them reach more competitive budgets through more accurate information that doesn’t require allowances for the unknown. With drone tech, GCs can scan an area and gain information that can make a huge difference to an owner.
PMs are mapping the data gathered from drones and slashing project time in half as well due to the accuracy of the GPS technology cutting out review time. There is also the potential to build a unique drone suited for a company’s specific needs. However, before an organization creates their own drone capability, they must conform to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, get the proper insurance, software, operators, and technology.
We’ve certainly come a long way in the past 5 years since I’ve started researching this topic. Many construction firms aren’t holding back on realizing ROI from this tool. For construction in this realm, as the author coined it, the sky is no longer the limit.
Sources referenced:
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/win-bids-and-manage-costs-with-a-drone-mapping-solution/38047