AI in Construction: More Than a Buzzword
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just for tech giants. Today, small to midsized construction companies are beginning to adopt AI to improve jobsite safety, reduce downtime, and streamline operations. With tighter budgets, shrinking labor pools, and pressure to complete projects on time, AI has become a powerful tool for forward-thinking contractors.
A recent report conducted by KPMG states that “About 30% of major construction companies have initiated AI-driven analytics, with 40% planning to do so within three years.”
If you’re in the construction business and wondering where to begin, here are five practical use cases that show how AI is revolutionizing the industry right now.
1. Predictive Maintenance: Avoid Downtime Before It Happens
Heavy machinery breakdowns can derail timelines and inflate costs. AI-powered sensors and analytics tools help track equipment performance and predict when a machine is likely to fail. This allows for proactive maintenance scheduling—saving time and avoiding costly delays.
Example Tool: Uptake, or Hexagon Predictive Maintenace
2. AI-Powered Jobsite Monitoring: Improve Safety and Compliance
AI-enabled cameras and drones can monitor construction sites in real time to detect unsafe behaviors, potential hazards, and unauthorized personnel. AI can even analyze body posture and movement to predict fatigue or potential injury risks before accidents happen.
Example Tool: Smartvid.io, Everguard.ai
3. Smart Scheduling & Project Planning
AI can analyze past projects and real-time data to help you forecast project timelines more accurately. Tools can flag likely delays, optimize task sequencing, and even account for weather disruptions, helping you stay on track and on budget.
Example Tool: ALICE Technologies, Foresite and nPlan
4. AI-Enhanced Quality Control
AI-driven computer vision tools can analyze photos or scans of work to detect defects like cracks, misalignments, or material inconsistencies. These tools can flag problems faster than human inspectors, helping reduce rework and keep projects moving forward.
Example Tool: Autodesk Construction IQ, Doxel
5. Intelligent Supply Chain & Inventory Management
AI helps forecast material needs, track usage, and alert you to supply chain disruptions before they become critical. This means less over-ordering, fewer shortages, and tighter cost control.
Example Tool: Kojo, ThroughPut AI and HCSS Equimpent 360
Getting Started: What You Need in Place
To take advantage of AI in construction, your business needs a few foundational elements:
- A secure and reliable IT network
- Centralized data storage (cloud or hybrid)
- Integration-ready systems that can talk to AI tools
- Ongoing support to troubleshoot issues and keep systems running
This is where a local Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) like AxiaTP can help. We specialize in supporting SMBs in industries like construction with fast, reliable IT support—ensuring you’re ready to adopt AI securely and effectively.
Need Help Making Your Jobsite AI-Ready?
Schedule a free consultation with the AxiaTP team to discuss how we can support your next move toward a smarter, safer, and more efficient construction operation.
