Mitigating the Effects of the Construction Labor Shortage
The construction industry continues to face a serious labor shortage. More than half of contractors currently experience project delays because they have fewer workers onsite, and 62% of contractors report difficulty filling workforce positions due to a shortage of candidates with the necessary certifications, licenses, and skills.
Amid this labor shortage, projected demand across the sector remains strong. Unfortunately, analysts predict that the current trajectory of “stagnant productivity” and “slow or negative workforce growth” may cause construction output to fall short of demand by a cumulative total of $40 trillion by 2040.
To bridge this productivity gap, many construction companies are supporting workers with modern technology that streamlines repetitive workflows and boosts efficiency. Recent advances in rugged mobile devices make them a central part of the solution — let’s explore why.
Rugged Computers Enhance Jobsite Efficiency
Rugged laptops and tablets bring added durability to construction sites, so workers can be more efficient and avoid costly downtime. They withstand drops, spills, and extreme weather conditions, ensuring seamless operation for workers. Laptop trackpads come equipped with glove-touch functionality, so workers can operate them without having to disrupt workflows, and rain mode ensures seamless touchscreen operation even as raindrops fall on the tablet screen.
Along with their durable design, rugged solutions support the latest software tools to help construction professionals streamline predictive maintenance and optimize workflows. The TOUGHBOOK 40 now comes equipped with the latest CPU, GPU, and NPU technologies to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI)-driven workflows. Compared to previous generations, the latest Intel processors offer up to 143% faster AI application performance, 73% faster generative AI, and up to 40% lower processor power for AI-enhanced collaboration. Fast, reliable connections support real-time data sharing even in remote areas and make it possible for project managers to monitor jobsites from anywhere.
AI and Automation Boost Productivity
Rugged mobile computers enable construction workers to digitize and automate manual tasks, including filling out electronic forms rather than paper forms. Using the latest laptops and tablets, workers can collect and store more data about important site updates, such as recording deliveries, tracking the precise location of specific equipment, and logging project updates, all of which inform planning for future projects.
By making it easier for construction workers to access and run AI-enabled applications, rugged mobile devices help teams enhance their productivity and take full advantage of their jobsite data. For instance, accessing AI-powered jobsite management solutions via a rugged laptop or tablet gives project managers visibility into all activity across a jobsite. They can see when deliveries happen, evaluate how many materials remain, and check the status of a particular workflow.
Meanwhile, sensor technology built into site machinery can pair with AI-powered predictive maintenance applications, so managers can check the status of equipment and intervene before a minor repair worsens and causes significant downtime. Sensor technology paired with AI-enabled apps can also help track the location of equipment across the jobsite, reducing the time teams spend looking for different tools.
Empower Construction Workers with The Latest Technology
As the construction industry grapples with ongoing labor shortages, advanced technology will play an important role in helping existing teams operate more efficiently. From streamlining repetitive workflows to enabling advanced jobsite monitoring, these solutions help companies tackle labor challenges while maintaining competitiveness. Through real-time connections, onsite teams can communicate with those off the jobsite to share status updates, request additional support if staffing is low, and address issues as they come up. By adopting tools with integrated hardware, software, and connectivity, construction firms can meet growing demand despite labor constraints.
Learn more about TOUGHBOOK solutions for construction.
