Gone are the days when construction companies used to only rely on spreadsheets, maintain folders, and perform paperwork. Technology has changed the entire outlook of the construction industry. When we talk about embedding technology in construction, we refer to multiple aspects in which we can make the work faster, efficient, and more effective.

The Upcoming Trends of Construction and Technology

Construction technology is here to assist the building process, not replace it. Since the world of technology is innovative, advancements are always being made in the construction sector, processes are being sped up — and more projects are being pushed forward productively.

Some major examples of construction technology include fleet management systems, GPS technology in equipment, blockchain technology, 3D printing, autonomous vehicles, drones, robotics and exoskeletons, wearable safety tech, site management software, electronic payment, and budget management systems, and virtual reality.

These are just some of the many examples that exist for technological advancements in this sector that are truly exceptional.

If you’re in the construction business, here are the current and future trends.

1.  Construction Site Safety

We are all aware of the fact that working in construction never comes free of danger. The process is not free of human error. However, innovations such as tech wrist bands that detect danger, such as electric currents and other hurdles beforehand, are lifesaving.

Contractors can make these accessible to all employees. Other than that, there are devices with programs that let the team supervisor know whether the protocols are being followed or not. Again, this is a great way to keep employees safe.

2.  Environment-Friendly Construction Technology

Whilst working on projects, it is hard to keep everything environment friendly and green. For this purpose, technologies exist that make the construction workflow an environment-friendly practice.

How do they do that? Well, they reduce the time, so there is less noise, waste, and other pollution. Even the fuel consumption of the machinery is reduced to a great extent. The best part is that these technologies aren’t that expensive and are accessible.

3.  3D Printing Technology

3D technology is revolutionizing the construction industry. It allows individuals to print 3D models off-site with particular specifications and also mass print things for use. This lowers labor costs and produces less waste. Not only that, the entire 3D printing process is much more accurate and faster than the traditional method.

Many constructions companies have started implementing the latest technological equipment to keep up with the growing advancements. For instance, Suleman Sons, a premium construction company, has adopted numerous digital tools to cope up with the changing trends of the industry. They now use modern architectural equipment to design state-of-the-art buildings to keep their clients happy and satisfied.

4.  Drones

Drones are widely used in the construction industry nowadays. They help break down the process and make it simpler. In addition, they act as a catalyst for conducting surveys; the high-resolution cameras can alter, zoom and capture and edit images. The best part about this particular tech feature is that places that are hard or dangerous to reach can easily be documented.

5.  Virtual Reality Technology

By virtual technology in the construction sector, we refer to appliances that create a virtual outlook of a proposed in-progress project to show the “feel” of it to the client. The client can experience walking around it and “feeling” how the end product would look like.

VR Wearables introduce the client into the virtual world and lets the contractor showcase the project right in front of their eyes. The project is in 3D.

6.  Artificial Intelligence

We all know that AI is the future. However, whilst many fear it thinking that it can potentially replace humankind, for now, that is not the truth. Instead, artificial intelligence helps make lives easier.

Robot tasks such as laying bricks to making quicker decisions with accuracy are what AI helps one accomplish in the construction business. The best part is that it can gather information, retain it, and make patterns and act accordingly.

7.  Blockchain

Blockchain technology increases functionality and visibility. All transactions, financial and otherwise and stored in the blocks in a transparent manner and can be traced back. This is very beneficial in terms of the supply chain. Furthermore, the data can be encrypted as well as protected. It will help reduce costs and guard data with the help of elements such as electronic verification.

8.  Smart Buildings

Contractors design smart buildings specifically to the client’s needs and wants. They are connected to IoT, which allows the convenient transfer of information. In a smart building, the user experience is enhanced ten-fold. They are definitely the future of construction. On average, building automation costs $3 to $8 per square foot.

Nevertheless, this price truly justifies the benefits. Automation enhances performance and reduces waste. This benefits both employees as well as owners. Therefore, you should definitely consider it in the upcoming years. Make sure to get quotations from different companies. You might be able to get a good deal from a local contractor.

Final Words

Technological advancements will continue to evolve in construction. These advancements will only give you a competitive edge but also a strong foothold in the industry.

Construction businesses will have to adapt to the technological lifestyle to stay in the market. This might sound like a difficult transition for many companies, but they will be left behind without adapting to the futuristic aspects that the merger of tech and construction holds. Remember, this is just the beginning.

Within a time span of a decade, estimates show that most of the construction process will have become digital. Now is the perfect time to dive into this field. So, invest in the latest technology and start optimizing your business.

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Quite often, people get disappointed when they receive huge internet bills by the end of each month. The growing prices of this service have made it extremely difficult for some households to gain access to our World Wide Web. Here is how to get access to free internet, TV, and phone services.

A majority of the people living in the US are unaware of the fact that they can get internet access for free without breaking the law. Here are some interesting options for you to sign up.

EveryoneOn.org

Everyone On is a government initiative that partners with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to bring internet access in every household.

The government service is mainly for those people who cannot afford to pay for such luxuries. For instance, the internet is not a priority for disadvantaged families, homeless individuals, and low-income households.

Therefore, the US government is responsible for providing connectivity to such users.

An interesting fact about Everyone On is that it emphasizes the reality that students today need the internet to learn and compete against other peers who are more affluent and well-groomed.

It goes without saying that the internet provides an endless supply of knowledge and skills that students need to acquire to survive in this competitive world.

Certain parameters decide whether you qualify for the program or not. In case of disqualification, you can always opt for their economical plans, which start from $10 per month.

Freedom Pop

Freedom Pop has been in business for quite some time now. It is a great platform that offers free internet access for your computer as well as your smartphone. Freedom Pop is exceptional for users who cannot justify their internet expenses because their usage is too low.

To get internet access, you will have to set up an account and pay an initial deposit, which is only a few dollars. Freedom Pop will then send you the equipment that you need to activate your connection.

You will get 2GB of free internet for the first month; not a ton of data but still a decent amount. From the second month, you will get 500 MB of free data. This data limit works well for users who just have to send and receive emails.

NetZero

Back in the days of dial-up internet, NetZero used to be a huge platform. However, with emerging technologies like cable and fiber internet, NetZero lost its importance.

Although the company is still in business, they are only offering their services to selected areas. Nevertheless, with NetZero, you can access the World Wide Web for free. So, if you have a phone line at home, you can use it to connect your computer to the internet.

Bear in mind that the company only offers 10 hours of internet per month in their basic free package. If that is not enough for you, you can always sign up for other plans that offer standard internet service with greater data caps and speed.

Wi-Fi Map

Wi-Fi Map is an application that enables you to find all the free Wi-Fi hotspots near you so that you can easily connect your device to the internet. The application is available across various countries and it is great for people who are traveling.

One drawback of this application is that the free version only covers around 2.5 miles. This means that you will have to upgrade to its pro version to find hotspots that are far away from your location.

If you do not want to pay for the upgrade, another option is to watch ads to get access to different hotspots. This way, you can seamlessly connect your smartphone, tablet, or any other device and enjoy free connectivity.

Is Free Internet Worth it?

It is a known fact that free internet is an insecure internet. Therefore, instead of using free networks, go for a budget-friendly internet package that offers good internet speed at reasonable prices.

Plus, when you sign up for this service, you will get access to the service provider’s hotspots. The majority of the providers in the US have their hotspots around popular areas to facilitate the customers in the best possible way.

Here are some renowned service providers from LocalCableDeals that offer high-speed internet packages at highly competitive prices:

1. Charter Spectrum
2. Comcast Xfinity
3. Optimum by Altice
4. Cox Communications
5. AT&T Internet

You do not necessarily have to spend hundreds of dollars on the internet every month.

For a mere $49.99 price tag, you can enjoy Spectrum Internet that offers speeds up to 940 Mbps in some areas.

Such incredible speeds are sufficient to support all your online activities including 4K streaming, online gaming, and heavy downloading. If you are one of those households that require multiple services at reasonable prices, make sure to check out Spectrum Select Package, which offers super-fast internet, more than 125 HD channels, and crystal-clear phone service.

Buy your services from a well-reputed provider so you get the best value for your money. Free services do not come with 24/7 customer support.

However, if you choose to go for one of the aforementioned providers, professional technicians are just a call away to resolve all your problems at any time.

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Do you ever wonder what makes technology in business so important? The answer is simple and easy. Technology saves your time and effort, and on top of that, it enhances the security of your organization. Numerous factors determine the importance of technology in business because the role it plays is crucial for the operations to run smoothly and efficiently.

The corporate world cannot undermine the benefits technology provides to businesses as most of the tasks nowadays depend on the latest technological equipment. To keep the workflow streamlined, businesses need to implement advanced technology – tools that tech-developers have designed specifically for business operations.

Here are 10 reasons that illustrate the fact technology is no longer a want but a need:

1. Technology Helps Improve Communication

Nowadays, many companies rely on different applications and software for communicating with others. Several technical aspects need to be considered before you choose the way of communication within your organization. For example, if you are looking for instant feedback, you should go for phone services because they provide quality voice with consistency as well as feedback. Other ways of communication include video conferencing, Skype and instant messaging. Effective communication ensures smooth operations and in some cases, high level of motivation as well. Employees of the organization are well-coordinated and informed about the tasks that they have to perform. Breakdowns in a communication system can cause multiple problems for the employees, which can be harmful to the company. Therefore, you should prepare and preoccupy yourself with contingency plans in case an issue arises in the communication system of the company.

2. Technology Improves Efficiency

There is no denying the fact technology increases the efficiency of the company. The advancements in the world of robotics and applied sciences help businesses facilitate their customers. Moreover, due to the emergence of artificial intelligence, companies can now make better use of technology. For instance, using chatbots as customer representatives to deal with customer queries. The implementation of technology in business saves time and effort involved in employing human labor and increases productivity, which is a huge advantage.

3. Protection Against Attacks

Online attacks are increasing at an alarming rate, which can prove to be very risky for businesses. Therefore, developers are designing cybersecurity defense systems to protect companies from dangerous threats. Since this is an era of cloud computing, the threat of cyber attack remains persistent. So, companies need to protect their data by enhancing the security of their online accounts that contain important information and data.

4. Employees Need Technology to Work Efficiently

The role of technology in business is expanding at a breakneck pace. Employees also expect their supervisors to provide them with the latest equipment so that they can work effectively as well as efficiently. Moreover, the most recent technological equipment enabled the employees to complete their tasks with better results and increased productivity successfully.

5. Unlimited Supply of Knowledge

With technology, there is no limit as to what you can achieve and accomplish. It provides an endless supply of knowledge and valuable insights. Conducting research has never been easier because you can instantly access the websites and search for the things you are looking for. Having valuable insights puts you in a better position to deal with your customers. You are well prepared to meet their demands. Apart from that, technology helps you keep a close eye on your competitors. Stay aware of their moves and take necessary preemptive measures to adopt the latest market trends.

6. Increased Employee Engagement

Technology is well-known for keeping employees engaged. It allows them to telecommute to work and encourages them to collaborate with each other for sharing files and essential information. In addition to this, technology also reduces the level of stress. Workload decreases when the assigned tasks are completed in the given time. Employees can also enjoy the flexibility to a certain degree. They can stay connected to the organization via smartphones etc. and perform work-related tasks remotely.

7. Explore New Markets for Growth

With the implementation of the latest technological equipment, businesses can explore tons of new markets to expand their operations and profitability. Technology can help in this regard by conducting complex calculations and forecasts with authentic results. Authentic results provide a better picture of management, enabling them to decide whether to go ahead with the plan or not. Moreover, technology is advancing with new gadgets being introduced in the market every other day. Companies can take advantage of this progression by implementing relevant technological gadgets. These gadgets can assist them in their operations, leading to better productivity and growth.

8. Technology in Business is Necessary for Expansion

Through automation and artificial intelligence, technology has become the most crucial factor behind the success of every organization. Although it is a big-ticket in terms of money, the value it provides ultimately outweighs the high cost. Moreover, the use of the latest technology gives the company a competitive edge, which makes it a better organization than the rest of the competitors in the market. This improves the overall reputation of the brand and enhances its perception among the consumers, which is vital for expansion.

9. Technology Increases the Capacity of the Business

Technology enables businesses to reach more customers in less time than usual. This means they will be able to serve more customers than before. In addition to this, companies can easily coordinate with the suppliers when they need supplies to restore their inventory. The capacity to communicate and store information increases with technology, which is a huge advantage for large corporations.

10. Technology Brings Cryptocurrency into Being

The technology of Blockchain has enabled cryptocurrency to come into existence. Bitcoin is by far the most popular cryptocurrency available in the digital market. Just like the US dollar, cryptocurrency is also a medium of exchange. However, it is digital and encrypted to control the creation of multiple monetary units. This particular technology has enabled businesses from all over the globe to make safe and secure payments with full-fledged records. In simple terms, Blockchain is a digital ledger that maintains all the transaction records so that you know when and where your money is being transferred online.

The post 10 Reasons that Demonstrate the Importance of Technology in Business appeared first on ReadWrite.

As technology is emerging, new gadgets are being developed on a daily basis to make the lives of people more comfortable and more convenient. One of the most astounding inventions is the introduction of virtual reality. The technology of virtual reality is perhaps the perfect gadget to create an artificial environment where people can truly live their dreams by using their imagination.

The Benefits of VR Technology

The emergence of virtual reality has completely revolutionized the way people shop online. With this particular technology, you can try out the clothes that you want to buy without actually going to the store. In addition to this, virtual technology is used to train workers for tasks that are considered to be dangerous and life-threatening, for example; firefighters, pilots, etc.

Employees get to learn a lot without the risk of danger, and this eliminates the chance of making a mistake when it comes to real life experiences. The best example would be of a doctor performing open heart surgery on a patient. Doctors can easily practice the operation and give their best performance when the actual surgery takes place.

Moreover, you can use virtual reality for communication as well. Many businesses have implemented this technology for conducting conferences so that they can easily communicate with the employees and make them understand the assigned tasks.

The advent of the internet has made it possible for you to communicate with your friends and coworkers with virtual reality; you will feel like the other person is in the same room as you, and it will be a fantastic experience for you as well as your employees.

Opportunities with VR in 2019

Virtual reality is being adopted by millions of people all over the globe because of the benefits that it delivers to users. Companies are implementing this technology to provide a unique user experience to their customers so that they can be served in the best way possible. Virtual reality has opened doors to various opportunities which are yet to be explored.

Here are 7 uses of virtual reality that you might not have seen before:  

1. Clinical Therapy

Most people are of the view that virtual reality is mainly used for entertainment purposes like gaming and watching movies, but this is not the case at all. The developers of virtual reality recently conducted research where they found out that virtual reality can be used for clinical procedures to treat patients.

Experts in this technology are currently developing a solution to help patients who are a victim of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). This is a solution where the patients will be given access visually to a particular situation that relates to an issue they are dealing with or traumatized by so that they can cope with the memories that haunt them.

2. Dentist Training

The training of a dentist is challenging and intense, and it takes a lot of practice and time for a person to become a dentist. With the emergence of the latest technological equipment, dentists are now being introduced to the virtual reality which makes the process of training much more comfortable than before.

Virtual reality allows dental students to conduct practice sessions in a controlled environment which enables them to become efficient at their work. In addition to this, virtual reality provides dental students with an opportunity to observe and test their dental procedures so that they can eliminate the risk of going wrong when they perform actual surgery.

3.  Driving and Testing Cars

Virtual reality has made it possible for the automobile industry to test cars before they launch it for the general public. Manufacturing companies can test the cars that they produce in different environments and make improvements where necessary. Virtual reality can significantly reduce the number of accidents and save the lives of thousands of drivers.

4.   Revolutionize Retail Shopping

Virtual reality is going to change the way people shop online. In the past, people could only see the clothes online, and they had to buy the products without trying them on. However, as technology has advanced to another level, now customers can try the garments on themselves and buy the ones that fit them perfectly. Singapore is already implementing this technology and the companies operating there are on the verge of making the whole shopping experience digital for the customers.

Read: How AR and VR Technologies Revolutionizing the E-Commerce Industry?

5.   Architecture and Interior Designing

Virtual reality provides architects with the opportunity to see the designs of the buildings before constructing them. This enables them to make sensible predictions regarding the outlook of the building so that they can showcase the shops and apartments that will be constructed.

This is the perfect way to promote investment in such properties. In addition to this, architects can also see the internal designs of the building and make the changes that are necessary to be made. With virtual reality, builders can show the complete structure to their clients before it is constructed.

6.   Grooming Services

People are often confused as to what hairstyle they should get when they visit a salon, especially ladies. This is where virtual reality comes in to save your day. With this technology, you can see different hairstyles and choose the one that suits you the best.

7.   The Use of Virtual Reality in Military

The military sector of the country uses this technology as well because soldiers have to undertake extensive training classes for combat and it is mandatory for them to pass such tests. With virtual reality, the military can easily simulate fighting strategies and teach the soldiers about how to deal with difficult situations when they are on the battlefield.

Conclusion

Virtual reality has a lot of potentials that are yet to be explored. People have not started implementing this technology in their daily routine tasks because they are still at a learning stage and the benefits of using virtual reality are not widely known. Developers are spreading the awareness of this technology through social media and websites, but it will take some time before people get used to the art of virtual reality.

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