When it comes to productivity, the Irish construction industry has fallen behind other sectors due to the industry’s reluctance to embrace automation and digital technology. So, what can be done to boost productivity levels – especially in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak?
Research published in 2017, by global management consultancy firm, McKinsey and Company, shows that the construction industry averaged an annual growth of just one per cent in productivity over the last two decades, compared with a growth of 3.6% in manufacturing(1).
What’s more, levels of productivity across construction have actually dropped in recent years – meaning we are now less productive than we were in the 1990s.
There are several factors influencing these findings. Firstly, the number of hours we’re able to work on site has reduced, while methods of working have been limited in line with health and safety laws. Although these changes are crucial for ensuring the workforce is protected, over the years it has led to a decrease in productivity levels.
To address these changes, the construction industry must look to other higher performing sectors like manufacturing and agriculture for solutions – such as the adoption of automation and digital technologies, which are helping to boost their productivity, and explore the ways these can be used more within construction.
Addressing the issue
A report commissioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and produced by KPMG and Future Analytics Consulting Ltd, has been developed to understand the reasons for low levels of productivity in the Irish construction sector, and to identify recommendations for improving productivity.
The report outlines the need to work with education and training bodies to upskill the sector on modern construction methods, and equip training programmes with the latest technology and resources to attract fresh talent into the industry(2).
This is an initiative close to our hearts at Topcon Ireland, as we continue to work closely with education providers to kick-start the careers of those entering the industry, and provide the existing workforce with the expertise needed to work with the latest technology.
Online learning opportunities, like those provided by businesses including Topcon Positioning, must also remain a priority for businesses, as upskilling in this way will help drive future productivity.
Applying technology
Skills and labour shortages have also been an ongoing issue across the Irish construction industry for a number of years, and digital tools have been introduced to help bridge these gaps.
For example, with the introduction of automated machine control systems like the Topcon X-53x Automatic Excavator, the responsibility for accuracy and speed is in the hands of the technology, meaning new or less-skilled operators can perform like a professional, while allowing the most experienced operators to work better and faster.
If technology takes a key role across more areas of the construction job site, all team members will have more time to focus on other areas of work, such as keeping track of deadlines and ensuring works are carried out in line with agreed timelines – ultimately helping to improve productivity, accuracy and safety.
In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s vital, then, that we continue to focus on increasing productivity and efficiency. By using the latest technological innovations to boost production on-site and upskill our workforce, the industry will catch up to sectors like manufacturing and agriculture in no time - and maybe even get one step ahead when it comes to levels of productivity and efficiency.
To learn more about Topcon Ireland’s technology, visit: www.topconpositioning.com/ie.
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