The Internet of Things (IoT)
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It's Time to Embrace IoT in Construction
by Sean McDonald, Senior Counsel, Peckar & Abramson
"First published in ENR Magazine, March 20, 2017, in the Law & Risk Mitigation Today I section."
The Internet of Things (IoT)— electronics embedded inside objects that collect and exchange data— is fast becoming a common fixture in the workplace. While still relatively new for contractors, these smart devices generate data about activities, occurrences and other performance factors, providing transparency and supporting short- and long-term decision making. When applied properly, construction industry IoT includes equipment and employee monitoring through wearables, drone surveillance and other information-collection devices.
Wearables track employees by monitoring work locations, unsafe access to hazardous environments and overall efficiency. Equipment sensors monitor operation and maintenance needs in real time before costly breakdowns occur. Drones track work progression in a specific location or an entire project over time.
All IoT systems correlate directly to streamline production and maximize profits. The challenge is how best to utilize collected data, avoiding the gluttony of information while transforming it into a usable format. Companies that understand and properly interpret data collected soon recognize that these newest of technologies afford enhanced performance opportunities and bolster profitability. Let’s embrace IoT for the benefit of our projects and people.
