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If you’ve attended a construction conference in the past couple of years, odds are that you’ve heard someone speak about AI. From discussions about its projected impact on the industry, construction-specific use cases of AI, or how to make AI work with us, the buzz around this technology is undeniable.
But, with so many AI solutions vying for your attention, how do you determine if you could benefit from AI and which is the right solution for your business? We’ve got you covered.
Understanding Automation vs. AI
To help answer the first question, it’s important to understand the difference between automation and AI.
Automation uses technology to perform tasks automatically, typically following pre-defined rules to reduce or eliminate human intervention. Think of it as doing the same thing repeatedly, but faster and more efficiently. Some examples in construction include:
- Automated pay application generation that accounts for GC requirements, project progress, and agreed-upon rates
- Document control systems that streamline paperwork, tracking, and approvals
- Automated email reminders to other project stakeholders or clients
- Scheduling tools that optimize project timelines and resource allocation
AI, on the other hand, aims to create machines capable of tasks requiring some level of human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI systems can adapt and improve their performance over time. Examples include:
- Predictive maintenance systems that analyze equipment sensor data to predict and prevent failures
- Risk management tools that analyze project data and external factors to identify and mitigate potential risks
- Project planning and optimization software using AI to create more efficient schedules and resource allocation
- AI-driven quality control systems using image recognition to automate defect identification
This table breaks down the core differences between the two technologies even further:
Often, the best solutions combine both. For example, a robotic process automation (RPA) tool might use AI to understand the content of documents before automatically extracting data. This combines the efficiency of automation with the intelligent decision-making of AI.
Evaluating Construction AI Tools
With a solid understanding of AI’s capabilities, it’s time to figure out which tools are actually worth your time and money. The following tips will help you evaluate AI tools and determine the best fit for your needs. (Many of these recommendations will be familiar if you've read our construction accounting software buyer’s guide, as the core principles of software and AI tool evaluation are similar.)
1. Know what you’re trying to fix (or improve).
Before you even start looking, be crystal clear about the specific problems you want an AI tool to solve or the opportunities you want to seize. Zeroing in on your definition of success will help keep you focused and prevent you from getting distracted by shiny extra bells and whistles.
2. Evaluate data readiness.
AI is only as good as the data you feed in. Garbage in, garbage out, they say. So, take a hard look at the quality and availability of your data, and make sure your data management practices are up to snuff.
3. Partner with experienced vendors.
Look for AI vendors with a solid track record in the construction world. You want to work with someone who understands your business and can offer real support and guidance along the way.
4. Ask the right questions.
Before any demo, make a list of must-ask questions. Here are a few to get you started:
- Can this AI solution be customized to fit our specific projects and workflows?
- Who owns the data?
- Who’s in charge of migrating our data?
- How long before we start seeing reliable results?
- What security measures are in place to protect our data?
- What does implementation look like, and how much will we be involved?
- What kind of training and support do you provide, both during and after the implementation process?
- Do you have any case studies or references we can check out?
- What is the pricing model, and are there any hidden costs?
5. Consider integration needs.
Make sure the AI solution integrates seamlessly with your existing software and hardware. You don’t want to create more headaches than you solve.
6. Plan for future growth.
Choose a solution that can scale to support your company's strategic objectives and expanding requirements, and ask about the vendor's roadmap for future enhancements and how often they release updates. A product that's actively being improved is more likely to meet your needs down the road.
7. Prioritize user experience and training.
If your team can’t figure out how to use the AI tool, it’s not going to do you much good. Prioritize solutions with intuitive interfaces and comprehensive training resources to maximize your ROI.
8. Start small.
There are a ton of AI solutions out there, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Start with your most pressing needs, gain some experience, get some wins under your belt, and build from there. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful AI strategy.
The truth of the matter is this: AI is changing the face of construction, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of. Exploring solutions sooner rather than later can help you stay ahead of the competition. Hopefully, this guide gives you the confidence to start that journey.
And if you’re curious to see how Siteline uses automation to accelerate subcontractor payments by an average of three weeks, your personalized demo is just a click away!
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