For example, Xometry, a company in the United States, is already being used by major manufacturers.
He also notes that programs and build times are coming down, and that people are looking for ways to modularize and make things work.All of this requires proper digital coordination.
The tier one contractors are trying to drive innovation in a different way, he says, and the smaller players are looking for a point of difference..Conversations about DfMA are also starting in Australia, with some large contractors setting up their own DfMA plants.However, it really comes down to two, distinct schools of thought.
These revolve around the use of either an owned or distributed model.The former focuses on ownership of the whole integration chain, the whole vertical delivery model.
In this instance, a player owns the factories and designs, pushing out what’s required for the kit-of-parts to consultants, and achieving an output that way.
On the other hand, some contractors don’t want to tell others how to innovate and would prefer to let the innovation ride.In this particular instance, we see technology reducing stress for a busy site manager, who didn’t have to waste time investigating the issue further.
Here, construction technology enabled people to quickly and easily return to work.In another example, onsite sensor cameras were able to detect overnight theft and the captured images were successfully used by the police.
Using IoT in this way also creates a differentiating, reputational advantage for contractors, as these companies are seen to be running very tight, lean, safe and productive operations.This could ultimately enable such contractors to win more business, forcing other players to adopt these types of beneficial practices in order to keep up..
(Editor: Quick Organizers)