The construction industry is a major driver of economic growth for nations worldwide, and the Philippines is no exception. However, traditional project management methods often face hurdles like time-consuming estimates, manual data collection, and delays. Without a cost-effective solution, this can stifle innovation, limit project scalability, and prevent the industry from reaching its full growth potential.

This is where a Philippine construction tech startup changes the game, leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize construction project management. In this article, we will discuss how the AIMHI Construction App uses AI in construction to simplify project estimates and productivity monitoring. We will also explore use case scenarios highlighting the significance of this technology in the construction design and operation phases. 

AI Integration in Construction

While still in its early stages of adoption in the country, artificial intelligence pitched into efficiency gains in construction project management. Conversely, construction remains to be one of the least digitalized industries in the Philippines.

A McKinsey report suggests that AI can improve construction productivity and overall project timeline by up to 20% globally. It provides a more streamlined estimation process, automation, and progress tracking to prevent delays and cost overruns. Additionally, AI algorithms optimize material and inventory management, reducing waste by up to 20% and boosting supply accuracy by 30%.

The action points done to increase construction project productivity consequently lead to faster and better decision-making, ultimately maximizing profitability.

Let’s keep reading to elaborate on how AI simplifies construction project estimates and productivity monitoring in the construction project lifecycle.

How AI Simplifies Project Estimates in Construction

Traditionally, creating project estimates involved a significant amount of manual effort using spreadsheets and construction calculators. This process was not only time-consuming but also prone to errors due to typos, miscalculations, and the need to rely on experience and intuition.

AI-powered solutions like AIMHI (Artificial Intelligence Meets Human Intelligence) revolutionize project estimates by offering intelligent assistance and reducing the risk of errors.

Below are ways this software leverages AI to simplify project estimates.

1. Estimator Calculator Guide

An  Estimator Calculator Guide functions as an on-demand knowledge base readily accessible to users. This intelligent tool provides instant assistance with a range of estimation-related tasks, including:

• Unit Conversions: The widget eliminates the need for manual unit conversions, ensuring accurate calculations regardless of the initial measurement system used (e.g., converting kilograms of rebar to its corresponding length).
• Formula Retrieval: Complex concrete mix formulas or other frequently used calculations can be easily retrieved through the widget, eliminating the need for manual searches or memorization.
• Estimation and Calculation Guidance: The widget offers step-by-step assistance with estimations and calculations, removing the burden of complex manual computations from the user. This allows estimators to focus on project specifics rather than expending time and effort on intricate calculations.

Estimators can concentrate on project-specific nuances, leading to a faster estimation process and more informed decisions.

2. Intelligent Quantity Suggestions Based on Project Data

Further streamlining the estimation process, AI can offer intelligent suggestions for material quantities. As users input material line items during the estimation phase, AIMHI analyzes critical project data such as type, size, and dimensional specifications. This analysis allows the AI to recommend appropriate quantities for each material. This feature not only improves estimation speed but also minimizes errors caused by user-introduced typos or miscalculated material requirements.

For instance, if a user specifies the construction slab within the project, the AI might suggest a specific concrete volume based on the foundation’s planned size and depth.

These advancements translate to faster turnaround times, improved cost forecasting, and estimation error reduction. Furthermore, AI eliminates notorious paperwork and spreadsheets that add to the burden of process-related internal factors.

How AI Boosts Productivity Monitoring in Construction

The benefits of AI in construction extend beyond the initial stages. The AI solution offers real-time productivity monitoring and transparency, empowering not only project managers and internal team but also investors with valuable insights on project progress.

For a very affordable pricing ranging from Php 1,100 to Php 2,000, here’s how AIMHI can transform productivity monitoring on construction sites with AI.

3. Risk Analysis on Manpower Productivity

AI can incorporate the value of a built-in risk analysis tool focused on manpower and equipment productivity. For instance, AIMHI’s project management software leverages historical project data and established industry benchmarks to compare actual worker productivity against expected output.

This proactive approach allows project managers to identify potential shortfalls in worker performance before they derail project timelines. With these insights, managers can implement corrective actions to mitigate risks and meet project goals.

4. Streamlined Workflows with Scope of Work Dependency Baselines

Starting every project from scratch can be time-consuming. AIMHI addresses this by providing an initial scope of work baseline. Based on the project type, the AI automatically suggests the fastest scope of work dependencies. This jumpstarts the planning process and saves valuable time.

5. Man-Hour and Equipment Productivity Benchmarks

Estimating the number of workers needed for a task was previously an imprecise art. AIMHI changes the game. When users enter the estimated number of workers in the platform, AIMHI can compare it against a database of historical data to identify if the allocation is above or below the average productivity baseline for similar tasks. This allows for more accurate resource planning and helps to identify potential overstaffing or understaffing situations.

The same logic applies to equipment usage.  By comparing the number of machines planned for a task with historical baselines, the AI can highlight potential inefficiencies in equipment allocation.

Overall, AI-powered productivity monitoring goes beyond simply tracking progress. With solutions like AIMHI, project managers and stakeholders can provide actionable insights to optimize resource allocation, identify potential problems early on, and ultimately achieve project goals faster and more efficiently.

Conclusion

AI integration throughout the planning and operation stages in construction fueled an era of innovation and efficiency. This makes the complexities in the industry more manageable and accessible to various teams, from the construction project, operations, and implementation teams, to the purchasing, procurement, and management teams.

While some may hesitate due to unfamiliarity with AI, there’s no need to fear the unknown.  The benefits of AI in construction estimation and beyond far outweigh the costly issues of low productivity, delays, and budget overruns. AI empowers all stakeholders to collaborate effectively and achieve project goals with greater speed and cost-effectiveness.  This paves the way for a future where construction projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Learn more about harnessing AI’s potential in construction at AIMHI here: https://aimhi.ai/why-aimhi/