In the Middle East, the construction industry is undergoing a significant shift due to advancements in data collection and analysis techniques. Data is transforming how construction projects are managed and monitored. This wealth of information supports better decision-making, which leads to improved outcomes.
We see that the increased adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies fosters collaboration among teams working on construction sites. The real-time monitoring of worker activities, equipment usage, and on-site conditions empowers project owners to make data-driven decisions, enhancing site safety, streamlining workflows, and optimizing project performance.
Among the trends in construction technology today is the implementation of digital passport systems. It simplifies access throughout construction sites while maintaining records of worker training. Providing a more efficient way to manage personnel on site, these digital IDs help project owners ensure compliance with safety regulations. This system is particularly important for areas with large-scale sites such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The traditional “toolbox meetings,” which are essential for discussing work plans and safety issues, have gone digital. Turning them into digital formats helps save time and encourages well-informed practices to enhance site safety and boost efficiency.
The integration of AI-powered analytics and computer vision applications allows project managers to quickly see construction progress and identify safety hazards. Automating safety monitoring tasks results in higher safety standards, increased productivity, and better allocation of the workforce.
A crucial element to any construction project is safety, and that is where we also see a trend developing, companies are using the latest technology to ensure the highest safety benefits. Using technology to monitor and alert, this technology enables each and every person to be monitored and to alert managers when and if necessary. We have developed technology that enables worker fall detection, head impact detection, panic SOS emergency alerts, site emergency evacuation, active worker management and temperature and humidity monitoring. Some of the sites we manage have 4,000+ active workers and only by using smart site safety are we able to provide the location of each person, in real time, at any time on site.
With the emergence of smart city planning over recent years, it is clear that data is the ‘new oil’ in the age of IoT. Utilizing data is no longer an option; it has become a necessity. Innovative, new technologies are providing these solutions for major construction projects worldwide and will be at the forefront of new and developing infrastructure projects. Our strategic partnerships are instrumental in driving these advancements in the region. We collaborate with EarthCam, a provider of construction camera solutions in the United States; Novade, a leading cloud-based field management software company based in Singapore; and OpenSpace, a U.S.-based company specializing in reality capture and AI-driven analytics. Additionally, we recently acquired Crews by Core, an AI-powered platform for field scheduling within the construction sector. We form these alliances to expand our suite of smart solutions and bring these cutting-edge technologies to the Middle East.
At WakeCap, we view ourselves as a gateway for the region to embrace the latest developments in construction, leveraging data to enhance on-site safety, operational efficiency, and cost savings.
