Traditionally, the adoption of new technology in the construction industry has been painfully slow. Though being slow to change is not a state that’s exclusive to the construction industry, its slow tech adoption does appear to be impeding industry growth.

In fact, the global construction and engineering sector is one of the world’s least efficient, yet largest industries. One study found that the growth of construction productivity has been 1% over the last 20 years compared with a 2.8% growth rate for the worldwide economy as a whole.

The same research suggested that if construction productivity were to match approximately that of the total economy, it would add about 2% to the global economy as the sector’s value would increase by around £1.25 trillion – a gain equivalent to about half the world’s annual infrastructure need.

So, it makes sense that developers who are adopting tech are pulling ahead, both in terms of productivity and profit, of those who don’t. And as the price of technology falls, it should become more accessible to developers who have hitherto found the cost prohibitive – as well as gaining them a competitive edge. Likewise, as clients are increasingly likely to be tech-savvy themselves, they may want actual data to inform costs and productivity before committing to a developer. And those who can’t provide it may start to look a little out of date.

All easily said, but how could you actually begin to integrate technology into the process?

Firstly, use it to streamline your operations. Acknowledge your weaknesses and think about the solutions, and by extension, how those solutions could involve technology – for example in maintenance schedules.

Secondly, make sure that workers see technology as a benefit, not a threat – it’s there to help but they have to be willing to use it.

And finally, having realised what you need, convinced the workers and making the financial commitment, you must provide training and support for them. Everyone’s busy and they need dedicated time to become familiar with the technology and adept at using it for maximum benefit. Until that happens, it won’t be of any benefit – and it’s cost you money.

If developers are serious about completing jobs better, more quickly and therefore more profitably, then adopting technology could be a significant help.