Think...
- Greg Mulac
- Jun 29
- 9 min read
The Q2-2025 Newsletter from ATLAS consultants llc
Summertime!
Spring zoomed by so quickly, I had barely a moment to wet a line! Now, as we dive into the warmth (or the egg-frying heat of these past ten days) and the vibrant energy of summer, let's seize the opportunity to unwind and truly soak in the season's beauty.
With lazy afternoons and breathtaking golden sunsets, summer is the perfect time to carve out moments for ourselves and dive back into the activities that light up our spirits. As we close the chapter on the first half of the year, let's celebrate our achievements and set exciting new goals for the months ahead! I've carved out a number of moments for myself already, so this quarter's newsletter is being delivered in the nick of time. I hope you enjoy it.
If you'd like to connect, whether for a particular purpose or simply to discover more about ATLAS, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm open to a phone call or meeting in person. The best initial contact method is to email me at gmulac@atlasguidance.com or visit the website www.atlasguidance.com.
Besides the newsletter, ATLAS consultants llc is also on LinkedIn. Please visit the website and sign up for the Think... quarterly newsletter.
This is the seventh edition of the quarterly ATLAS newsletter, inspired by the Think... section of the ATLAS website. The word think was intentionally selected for the page title. In my view, critical thinking is often hindered by numerous competing demands. Without the opportunity to genuinely think and understand an issue, we tend to revert to default positions. While these default reactions are usually based on experience, or a specific experience, and they may not be "wrong", they might cause us to miss out on opportunities for greater benefits. I touched on this briefly in a blog post from February 2023 ("Seasoned, Learning from Lessons Lived"). Therefore, the newsletter seeks to explore a topic or two, hopefully inspiring us to Think.
In the Q2-2025 edition of the ATLAS newsletter, I will touch on a couple of significant and transformative topics that are shaping the landscape of the construction industry today. These topics are pivotal not only for industry professionals but also for stakeholders who are keen on understanding the future trends that will influence project outcomes and operational efficiencies.
The first of these topics is Data Analytics in Construction. In recent years, the construction industry has increasingly embraced data-driven decision-making processes, leveraging the power of data analytics to improve project management, enhance safety protocols, and optimize resource allocation.
The second topic is Offsite Manufacturing and Assembly in Construction. This innovative approach to construction has gained traction as companies seek to enhance efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining high-quality standards.
Data Analytics in Construction
The construction industry, traditionally reliant on manual processes, experience, and dare I say intuition, is continuing to experience a paradigm shift due to the integration of data analytics. I use the word "continue" here deliberately because that good 'ol paradigm didn't just start shifting. The construction industry has been adopting manufacturing management processes as far back as the 1970s. Whether that was Total Quality Management, Six Sigma, or more recently, Lean Construction methodology*. These processes were designed to capture objective data, determine the root cause of issues, and course correct.
The difference "today" is that the construction industry is beginning to leverage advanced technologies like AI (Artificial Intelligence), which can rapidly capture and analyze large amounts of data. Construction companies are now more able to optimize workflows, reduce costs, mitigate risks, and deliver projects with unparalleled efficiency. Data analytics serves as the accelerant of this transformation, providing actionable insights throughout the lifecycle of construction projects.
Let's take a quick step back and provide a definition. Data analytics involves the collection, processing, and interpretation of vast amounts of information to uncover patterns and trends. In the construction industry, these datasets originate from various sources, including project management software, IoT devices, drones, and other digital tools. By applying machine learning and artificial intelligence, construction firms can efficiently analyze these datasets to make informed decisions.
Applications of Data Analytics:
Project Planning and Scheduling: Predictive analytics can forecast project timelines, resource allocation, and potential bottlenecks, enabling teams to plan more effectively.
Cost Estimation: Historical data* combined with current market trends helps construction firms develop accurate budgets, minimizing unexpected expenses.
Risk Assessment: Data analytics identifies potential risks, such as equipment failures or safety hazards, and suggests preventive measures.
Quality Control: Monitoring data from construction sites ensures adherence to quality standards, allowing for timely interventions if necessary.
Sustainability: Analytics-driven insights help optimize material usage, energy consumption, and waste management, aligning projects with environmental goals.
Technological Tools Driving Data Analytics:
IoT Devices and Sensors:
IoT (Internet of Things) devices embedded in construction equipment and materials capture real-time data on performance, usage, and environmental conditions. For instance, sensors can monitor structural integrity or track the progress of concrete curing.
Drones and Imaging:
Drones equipped with cameras and sensors provide aerial imagery and 3D maps of construction sites. This data is used for site inspections, progress tracking, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
BIM platforms integrate data analytics to create digital twins of projects, offering comprehensive insights into design, construction, and operational phases. These models allow stakeholders to visualize progress and make data-driven adjustments.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning algorithms process vast amounts of unstructured data to identify trends, predict outcomes, and automate repetitive tasks. Examples include predicting equipment maintenance schedules or optimizing supply chain logistics.
Benefits of Data Analytics in Construction:
Improved Efficiency:
Data analytics streamlines workflows by identifying inefficiencies and suggesting optimal solutions. This leads to faster project completion without compromising quality.
Cost Savings:
By providing accurate cost estimates and reducing material wastage, data analytics become a key too; inf keeping projects on-budget.
Enhanced Safety:
Analyzing historical data on accidents and site conditions helps implement robust safety protocols, reducing the likelihood of incidents.
Environmental Sustainability:
Using data to minimize energy consumption and material waste aligns construction practices with global sustainability goals.
Better Decision-Making:
Data-driven insights empower construction managers to make more informed decisions, improving overall project outcomes.
Challenges in Implementing Data Analytics:
Despite its benefits, the adoption of data analytics in construction comes with challenges:
Data Integration: Construction projects involve diverse stakeholders and tools, making data integration a complex task. The selection, and integration of project management software has to be accomplished early in the process before all stakeholders are on board. Oftentimes, a selection is made without the benefit of input from the builder. Large projects can absorb the inherent software and staff costs associated with the enhanced data management.
Data Mining: How much data is really needed? What is the point of diminishing return? Are we managing data or building a project? The answer is seldom "collect everything."
Data Security: Protecting sensitive project data from breaches and cyber-attacks is a growing concern.
Skill Gap: The industry requires professionals skilled in data analysis, which may necessitate significant training programs.
Cost of Technology: Implementing analytics tools and technologies can be expensive, particularly for smaller firms, or on smaller projects.
Future Trends in Data Analytics:
The future of data analytics in construction looks promising, with advancements expected in the following areas:
Integration of AI and IoT: Combining AI with IoT will offer predictive and prescriptive analytics, further enhancing efficiency.
Expansion of Digital Twins: Improved BIM capabilities will make digital twins crucial for real-time project management.
Use of Blockchain: Blockchain technology will ensure secure and transparent data sharing among stakeholders.
Focus on Sustainability: Data analytics will become integral to achieving carbon-neutral construction goals.
Conclusion:
Data analytics is changing the construction industry by enabling more precision, efficiency, and sustainability. As companies continue to adopt and refine these technologies, the industry is poised for transformative growth. While challenges remain, the long-term benefits of data-driven construction practices far outweigh the hurdles, ultimately making analytics an indispensable tool.
Offsite Manufacturing & Assembly in the Construction Industry
Offsite construction has emerged as a transformative approach within the construction industry, reshaping traditional processes through modular construction, prefabrication, and digital integration. The evolution of offsite manufacturing is closely tied to advancements in technology and shifting industry dynamics. Several trends are shaping the future of this approach in commercial construction:
Automation and Robotics:
Automation is playing an increasingly significant role in manufacturing processes, enabling faster production and reducing manual labor. Robotics are also being utilized for precise assembly tasks, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
Circular Economy Practices:
Sustainability initiatives are driving the adoption of circular economy principles, wherein materials are designed for reuse and recycling. Prefabrication supports this trend by minimizing waste and promoting resource efficiency.
Integration of Smart Systems:
The incorporation of smart technologies into prefabricated components—such as IoT-enabled systems and sensors—allows for improved building performance and maintenance. Smart systems enhance functionality and long-term value.
Collaborative Platforms:
Innovative platforms are fostering collaboration among designers, manufacturers, and contractors, ensuring that offsite strategies are seamlessly integrated into projects. These platforms encourage knowledge sharing and streamline workflows.
Benefits of Offsite Manufacturing & Assembly in Construction:
Quality Improvement:
Project components can be manufactured in factory-like conditions as opposed to at the project-site, eliminating adverse conditions or difficult access.
Schedule Improvement:
Reduction in the generally "serial" nature of construction activities by concurrently developing significant components of the project offsite.
Labor & Safety:
Reduction in on-site labor, and potential for safety issues.
Challenges of Offsite Manufacturing & Assembly in Construction:
Despite its benefits, some challenges still persist. They range from transportation logistics, where large volumetric and panelization techniques are challenged by physical delivery constraints to the site, and then site logistical constraints once there, to regulatory compliance to my favorite, Minding the Gap.
In the London subway, there are countless signs with a common admonition to "mind the gap." That is, the gap between the platform and the rail car. Traditional architecture and building managed the gap, or "tolerance collisions," between pieces of the work. For simple examples, the meeting of a wall and floor was managed by the baseboard & shoe; or the level & plumb of concrete was managed by typically covering it up. When we remove these options and create knife-edge details between materials with dissonant tolerances, it does get challenging. If you're deliberate; if you "buy" the project right; if the project and the project team has the resources and is committed to the outcome; it can be done, and I've led projects that have done just that with some notable architects. What does the gap look like now with significant, feature components manufactured and assembled offsite? Could that reduce the number of gaps, and make knife-edge details easier to achieve? Or will that gap now be a doozy? At a minimum, we should at least capitalize the "G" in "mind the Gap."
Conclusion:
Offsite manufacturing and assembly strategies are reshaping the landscape of construction, offering a multitude of benefits ranging from efficiency and cost savings to sustainability and safety. By embracing modular construction, panelization, volumetric techniques, and digital integration, the industry is unlocking new possibilities for streamlined project delivery. While challenges persist, proactive solutions and technological advancements are paving the way for widespread adoption. If there was any doubt in the benefits of offsite manufacturing and assembly, they should be dispelled by the work done by xPL Offsite, a subsidiary of Turner Construction Company, perennially the nation's number one builder.
The following is taken from the xPL Offsite web page:
xPL Offsite stands as a prominent player in the realm of offsite construction, distinguishing itself through its advanced prefabrication methods and forward-thinking strategies. The company specializes in creating streamlined, customizable modular solutions that cater to residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
What sets xPL Offsite apart is its dedication to leveraging innovation for maximized impact. Their approach encompasses:
Digital Integration: Utilizing AI-driven modeling and simulation tools to optimize design accuracy and project feasibility.
Sustainability: A commitment to green building practices, including the use of recyclable materials and energy-efficient systems.
Customization: Offering tailored modular designs to meet unique client requirements while maintaining high standards of quality.
Scalability: Efficient execution of projects ranging from single-unit homes to expansive commercial developments.
With a robust network of production facilities and a team of expert engineers and architects, xPL Offsite continues to push the boundaries of what modular construction can achieve. Their contributions are pivotal in accelerating project completion times while ensuring environmental responsibility and cost-effectiveness.
Think...
Coming next time....."TBD"
For the Q3-2025 Newsletter, Please consider this a general invitation for all readers to submit any topics you would like me to take a shot at, or let me know if you are interested in contributing to the newsletter.
Q1-2025 Death of the Master Builder / The Art of Construction Estimating
Q4-2024 The Big Three: Quality, Budget & Schedule
Q3-2024 The Schedule
Q2-2024 The Estimate
Q1-2024 Quality
Q4-2023 Delegated Design
Current work
As we hit the midpoint 2025, here's a quick update:
ATLAS completed a long-term expert opinion assignment, significantly contributing to the highly successful outcome for the client in a significant construction lawsuit.
ATLAS is in it's fourth consecutive year of providing regular guidance and advisory services in risk mitigation, functional effectiveness and procurement for two clients.
ATLAS' present clientele consists of Builders, Fabricators, Specialty Contractors, and Owners, all actively engaged in the Design + Construction Industry.
Comentarios