Remote Monitoring in the Construction Industry

In this article, we explore how construction remote monitoring solutions (like VuSpex by Mind Studios) enhance site safety, boost productivity, and reduce travel costs.

Highlights:

• Remote monitoring in construction greatly reduces the chances of accidents and improves safety on the construction sites.
• It also boosts productivity and helps deliver construction projects timely and within budget.
• Such solutions can cut inspection costs as much as 10x (proved by our VuSpex project).

Managing construction projects today comes with a fair share of headaches — keeping everything on track and ensuring safety, while also dealing with regular inspections. These all can quickly turn into a real nightmare.

With years of experience in creating construction remote monitoring solutions, we have seen in practice how they can make the life of a construction team much easier. Our software solutions empower project managers to oversee every detail without being glued to the construction site 24/7. For example, the VuSpex project, which we worked on from 2014 to 2016, allows inspectors and builders to collaborate remotely with live videos and audio. This cuts time, cost, and hassle.

“I treat them like they’re part of the company, and they behave in that way. They’re responsible, and they take ownership. I don’t know how to put numbers on that, but that’s one of their strongest attributes,”

says the CEO of the VuSpex app about working with Mind Studios.

If your construction business needs upgrading, and you think about adding a remote monitoring solution, our experts are ready to answer all your questions and create software that will fit your business needs.

So, how exactly does remote monitoring in construction work? What are the main benefits and use cases? And are there any significant challenges professionals in the field need to be aware of? We’ve researched the matter to answer all these questions in this article. Let’s dive in.

Benefits of remote construction monitoring

Remote monitoring in construction is all about using sensors, cameras, and other monitoring devices that collect real-time data and analyze construction site activities from a centralized location. The received data is then transmitted to a control center, where project managers can assess it and make informed decisions without the need to supervise the site.

Here, we’ve highlighted the most significant advantages of remote construction site monitoring.

Efficient decision-making

Remote monitoring systems use advanced sensors, cameras, and IoT devices strategically placed across the construction site. As a result, project managers receive real-time updates on everything regarding construction operations. With such an up-to-the-minute view of project progress, they are able to make timely and efficient decisions and proactively address any challenges that arise.

Mind Studios’ insight: Remote monitoring in the construction industry greatly helps to prevent small hiccups from snowballing into major setbacks. For instance, with this technology, issues like delayed material deliveries or equipment malfunctions won’t significantly impact construction timelines and overall project success.

Improved productivity and quality control

Thanks to a continuous stream of data from monitoring devices, project managers can timely and effectively identify bottlenecks, optimize workflows, and allocate resources more efficiently. Let’s say there is a construction site area experiencing delays. With data analytics, the team can quickly determine the cause, which may be a shortage of materials or a need for additional human resources.

Moreover, remote monitoring not only enables seamless adjustments and strategic decision-making but also ensures that the project complies with quality standards. This way, the software contributes to the overall project’s success.

Mind Studios’ insight: To better optimize productivity, you should integrate your remote monitoring tools with existing project management ones (think of an ERP system or similar). By consolidating the data in one platform, project managers will be able to streamline communication and find and resolve issues much faster.

Enhanced safety

Undoubtedly, remote monitoring fosters a more secure work environment thanks to its ability to minimize the need for on-site control. Sensors and cameras used during such monitoring help professionals detect potential safety hazards and promptly address the issues. This, in turn, decreases the risks drastically, helps prevent accidents, and ensures the well-being of on-site personnel.

What’s more, if a sensor detects any abnormality in equipment operation, the alert instantly goes to the control center, making it possible to address issues quickly without escalated risks. Such a proactive approach minimizes occupational injury, ensures proper prevention measures, and instills confidence and security among construction professionals.

Cost savings

Remote monitoring, together with its real-time data analytics and insights, helps project managers find operational inefficiencies much easier, optimize workflows, and, thus, minimize downtime. Predictive maintenance is one of the best strategies for cost-saving in construction. Analyzing the data from equipment sensors makes it easier for construction professionals to predict when maintenance is needed before the actual breakdown.

Furthermore, if your team oversees the construction process remotely, they significantly reduce both time and travel expenses that otherwise would be allocated to supervise the site in person.

The VuSpex app we created is a great example of that, as it has proven to help countless companies cut inspection costs by 10x, as well as reduce vehicle costs together with worker hours.

Transparent and accurate reporting

Automated data collection and processing eliminates the need for manual data entry and ensures that reports are based on accurate, up-to-date information. Project managers can effortlessly track the progress of tasks, monitor resource consumption, evaluate safety metrics, and more, all through a centralized platform.

As a result, the construction company gets a more transparent and accountable construction process, where stakeholders have continuous visibility into project activities, timelines, and milestones.

Environmental sustainability

As we’ve mentioned earlier, the integration of sensors and monitoring devices (such as CCTV cameras) allows construction professionals to manage resources more efficiently. This, however, affects not only costs but environmental impact as well.

For example, data collection and analysis can help the team manage resource consumption, energy usage, and waste generation. If the sensors detect excessive material waste, project managers can quickly implement corrective measures and optimize resource efficiency, thus minimizing the project’s ecological footprint.

At Mind Studios, we fully support green initiatives. The VuSpex project we worked on is a paperless solution that allows inspectors to conduct building inspections efficiently from anywhere — office, home, or on-site. This reduces travel-related emissions. It's also an eco-friendly alternative to traditional inspection methods that helps companies both meet sustainability goals and improve operational efficiency.

Mind Studios’ insight: Going green with remote monitoring solutions won't only help you meet sustainable goals, but it also significantly improves your brand image. This, in turn, makes you more appealing to customers, especially environmentally conscious ones.

Key technologies for construction site monitoring

Remote construction monitoring systems aren't a singular technology but a complex combination of both hardware and software components that have to work in harmony to collect and process real-time data.

In this section, we cover the most essential elements of the technological ecosystem for remote construction monitoring.

Technology	How it works
IoT (Internet of Things)	IoT in remote construction monitoring is a digital network of sensors and devices placed strategically around the site. Connected to the internet, they constantly collect and share information with a central hub where project managers overview the real-time picture of what's happening. The devices typically include monitoring devices on equipment, wearables for workers (smart helmets, vests, etc.), and environmental sensors.
Telematics	Telematics systems monitor and track construction equipment's location, movement, and performance. The data they collect can be accessed remotely to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and to schedule maintenance when necessary. It also reduces the risks of theft, helping track and record missing equipment.
Drones	Drones used in construction are equipped with cameras and sensors to provide aerial views of the sites, allowing for real-time monitoring of the whole area. They are particularly handy for surveying, progress tracking, and identifying potential issues like vandalism.
Video surveillance	Typically, cameras and video systems are used for security reasons. However, they can also help monitor the construction progress, obtain visual project documentation, and identify safety concerns.
GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking	GPS technology is used in construction to track the location of vehicles, equipment, and workers on the site. It helps in logistics, scheduling, and overall project management.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)	BIM is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building that enables effective collaboration and coordination between different stakeholders.
Communication tools	Audio and video conferencing tools, project management apps, and other collaboration solutions facilitate effective communication among team members, even when they are not physically present at the construction site.
Cloud computing	In case the construction company uses cloud computing, all the collected data (from biometric information to environmental monitoring) on the project is stored and processed in cloud-based systems, making it accessible to authorized stakeholders. This approach ensures scalability, security, and easy access.
Construction management software	A construction management software platform is a comprehensive digital command center that is used to establish a seamless and efficient construction management experience. This platform consolidates the technologies mentioned on this list, offering project managers a holistic, real-time understanding of the construction process. It empowers the construction team to address issues proactively, optimize resources, and enhance safety, and it is an insurance for smooth project execution.

Steps to develop an effective remote monitoring solution

If you are ready to build a construction remote monitoring solution but do not know where to start — here is our clear roadmap that will streamline the process.

1. Define your business requirements

The first step in any solution development is clearly understanding what you expect from a remote monitoring system. Do you need to improve safety, enhance productivity, reduce inspection costs, or all of the above? Defining your core goals also helps choose the right tech stack and necessary features later on.

2. Select the right tech stack

Once you are done with the requirements, it is time to pick the appropriate tech arsenal. Depending on your main goal, you might need IoT sensors, drones, or construction remote surveillance systems, etc. If your main concern is safety, for example, you should invest in wearables and environmental sensors. You shouldn't forget to check the scalability of the technologies and how well they will integrate into your existing systems (for example, your ERP system or project management tools).

3. Partner with an experienced development company

Undoubtedly, creating a remote construction monitoring solution requires deep tech and industry expertise. That is why we recommend partnering with skilled tech teams like Mind Studios. This way, you will be able to custom-build a remote monitoring solution that will fit your construction business like a glove. Plus, it is much easier as software development providers can help you with every step of the development — from building system architecture to adding advanced features.

4. Invest in training

It is no secret that development of a remote monitoring system alone is not enough, and its success depends greatly on how well it will be adopted by end users. So, you have to ensure that your solution is intuitive and easy to use, as well as invest into training for your team. If the workers feel comfortable with the implemented technology, the chances are higher they will embrace it.

5. Gather user feedback and improve

After the development of the remote monitoring solution, you need to gather feedback, understand the potential bottlenecks, and iterate on the system. It’s just a pilot run that helps you fine-tune all the features for smooth operations.

If you don’t want to take care of the whole development process, you can contact our tech team, and we will take this burden off your shoulders and create a fully-fledged solution to meet your business goals.

Mind Studios’ experience

At Mind Studios, we have vast experience and knowledge in creating solutions for the construction industry, with VuSpex being one of our standout projects. VuSpex is a mobile and web app that revolutionizes building inspections by allowing inspectors to conduct remote audits via video and audio streaming.

Our team was involved in the creation of Android and iOS apps that connect on-site builders with remote inspectors from 2014 to 2016. The app includes features like annotation, recording of inspections, and cloud storage to retrieve reports and documentation easily.

Here are just several achievements of this project:

• VuSpex can decrease inspection costs by 10x.
• At that time, it was the first app to be integrated with Accela Land Management software for seamless scheduling, real-time tracking, and inspection recording. By doing so, we were able to create a scalable app that went from covering a few municipalities to multiple states.
• It has been the #1 tool in the construction industry with live streaming video, photos, and custom inspection reports that has been used by inspectors, engineers, and property managers across the United States.

Looking for an experienced team to create your own remote monitoring solution? Contact us for more details on how we can help you.

Use cases and real-life examples of construction remote monitoring

We’ve already established that remote monitoring for construction and engineering can redefine the way projects are managed. But how does it work in practice? In this section, we explore just that.

Progress monitoring

[Source: StructionSite]

With the use of cameras, drones, and various sensors, professionals involved in remote construction monitoring can track different aspects of the project’s progress without being physically present at the site. This can cover material deliveries and usage, the real-time status of construction activities, workforce activities, etc. For example, some construction companies use StructionSite, a platform that combines 360-degree cameras and artificial intelligence to provide virtual walkthroughs of construction sites.

Equipment monitoring

Telematics systems and IoT sensors on construction equipment collect data on location, usage, and performance, alerting the project managers of any potential issues in real time. One example of such systems is Cat Connect, created by Caterpillar, an American construction, mining, and engineering equipment manufacturer. One of its products includes telematics tools used to monitor the health and usage of construction equipment, helping companies make the most of the machinery they have.

Safety monitoring

Most often, this use case involves wearable devices and sensors for monitoring the health and safety of workers on the construction site. The features include location tracking, vital signs monitoring, and environmental conditions.

Cat Connect, for example, offers a preventative technology that aims to make sites safer. Its proximity-sensing systems limit machine movement in tight spaces, while its cameras and sensors keep operators informed about equipment and personnel working nearby. Another example is the Spot-r system by Triax Technologies, which features wearables for workers. The devices automatically alert supervisors about potential safety hazards and track the location of workers.

Structural health monitoring

Sensors for structural health monitoring serve as an early warning system used to monitor the structural integrity of buildings and other construction objects. They detect shifts and unusual vibrations or movements, monitor strain and stress levels, and keep track of other factors. If the sensors detect anything out of the ordinary, they alert the managers about the issue.

[Source: Luna Innovations]

Companies like Luna Innovations offer fiber optic sensing solutions for structural health monitoring. Such sensors use optical fibers to measure strain, temperature, and other parameters. Their core advantage is distributed sensing along the entire fiber length, which means high-resolution data for detecting subtle changes in the structure's behavior. The company’s service was even used for the Hong Kong railway and Mount Rushmore rock block monitoring.

Material tracking

Construction monitoring systems for material tracking involve using tech to monitor construction materials' movement, usage, and status. Typically, RFID tags, barcodes, or GPS trackers are attached to materials to transmit their data to a centralized system. For example, RFID tags on pallets of concrete can be scanned as they enter the construction site, providing real-time data on the quantity and location of materials.

Why does it matter? With the help of this technology, project managers can efficiently manage inventory, prevent material shortages, and optimize the use of resources. For instance, by using the Procore cloud-based construction management platform, the team can input and track quantities of materials, assign barcodes or QR codes, and update the status of materials as they move through the project lifecycle.

Environmental monitoring

Remote construction monitoring systems for environmental supervision employ various technologies to track and assess the environmental impact of construction activities. Sensors can be deployed to measure air and water quality, noise levels, and other parameters. This data helps ensure compliance with regulations and provides early warnings for a potentially harmful environmental impact.

By implementing environmental monitoring solutions, companies commit to a more mindful and sustainable approach to construction. For instance, Dempsey Wood Civil, a construction company from New Zealand, collaborated with Adroit, a distributor of an IoT manufacturer Libelium. Together, they implemented an IoT environmental monitoring solution aimed at establishing construction sites that mitigate any disruption in the environment.

Wil Killip, innovation engineer at Dempsey Wood, shared:

“We have received complaints from neighbors in the past, but now, thanks to the dust level control, we receive early warnings that enable us to take quick measures, such as irrigating the soil with water to mitigate it.”

To sum up, all these use cases exemplify how remote monitoring technologies in construction contribute to better project outcomes, worker safety, and overall efficiency.

Challenges in construction monitoring and best practices for overcoming them

Creating a successful and effective construction site monitoring system requires solid technical expertise, legal knowledge, creativity, and ethical responsibility. Shortly put, the process is quite demanding. However, while this path can be full of challenges, all of them are manageable. Let’s go over the most significant issues and our solutions to them.

Regulatory compliance and data security

Implementing remote monitoring systems in construction requires in-depth knowledge of legal aspects. After all, it directly impacts the safety of the workers on site. Construction projects involve handling a vast amount of confidential information, including project plans, financial data, and personnel details. Therefore, regulatory compliance and data security are critical in this industry.

The challenge here can be the exchange and storage of data that can be susceptible to cyber threats. Construction site monitoring solutions require a robust cybersecurity infrastructure to minimize the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential legal consequences.

Mind Studios’ solution

To address this issue, construction companies must incorporate encryption protocols, access controls, and regular cybersecurity audits. It’s also important to consult with cybersecurity experts and monitor evolving industry regulations, ensuring the monitoring system aligns with legal standards.

Connectivity issues

Remote construction site safety monitoring systems rely heavily on real-time critical data transmission from sensors and devices. However, remote locations can face disruptive limitations when it comes to stable and consistent internet connectivity. This can lead to delays and even jeopardize the safety of the construction site.

Mind Studios’ solution

To address this challenge, we recommend investing in robust communication infrastructure, implementing failover mechanisms, and exploring alternative connectivity options, such as satellite or cellular networks. Implementing such technologies ensures that even if one connection fails, another steps in seamlessly. This way, you will be able to maintain a continuous and reliable flow of information and achieve effective remote construction monitoring in challenging connectivity environments.

Data management

One of the main points of using remote monitoring systems is their ability to collect and process data in real-time. However, due to its enormous volume and complexity, there can be an information overload when the data is not organized properly, thus preventing the team from leveraging meaningful insights.

Mind Studios’ solution

To deal with this challenge, construction companies can implement a data management strategy that includes a centralized platform capable of storing, organizing, and analyzing the data in a structured manner. For this, we typically suggest using cloud-based solutions, data analytics tools, and clear data collection and categorization protocols. Basically, it should look like organizing a toolbox where every piece has its place and is easy to find.

Integration with existing systems

Integrating new technologies with existing systems at times can feel like fitting pieces from different puzzles together. Construction projects, in particular, can use various specialized tools and software that don’t always seamlessly communicate with new monitoring technologies.

Mind Studios’ solution

The key practices for overcoming this challenge include choosing flexible remote monitoring solutions and incorporating APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that allow different systems to communicate seamlessly. For this, the tech team needs to conduct thorough compatibility assessments during the selection phase and prioritize technologies that can be easily integrated with existing construction management tools.

Adoption by end-users

Introducing new technologies to your team can be a challenge simply because, for them, this may feel like you’re disrupting a well-established process. However, ensuring adequate training and promoting user adoption is essential for maximizing the benefits of remote monitoring. Otherwise, the investment in new hardware and software will be a waste of time and resources.

Mind Studios’ solution

Ensuring the smooth adoption of remote monitoring systems requires investing in comprehensive training programs. Providing hands-on training and clear documentation, fostering open communication, encouraging feedback, and offering incentives create a supportive environment for your team. Under these circumstances, they will be more likely to embrace the change.

Conclusion

The transformative force of construction remote monitoring lies in its ability to empower professionals with comprehensive, real-time data. However, the efficiency of this technology depends heavily on the implementation of reliable software solutions that can seamlessly store, process, and translate this wealth of data into actionable insights.

At Mind Studios, we understand the critical role that software plays in the success of remote construction monitoring systems. Our team has the expertise to build software solutions tailored to the unique needs of construction professionals. Whether it's enhancing material tracking, streamlining progress tracking, or ensuring robust environmental monitoring, we’ve got you covered. When considering the cost, a project like VuSpex will require an investment of about $70,000 from you.

So, if you want to explore the potential of remote construction monitoring, contact us for a free consultation. Our business development experts are ready to help you create a strategy that aligns with your needs, resources, and business goals.

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