Paper doesn’t stand a chance next to quick-moving modular construction today. Paper-based processes pose substantial limitations to modular construction workflows, from slow communication and inconsistent documentation to human error and limited visibility.
Digital advancements enable valuable opportunities like faster workflows, integrated data and analytics, cloud-based documentation management, and mobile access. These tangibles lead to positive business impact, including improved communication, reduced errors, faster deliverables, and greater scalability.
Below, we consider current challenges for modular construction:
Information Flow Gaps
Various teams across a field service company, under disconnected systems, often work in silos with little to no collaboration. This can further lead to communication delays and misunderstandings, as personnel cannot reach all stakeholders simultaneously in real-time. Teams may also access outdated information, leading to confusion and errors.
Quality Control Issues
Manual, non-digital processes can make maintaining standardized protocols difficult and mean limited traceability for accountability. Furthermore, paper entails reactive rather than proactive problem-solving, assuming costly consequences.
Timeline Impacts
Slow approvals, rework and downtime, and poor scheduling visibility contribute to extended timelines and additional costs.
Below, we consider how digitization tackles modular construction challenges:
Workflow Automation
Digitization helps streamline processes and eliminate manual input. Personnel can work seamlessly and collaboratively on approvals, quality checks, or cross-team handoffs.
Mobile Accessibility
From real-time updates to on-site reporting to enhanced communication, personnel can access the information they need whenever and wherever they need it. Teams on different sites can easily stay in alignment through shared mobile platforms.
Data Integration
A single, central platform allows transparency and ease of use. All teams — design, procurement, manufacturing, and field — can communicate and review relevant information.
A practical implementation framework for digitizing modular construction includes process mapping, system setup, and team training. Process mapping means examining current workflows and asking what works and what doesn’t. Do personnel face bottlenecks? Managers should map end-to-end workflows and define key objectives.
For system setup, managers must choose customizable workflows that enhance automation, mobile optimization, and data integration based on team needs. Management should onboard team members early for buy-in and essential feedback for utmost success. Management must also provide teams with hands-on training and offer ongoing support.
The ultimate success of digitizing modular construction workflows depends on quality improvements, time savings, and team adoption. Standardized processes, real-time reporting, and data-driven decisions ensure quality improvements. Managers should aim for faster communication and response times and more streamlined scheduling and workflows. Finally, managers must have a pulse on team reception and sentiment. This can be facilitated and encouraged through collaborative, hands-on training, user-friendly tools, and the ability to demonstrate wins.
The strength of today’s modular construction workflows depends on effective digitization. Thanks to digital advancements that allow workflow automation, mobile accessibility, and data integration, companies can overcome common challenges and take modular construction success to new heights.
See how Gomocha is at the forefront of digitizing modular construction workflows.