Why AI is Essential to the Future of Heavy Construction

by Kishan Patel, HCSS vice president of product

One of the brightest minds in history, Albert Einstein, was famously questioned about how many feet are in a mile. His reply was, “I don’t know, why should I fill my brain with facts I can find in two minutes in any standard reference book?”

Much of what humans perceive intelligence to be is the memorization of facts. Similarly, whenever you meet people who come across as incredibly sharp, this is usually due to their quick-witted nature and ability to recall information without delay.

This is an exciting time to be alive, with so much info constantly being thrown in our direction that it can be difficult to shift gears and recall certain details at the drop of a hat. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance our abilities rather than replace them.

Improving Day-to-Day Operations in the Office and the Field
As AI revolutionizes industries worldwide, the construction sector is certainly not an exception. This isn’t just a one-size-fits-all tool to pick up and apply the same way to any industry. AI programs can and should be unique, even built specifically for construction with its exact users in mind.

From preconstruction through the completion of jobs, the help of AI in construction can enable any company with tools to plan and manage workloads more efficiently. For example, AI-powered technology can analyze vast amounts of data in an instant—and that includes both historical production data as well as data generated in real time. This results in accurately projecting timelines, identifying potential risks, and recommending strategies to optimize what you are working on.

Everyone in construction knows the extent to which details are more important than ever. If you’ve won bids by narrow margins, you’re aware of how competitive the construction landscape is—and it will only get more competitive. Additionally, challenges like workforce shortages, supply chain issues, and skyrocketing material prices are forcing everyone to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to do more with less. Fortunately, the recent advent of AI technology is perfectly poised to help alleviate some of these challenges in the industry.

Nix Risk, Control Costs, and Predict Problems
This old mantra often rings true: while consumers pay to fix problems, businesses pay to prevent those same problems before they even happen. AI-driven maintenance systems for equipment and machinery can utilize all of that real-time data to predict potential failures before they ever occur. This is an unprecedented way of preventing costly downtime, unplanned repairs, and last-minute equipment rentals that can easily blow budgets.

Another massive benefit of AI could be a drastic reduction of accidents and near-misses, boosting the overall safety of companies that adopt this technology. The power of automation looks to identify systemic safety hazards and suggest corrective measures that help workers do their jobs smarter, cultivating safer jobsites.

The solution of AI is so simple that it’s understandable how this game-changer can feel too good to be true. Much like a brain operating at 100 percent where every shred of information is perfectly accessible, AI can interpret past performance, market conditions, and regulatory requirements. What better way is there to help assess and mitigate the numerous risks faced every day of the year?

At the 2024 HCSS Users Group Meeting, the VP for Johanesen Construction, Shane Webley, shared his thoughts on the technology. Keep in mind, he is an expert in utilizing construction software after benefitting from the HCSS platform for over 20 years.

“We have to continue to look to what’s the next thing that’s going to continue to set us apart with our company and technology,” Webley commented, echoing how so many successful construction professionals feel today. “I do see the opportunity for some great value there and continue to keep overhead lean and be able to be more effective and efficient as well at our jobs. And so I’m optimistic about its utilization and I think that we’ll definitely be looking into how that could be an asset to us.”

The First AI Software to Hit the Construction Industry
Since HCSS has never lost sight of its mission to be a leader in technological innovation, 2024 marks the launch of a new powerful AI tool that no one else in the industry has yet to offer. Just take a second to imagine your own virtual assistant that can comprehend context, detect intent, answer queries effectively, analyze data rapidly, and offer insights—all instantly.

You are picturing an assistant that can automate repetitive tasks so you can focus on complex and value-added work instead. This tool is already fully familiar with the intricacies of heavy construction and can help put an end to uncertainty and reduce the likelihood of delays and disputes. Better yet, the software provider is SOC 2 compliant, adhering to strict security and privacy standards to give every customer peace of mind regarding their data protection and privacy.

What you are picturing is known as HCSS Copilot.

“HCSS has always been a pioneer of new, cutting-edge tools, and HCSS Copilot is the latest to carry that torch of innovation,” commented Steve McGough, the company’s president and CEO. “Built with confidentiality at the forefront, HCSS Copilot will harness large amounts of data to reveal insightful information no other construction software on the market can match.”

In the past, what took you hours and days can now take you mere seconds.

“This next-gen AI technology will help transform your business,” continued McGough. “There is enormous potential that will only be improving from here on out. Many customers are already reaping the benefits of HCSS Copilot and we’re excited to be pushing the limits of what is possible in this industry.”

After successful beta testing with select customers, HCSS Copilot was rolled out in February 2024 as part of HCSS Chats. Hundreds of construction companies on the HCSS platform are now leveraging this powerful program daily.

“We want the information at the users’ fingertips,” said HCSS Product Portfolio Manager Adam Black. “No more looking for it. It should be instantly accessible just by asking for it. The best part is that this is only the beginning. We’ll be expanding HCSS Copilot further this year to include intelligent predictive analysis and task automation.”

The value of AI in construction is undeniable. Construction companies can improve project planning and management, optimize resource allocation, enhance safety and quality control, and sit in the driver’s seat of innovation in construction.

The possibilities for transformation and growth are limitless, and the power is now in our hands. It’s time to embrace the future and unlock the full potential of AI. Are you in?