The impact of IoT connectivity on digital construction
In 2024, IoT connectivity will continue to play a vital role in keeping construction sites connected. In the world of construction, IoT connectivity is a primary driving force for improvements in both safety and the efficiency of projects. The IoT connectivity space is constantly evolving, and new technologies and innovations are helping operators and solution providers find new ways to enhance and support the industry.
On today’s construction sites, digital innovations are becoming more prevalent with the adoption of Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies to drive visualisation, training and safety features for workers including engineers, architects, and surveyors.
Alongside this, the use of remotely controlled drones is making dangerous areas easily accessible, keeping workers safe whilst also transmitting valuable data for project planning, progress tracking and quality control.
In addition, IoT devices have become a common feature on construction sites, with uses from fleet tracking and vehicle telematics to personal safety. In tandem, communication devices such as push-to-talk radios and body-worn cameras are expected to become more the norm where they are not already.
The effectiveness of today’s digital construction site depends on reliable and resilient IoT connectivity. However, having access to a fixed line infrastructure, particularly at the start of remote projects, or projects that are constantly on the move – for example on motorway improvements – presents a challenge. Fixed line installations can be costly and take a significant amount of time and resources to implement.
Mobile IoT connectivity, on the other hand, presents multiple benefits for keeping sites and equipment connected, and acts as a suitable alternative as either a direct alternative or a precursor for fixed line connectivity. The deployment of mobile IoT connectivity has transformed construction sites, particularly when compared to traditional fixed-line solutions.
Unlike fixed lines, which require meticulous planning, extensive groundwork, and time-consuming installation processes, mobile connectivity offers speed and efficiency. By deploying a mobile infrastructure, construction sites can swiftly establish a robust network, eliminating the need for extensive cabling and trenching.
Such agility in deployment translates to significant time savings, allowing projects to commence without the delays associated with waiting for fixed-line installations to be completed while also providing extra capacity and bandwidth for devices.
One mobile IoT connectivity solution that is enhancing the construction industry is multi-network IoT SIM cards. When fitted to a device, these SIM cards provide it with more extensive coverage than traditional single-network SIM cards, as they are not tied to one operator. In the event of an outage of the primary network, or if the device moves into an area where the signal becomes limited, the device will automatically switch to the next strongest network, minimising the downtime of the device.
In the world of construction, where the breakdown of connectivity could mean the difference between life and death, multi-network IoT SIM cards are becoming the ‘go to’ choice to power the connectivity of today’s digital construction landscape.
Looking forward, mobile IoT connectivity is only set to become a more desirable solution for the construction industry with the roll-out of the 5G spectrum. 5G brings with it lightning-fast data speeds and significantly lower latency than its predecessors. With these technological advances in mobile connectivity, real-time collaboration on projects will be easier than ever, with a range of possibilities including remotely managed heavy machines, autonomous equipment, and advanced construction site monitoring.
The combination of IoT devices and 5G connectivity is poised to radically improve the construction industry by providing more visibility, enhanced efficiency, and greater safety than ever before.
By Duncan Griffiths
Duncan Griffiths is Head of Sales – M2M & IoT Connectivity, at Cellhire. Cellhire is a leading global telecoms provider of mobile communications, IoT, eSIM and data connectivity to enterprise clients including construction and engineering firms, solution providers and indirect partners. Cellhire is committed to delivering secure and resilient mobile solutions, ensuring its customers and partners’ customers stay connected seamlessly.
use this website www.cellhire.co.uk but direct to https://www.cellhire.co.uk/iot-connectivity/applications/construction