The construction world is rapidly progressing, and technology is changing how the construction industry functions. From apps present in mobile devices to sensors found in construction cones there’s no doubt how technology functions nowadays. Although there are still some companies who feel a little reliant to embrace technology, those who do are slowly enjoying its benefits already.
Virtual reality is one of the technological advances that change how the construction industry tackles problems and issues. VR in construction can be defined as something similar to 3D modeling.
Like 3D modeling, it is comprised of a 3D virtual model of the project, but the only difference is that users could be placed directly in the environment with virtual reality. That means users can experience a full immersion into the virtual space.
Here are some of the ways on how VR will make construction projects more efficient.
1. Better Customer Experience
With virtual reality, clients can now walk into the VR model and have a real-time view of the project even before completion. More often than not, one of the most common frustrations of builders is the lack of transparency. They have no choice but to trust that the construction company is doing their job right, with hopes that there wouldn’t be any issues along the way.
With technology, customers experience something better. Instead of paper drawings, they can now walk into the VR model and have a first-hand experience of what the project will look like once it’s completed. This is very important, and it allows clients to make smart decisions later on. Not just that, it also guarantees that the workers would be able to meet their expectations.
All throughout the project, with updated 3D models in a VR environment, customers would be able to watch the project unfold right in front of them. Whenever issues arise, they could quickly work on it, and this reduces the wastage of both time and money.
2. Streamline Collaboration
The beautiful thing about virtual reality is that you’ll be able to see the project even without going to the actual site. This is ideal for teams as it allows them to collaborate in real time where they could easily spot mistakes, ask questions, and make improvements. Through this, the whole project can be finished promptly, and it would also reduce rework.
3. Scale Up Quickly
3D modeling software has brought the construction industry to a higher level. We all know that every building is unique, and the construction industry has to ensure that the needs and wants of the client are met.
VR ensures that every information and detail is shared across the team so they could work on it together. Even with the creation of a 3D model; through VR, project managers and architects would know what exactly the final outcome will look like. The miniature models would be beneficial during orientation, and inaccuracies will be determined quickly.
4. Design and Pitching
Most experts would tell you that it doesn’t really matter how accurate the schematics are, the best way to ensure that the project is specific would be through the help of a virtual render that can be viewed through a virtual reality technology. More and more architects and designers are investing in VR technology as it allows them to get fine details just by putting them in the room where they are being designed.
More or less, with VR, you’ll be able to envision what the project will look like later on.
5. Safety and Training
For the past few years, training and safety programs are being developed in a way that it’s more accessible to everyone. With a VR training program, trainees can now practice working with the machinery in a real-time environment, minus the risk of damaging the equipment or injuring themselves. This is very important as it allows the workers to familiarize themselves before handling the real thing fully.
6. Increase Quality
Last, but definitely not least, would be the increase in quality. With virtual reality, better decision-making can be ensured because there wouldn’t be any misinterpretations, and that leads to better production quality and the need for rework would dramatically go down.
That means both workers and owners would greatly benefit from what VR has to offer. You could even compare it with hitting two birds with one stone– less wastage, and shorter production time.