Industrialized Construction, Why the Slow Adoption?
The Connection: August 2024 Issue #04
Exploring Barriers. (Hint: It’s Humans)
If we (the humans) change how we think, Industrialized Construction will be a game changer in the construction industry. With its emphasis on optimizing speed and efficiency throughout design, fabrication, and construction, in the future it can assist in a more cost-effective overall budget when integrated appropriately. The possibility is stronger when as an industry we become more familiar and efficient when building with these means and methods. Industrialized Construction is revolutionizing how the AEC (Architectural/Engineering/Construction) industry designs and constructs projects.
So, what problems does Industrialized Construction aim to solve? And if it can solve them, why is the industry slow to adopt it? And why is “the future” where it can be more cost effective?
What is Industrialized Construction?
Simply stated, it refers to the integration of advanced technologies into the design, fabrication/manufacturing and construction process.
Advanced Technology Examples
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)
- Additive Manufacturing (3d Printing)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Robotics
This convergence of technology and manufacturing brings a fairly modern approach to construction. One that the industry has yet to fully embrace. Some often confuse Industrialized Construction with offsite and/or prefabrication only. While true that these methods of construction are critical solutions, the convergence of technologies is what allows for better design integration and straight-to-factory production.
Prefabrication
While still part of Industrialized Construction, some prefabrication is still more manual labor. The real acceleration to optimization is adding layers of technology, automation, robotics, AI, etc., to better support the manual labor. Industrialized Construction is the overarching idea of this convergence of technologies and methods. The opportunity to further explore and implement new industry processes provides pathways for a more hybrid approach. Industrialized construction also creates a new type of labor force for the industry. Thus taking aim at solving the skilled labor shortage by optimizing their work, while also reinventing it for future workers.
So why is the future where we will see the cost effectiveness when implementing these solutions? Because we as an industry must accept it is not the technology or methods of construction that are the issue. It is the humans. This is where we must change how we think about what we know and do not know. Our brains are not made to want us to explore. And since Industrialized construction solutions are not 100% of the cost, all costs must be reviewed. The increased costs of construction, including conventional means, are a sum of all its parts, not one parties issue to solve.
A key reason for slow adoption of industrialized construction is that most in the industry are comfortable with how they currently are doing things. They may not fully understand their role in the decision-making needed to implement theses solutions or are not ready to explore them. Another reason is those focused on portions of industrialized construction sometimes lack an understanding of what Architects and Construction teams need to succeed.
More critically, the industry lacks appreciation for the dynamics of a complex system approach and decentralized relationships of the parties. An understanding of the value chain and roles and responsibilities of all parties may yield a more uniform process for the different solutions while aiming to optimize the entire system, not your own individual part.
Speed Bumps on the Path to Adoption
To embrace Industrialized Construction, the construction industry needs to promote a learning environment. A great place to start, encourage individuals to try new things. When things do not go as planned the first time, this environment must be free of retribution.
When it comes to adopting Industrialized Construction, there are three significant barriers.
1. Willingness to Try
The first step to learning anything new is to be willing to try. Without a willingness to try, one can never learn something new. However, the fact remains that the construction industry is risk averse. But sometimes, one must take risks to learn and develop.
Along with the lack of willingness to try is the lack of financial resources for training. Perhaps if the industry as a whole explored new ways to reallocate funds for adequate training, more would be willing to try Industrialized Construction solutions.
2. Delivery Model
The traditional delivery model typically includes the design, bid, and build phases, also known as D-B-B. The advantages of Industrialized Construction solutions will be negated by this delivery model.
However, if better models such as Design Build (D-B) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) were the overarching contract model, incorporating a design assist model provided by those in Industrialized Construction would increase efficiency while minimizing risk. With minimized risk, there is a better chance of improved willingness to explore which can also help in embracing Industrialized Construction.
3. Value Proposition
When it comes to embracing Industrialized Construction, the benefits need to far outweigh the risks, and it does. Unfortunately, some within industrialized construction have missed properly defining and aligning their value proposition. Too often, the approach comes off as “selling” as if the company’s solution or method of construction is a product. No one should treat Industrialized Construction as a “magic bullet” or an easy button; it does not work that way.
There are too many variables that must be considered, especially human complexity. And while “puffery” is not illegal, to those who have tried one or multiple solutions previously, there is a risk that it can feel like the Industrialized Construction industry is full of fraud when things do not go as the sales and marketing say. That’s the danger in puffery, and asking others to drink the Kool-Aid.
To be fair to those in Industrialized Construction, the rest of the industry must understand that it is about a process change. A change that starts before pen hits paper in order to implement any of these solutions successfully. It is also important to note that perfection is not the baseline in which to measure, whether it is the first time or the 10th time. It is about what we are learning, and how we are improving, because no baseline exists yet. If these challenges are adequately addressed, then it will be easier to realize the value proposition of Industrialized Construction. But we must recognize that our brains set the trap, to want us to stay where we are. So we have to increase our own curiosity.
The adoption of Industrialized Construction could be easier if it is seen as a curiosity-building experience, rather than an easy button.
How to Turn Industrialized Construction into a Curiosity Building Experience
To turn industrialized construction into a curiosity-building experience, you need to create the right environment and resources that foster learning and growth. By creating an avenue for people to explore and utilize new processes, methods, and technologies, it will be easier for them to embrace industrialized construction. The following can help combat the barriers; Willingness to Try, Delivery Models, and Value Proposition.
Here are some ways to turn industrialized construction into a curiosity building experience:
Rethink Training Investment
Investing in training and continuing education programs is one of the best ways to turn industrialized construction into a curiosity-building experience. However, the industry must change its understanding of what and when training can occur. Industrialized construction is a process change, not a swapping out of a simple specification for a product.
So, learning more is going to require more effort than attending a seminar, attending a lecture, or reading an article. It will require programs, which generally include multiple workshops and courses, which can help pique participant interest in Industrialized Construction, propel them to dive deep into it and increase their interest in exploring the field.
Offer Incentives
Incentives are a great way to encourage people to try out new things. Offering incentives to individuals interested in exploring Industrialized Construction can make the field attractive to others. These incentives can take the form of awards, recognitions, partnerships, etc.
For instance, the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) offers certifications to be recognized as a Design-Build professional. A similar certification targeted at recognizing industrialized construction experts could go a long way in serving as a motivation to learn and embrace industrialized construction.
Partnering with firms actively engaged in industrialized construction and offering training grants would also help drive its adoption. This may alleviate costs being passed on to clients, thus inflating budgets.
Understand New Technologies
Technology is the backbone of industrialized construction. From the design to the execution stage, proper integration of technology is important.
An essential step in the adoption of industrialized construction is to understand how to properly integrate technologies. It is not enough that these technologies are available, there is a need for all parties in the construction process to know how to incorporate them in the right way.
Hence, proper education on the utilization of available technologies and tools is necessary to optimize construction outcomes. All must understand that the technology is not the sole solution, it is not a stand alone easy button.
Share Success Stories and Past Experiences
By sharing case studies or stories where methods have been successfully implemented in projects, this can encourage individuals to explore more, driven to create a success story of their own. It is also important to share what has already been learned through the not-so successful stories. We can learn more from intelligent failures than we can from blind success.
Most people want data. However, data follows many iterations to create a feedback loop that is beneficial. Sharing how challenges were addressed, changes made, and how the teams can mitigate risk shows a recognition that risk is real, and that those in Industrialized Construction are not just passing it on but being an active partner in mitigating.
Get Out of the Training Rooms
By taking individuals to construction sites that are actively engaged in Industrialized Construction, they get to see for themselves how projects are being executed using this method. Seeing real-life examples of different solutions and technology in action can help inspire curiosity in individuals.
These experiences should be more than one day to provide adequate insight into the topics of Industrialized Construction exploration. Leaders must not see these as overhead that is putting the teams behind on projects and costing them money, but rather an investment into the company’s future. We are all competitive, and seeing others do it before you, can drive more curiosity into the desire to learn by trying.
Take an Active Approach
The fact remains that Industrialized Construction is here to stay. However, the task at hand is speeding up, and strengthening its widespread adoption. Turning our training into a curiosity building experience achieves both, by helping willing participants understand they are part of a journey not an event. This provides a more patient, valuable and mutually beneficial process when addressing the human complex system part of Industrialized Construction.
Reach out today if your curiosity has been peaked and want to learn more.
