Rework is a persistent challenge in the construction industry, slowing progress, increasing costs, and causing headaches for project managers. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the game by improving efficiencies, optimizing processes, and enhancing communication.
The construction AI market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% by 2032, demonstrating AI’s significant potential in the industry. But what exactly causes rework, and how can AI help address those challenges?
COMMON CASUES OF REWORK IN CONSTRUCTION
Rework refers to any additional effort required to correct mistakes or processes on a project that were implemented incorrectly the first time. This can lead to delays, increased costs, and reduced productivity on construction sites.
Key causes of rework in construction include:
- Poor communication and lack of transparency
- Incomplete scope definition and front-end planning
- Lack of coordination between teams
- Insufficient quality assurance (QA)
- Poorly defined work processes
- Material or equipment defects
- Change orders
- Inconsistent or infrequent reality capture
HOW AI IS TRANSFORMING CONSTRUCTION
AI technologies are reshaping workflows across the construction industry, helping streamline multiple processes to deliver outcomes faster and with higher accuracy. Here are a few examples:
- Machine learning for analysis reporting – AI algorithms quickly analyze vast datasets to provide actionable insights into project performance and potential problem areas.
- Generative AI – Algorithms can assist with creating designs, refining workflows, and suggesting optimized solutions in the planning phases.
- AI robotics – Autonomous equipment like drones or robotic arms minimize both human error and safety by performing difficult and sometimes high risk tasks.
- IoT (Internet of Things) – IoT-enabled sensors allow stakeholders to monitor assets. track materials, and generate real-time data for informed decision-making.
These technologies work together to address rework challenges and bring new levels of visibility to construction projects.
HOW TO AVOID REWORK IN CONSTRUCTION WITH AI-POWERED TOOLS
By addressing the root causes of rework, AI systems reduce the risk of errors and foster a more collaborative and transparent construction environment.
Here are five key ways AI helps minimize rework:
1. AI-powered Progress Reporting
AI-powered 360 photo analysis offers exceptional progress-tracking capabilities. By automating this process, you can accurately assess project status, meet deadlines, maintain budgets, and provide stakeholders with up-to-date information — allowing teams to quickly identify and resolve issues before they escalate into rework.
Additionally, AI assists with better scheduling and resource allocation as it compares the project plan to the current progress which provides teams with accurate and reliable information to schedule the right teams at the right times to avoid delays or inefficiencies.
2. Improving collaboration and accuracy with Building Information Models (BIM) and Laser Scanning
AI can enhance quality assurance by identifying discrepancies between the design intent in Building Information Models (BIM) and the as-built reality captured by Point Cloud data via laser scanning. Using advanced pattern recognition, AI assess vast amounts of data to detect these discrepancies, reducing noise and identifying outliers in the scanning process. This level of precision helps ensure that what’s being built aligns with the original design, reducing the risk that rework will be needed.
Additionally, a secure, cloud-based platform can act as a single source of truth, allowing all stakeholders to access vital project information in real time. This centralized access improves collaboration and ensures the entire team is working with the most accurate and up-to-date data.
3. Materials tracking with IoT
Resource management becomes significantly more efficient when AI is combined with IoT technology. IoT sensors using RFID or GPS can track the location and movement of materials in real time, reducing risks of theft, loss, and misplacement. AI can also issue alerts when supplies are running low and even automate reordering processes to prevent delays.
Beyond materials, AI-enabled IoT can track equipment utilization levels — revealing which items are in high demand and which are underutilized — and inform predictive maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and increasing onsite visibility. With these proactive measures, issues like shortages or incorrect deliveries are detected early, significantly lowering the likelihood of rework.
4. Digital assets and virtual simulations
The use of virtual replicas of physical assets, is another powerful AI tool that makes rework less likely. By leveraging real-time data, virtual replicas simulate how physical assets will behave in particular circumstances (e.g. wind, earthquakes). This allows for thorough validation of designs before they’re implemented, reducing errors and design flaws that could lead to rework.
This technology also supports real-time inventory management and provides predictive recommendations, helping projects stay on track. Real-time monitoring enables predictive maintenance, reducing the risk of unplanned disruptions that often lead to costly rework and project delays.
5. Quality control and quality assurance
Construction projects must adhere to strict standards and regulations, often requiring time-intensive manual inspections and walkthroughs. AI can streamline these processes with automated tools such as as-built verification and firestopping assessments. These solutions evaluate current conditions against the project plans, identifying discrepancies or potential issues before they grow into larger problems.
By integrating AI into quality control and assurance processes, teams can further reduce the likelihood of errors across all stages of the project. Ultimately, AI’s ability to identify, analyze, communicate, and even address risks in real time improves accuracy and mitigates the risk of rework.
Improve your chances of reducing rework by partnering with Multivista
As the construction industry embraces AI technology, new solutions and efficiencies are coming into play. Wondering how to integrate these AI solutions into your workflow?
Combining Multivista’s 20+ years of working alongside project teams to capture the right jobsite data at the right time with comprehensive solutions like Hexagon’s AI-driven Progress Reporting can help you keep your project on track — and prevent costly rework.
Get in touch today to learn more about how Multivista and AI-powered construction solutions can help you on your next project. Request a demo here.
