Construction companies that embrace AI could gain a valuable competitive edge by reducing the likelihood of project disputes, writes James F Gallagher, principal of Resolution Management Consultants
In a recent survey of construction firms, 94% responded that they are currently using artificial intelligence. Most are using AI in a rudimentary manner, supporting functions like document automation, research, scheduling, predictive maintenance and other basic activities.
Virtually every firm in the survey indicated a commitment to increasing its investment in artificial intelligence and to expanding its use, both during the coming year and in the future.
Although there are a multitude of ways construction companies will be able to productively integrate AI into management and operations, one area with significant potential to generate immediate, quantifiable value is in using it to reduce or prevent disputes. With the cost of pursuing or defending construction disputes continuing to rise, having the ability to minimise the number of disputes offers measurable value.
Artificial intelligence can be uniquely adept at identifying complications and conflicts then recommending solutions. Utilising AI in construction project management and operations offers the potential to increase efficiency, lower costs, anticipate bottlenecks, minimise errors and reduce other factors that can trigger disputes.
Eight key areas where enhanced artificial intelligence can be effectively utilised to reduce or eliminate disputes and litigation over the life of a construction project, include:
1. Estimating and proposal writing
Disputes arise when plans go awry. AI can create a foundational strategy that will be more accurate and effective because it is able to consider each facet of the plan and follow it through to conclusion, envisioning each individual component’s impact on the final result, ultimately recommending revisions to make the initial plan more efficient.
2. Project management and communication
As the project progresses, changes naturally happen. The integration of artificial intelligence and Building Information Modelling (BIM), for example, enhances the coordination and effect of the evolving actions of each participant on the outcome.
3. The use of AI and drones to make inspections and site monitoring more efficient
Drones, linked to AI-enhanced programming, can not only make inspections more efficiently but also anticipate roadblocks, identify hazards, track changes and foresee other factors that might affect the timeline and end result.
4. Robots and robotics can increase efficiency and prevent errors
Robots with AI can map out project areas precisely and compare them against the initial plan, preventing errors and reducing rework. They can also be used to access hazardous or unsafe places for work, inspections, safety checks and observation.
5. Artificial intelligence’s predictive skills anticipate potentially disputed issues
Once actions have been tracked, AI can quickly see ahead many steps and identify areas of potential conflict long before they leverage into disputes.
6. AI can quickly recommend solutions to challenges
When potential conflict has been identified, where timelines are about to be disrupted, artificial intelligence can suggest solutions to get timelines back on track.
7. AI can compare the project at hand with other similar projects
AI can bring its massive intelligence and database access to compare project activities and actions with other similar situations, both within the company and around the world, ultimately recommending more effective solutions.
8. AI can remedy the shortage of skilled construction labour
Using less experienced or less skilled workers to fill in due to shortages can increase the potential for having errors and delays, leading to disputes. AI tools and management can consolidate tasks, requiring fewer people at a higher skill level, to work on them.
Construction companies that embrace AI will have a valuable competitive advantage in the future from increasing the timeliness, outcomes and profitability of projects, while reducing the likelihood of having disputes.
