The top five obstacles factory owners worry about, and some advice on how to overcome them.
Our June 2024 issue asked factory owners what advanced technologies they had implemented in their plants. This month, we come at the same issue from another angle with the following question: “What is your biggest challenge when it comes to adopting advanced technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM), automation and robotics?”
The survey results reveal a complex landscape of challenges faced by the modular construction industry when it comes to technology adoption. They include integration with existing systems, high initial costs, resistance to change, insufficient support from technology providers and a lack of skilled workers.
3,000 construction industry professionals responded to the poll. Here are the details:
Integration With Existing Systems – 33.3%
Leading the survey, with 33.3% of the vote, was the challenge of integrating advanced technologies with existing systems. This concern highlights a significant barrier to modernization within the industry. Many modular factories operate with established workflows and legacy systems that are not easily compatible with these new technologies.
The complexity of aligning advanced technologies with current operations can lead to disruptions and inefficiencies, making the integration process daunting.
To address this challenge, factories need to adopt a phased approach. Incremental integration, supported by thorough planning and change management strategies, can help mitigate disruptions. Additionally, investing in scalable solutions that can adapt to evolving needs is crucial for a seamless transition.
High Initial Costs – 26.7%
The second most cited challenge, with 26.7% of responses, was the high initial costs associated with adopting advanced technologies. BIM systems, automation and robotics all require substantial upfront investments in hardware, software and training. For many modular factories, especially smaller operations, these costs can be prohibitive.
To overcome this barrier, modular factories might want to explore a variety of financing options, which could include equipment leasing, as well as grants and subsidies aimed at promoting technological innovation.
It can also be wise to start small. For instance, pilot projects can demonstrate how a particular technology can yield cost savings, increased efficiency and higher quality output. The results can help owners make a compelling business case with investors.
Internal Resistance to Change – 16.8%
Resistance to change within the organization was identified as a significant challenge by 16.8% of respondents. This resistance often stems from a fear of the unknown, lack of understanding of the new technologies and concerns about job security. Employees accustomed to traditional methods may be hesitant to adopt new processes and tools, viewing them as threats rather than opportunities.
The best way to address this resistance is to foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the organization. Providing comprehensive training on the use of any new technology will help employees understand its benefits to the company and how it can make them personally more productive. Engaging staff in the implementation process, and sharing success stories from other companies will also help alleviate fears and encourage a positive attitude towards change.
Insufficient Support From Technology Providers – 13.3%
Factories often require ongoing technical, customization and training support to make effective use of advanced technologies. At 13.3% this is something that at least some factory owners worry about. When providers fail to offer adequate support, it can hinder successful adoption and integration, while souring the company on the adoption of more new technologies.
To enhance support, technology providers should prioritize customer service and develop robust support infrastructures. Establishing partnerships with modular factories to understand their unique challenges and requirements can lead to more tailored solutions. Ongoing training programs and readily available technical assistance will also create customer loyalty and lead to more referrals.
Lack of Skilled Workers – 9.9%
Finally, 9.9% of respondents pointed to the lack of a skilled workforce as a challenge when adopting advanced technologies. The construction industry is experiencing a skills gap, particularly in areas requiring expertise in BIM, automation and robotics. Without a workforce equipped with the necessary skills, factories struggle to implement and maintain these systems.
Addressing this skills gap requires a multifaceted approach. Investing in education and training programs to upskill existing employees is essential. Partnerships with educational institutions can help develop curricula that align with industry needs, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified professionals. Additionally, promoting careers in modular construction and advanced technologies can attract new talent to the industry.
In summary, overcoming these challenges will require a strategic and collaborative approach. By investing in training, fostering a culture of innovation and building strong partnerships with technology providers, the modular construction industry can successfully navigate these hurdles. Embracing advanced technologies like BIM, automation and robotics is crucial for the industry’s future, driving efficiency, sustainability and growth in an increasingly competitive market.
Gary Fleischer is Editor-in-Chief of Offsite Builder magazine. This article was originally published on his blog: ModularHomeSource.com.
