Being a contractor means always doing new projects and traveling around to complete them. Everything about contract work used to be about physically planning things out and writing things down. This may have included measuring out spaces by hand, traveling to sites, and managing everything from a notepad. Now, with modern technology, all operations have been made easier. Read below to find out how technology is revolutionizing contractor work.

Robotics

Depending on the type of work being done, robots have been one of the most revolutionary technological advancements of the past one hundred years. From being programmed to do repetitive tasks to being employed to move heavy materials, robots come in all shapes and sizes. The implementation of robot technology in places like warehouses can increase production and streamline operations. Robots cannot replace everything that humans do, but enlisting them to do mundane tasks so that more difficult projects can be tackled by human brains has been proven to be an effective use of modern technology for many businesses.

Project Management Software

Any business that is run by a team of workers needs some kind of system in place to keep communication working and assign individual tasks. Before modern technology, this could be done by having daily in-person meetings to establish tasks for the day, but now operations can be conducted by multiple people in different locations using contractor management and tracking software that monitors all parties and keeps the workday flowing. This is an important technology for bigger businesses that are in charge of monitoring multiple contractors at once. 

This kind of software allows managers to monitor multiple projects at once all from the convenience of one platform. This means less worrying about running around to different sites on the same day and more focus on solving problems in the moment. This contractor management software also has technology that helps with the hiring process before you even begin projects. The platform already has thousands of pre-vetted contractors ready to take on new projects, so all you have to do is find one that fits your needs without spending days doing research on them and vetting them yourself. 

Once you choose contractors, they can all join the same platform and they will immediately have access to the details of the project as well as onboarding assistance. From there, contractors can use this technology throughout their projects to upload documents, keep managers in the loop about daily activities, and check in and out each day. From the manager’s side, they can monitor different sites, get alerts about incidents, and read job performance ratings. 

Virtual Reality

Contractor work that involves construction, architecture, or building design has become exponentially easier with virtual reality technology. Thie this kind of technology, contractors can digitally construct different iterations of a project to predict what it will look like when it is finished. During the construction phase of a project, contractors can go into the bare bones of a building and map out what the final result will look like by using virtual reality technology. This can speed up the construction project and help contractors visualize problems or ideas that might not work. This kind of technology is only getting better as the years go on, so implementing it into daily operations now can revolutionize construction work in the future.

Architects are also adopting this technology so that they can work with a 3D space instead of just drawing up plans on a piece of paper. Being able to virtually walk around a space to get a grasp of the dimensions helps the architect to have a better understanding of their own vision. They can then go to a contractor and show them their virtual reality ideas, helping them communicate exactly what they want from the project. Overall, virtual reality serves as an important visual tool in the world of modern construction, architecture, and design.  

Digital Marketing

With the constant use of the internet in this modern world, contractors can better market themselves through digital marketing. Self-promotion is essential for the survival of independent contractors as they make a living by finding businesses that will hire them to complete projects. Modern technology has revolutionized contractor work by casting a wider net through the internet. Now contractors can market their skills online and find clients outside of just their neighborhood circle.

Technology is, without a doubt, changing all industries around the world. Contractor work is being revolutionized by technology in all aspects of the job and it will continue this way as things like artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly popular. If you work with contractors or are a contractor, then consider onboarding some of this technology to make your job easier.