Areas such as decision-making, cyber security, and reporting were cited as positive impacts of AI in the construction industry
Over 900 project professionals working across industry sectors were studied by APM. These included construction, engineering, and transport. The poll was carried out with assistance from Censuswide.
Only 8% of participants in the Association for Project Management (APM) study thought AI in the construction industry would bring negative effects.
22% of participants thought AI’s impact would be neither positive nor negative.
Many professionals see AI as a positive time-saving tool
The most prevalent anticipated benefits of AI within their sector encompass aiding in decision-making, reinforcing cybersecurity, generating more consistent and timely reports, and releasing construction project professionals to concentrate on more strategic facets of their responsibilities.
Improving cybersecurity, creating reliable and on-time reports, and freeing up more time for staff to focus on important tasks stood out as key benefits for those in favour of AI.
“Our latest survey shows project professionals in construction and other sectors are embracing AI and the impacts it is having,” said Adam Boddison, chief executive of APM.
“This is encouraging to see, but the implementation of new technology means project professionals will need to adapt and keep themselves updated with the rapid advancements we are seeing and adjust their skills accordingly to stay abreast of the change,” he continued.
Some professionals have concerns over AI in the construction industry
Respondents who expressed concerns about AI cited issues surrounding disruptions during the adoption of new systems as a key issue. They also mentioned lower budgets due to the costs of installing and upkeeping AI systems and the possibility of job layoffs.
The researchers also studied the extent to which AI is already being used in the construction industry. Almost a third of construction professionals said their organisation is already using AI in projects. 43% of participants said their organisation has plans to use AI in the near future.
Only 24% of construction professionals said their organisation does not use AI and is not planning to use it.
The survey also measured the impact AI is having on project practitioners. Respondents who are already using AI in the construction industry. 83% of project practitioners said AI had caused changes to their role.
“Many survey respondents are telling us the arrival of AI has already necessitated training for them or their colleagues. We strongly urge business leaders and senior project managers who are considering implementing AI to factor in training for the intended users to ensure desired improvements to project delivery are realised,” added Boddison.
“APM, as the chartered membership body for the project profession, recognises that AI has the potential to become a significant tool for aiding project delivery now and in the future,” he concluded.
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