Fit-out futures: The next tech revolution in construction

The sector offers a vast array of opportunities for those with a passion for innovation and a desire to make a positive impact

Commercial fit-outs involve changing the insides of offices and shops to make them suitable for occupancy. This can include things like putting up walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as arranging office furniture and setting up the necessary technology. In India, the market for these fit-outs is growing rapidly at a rate of 21% CAGR.

However, the total amount of commercial real estate space in India is currently about 800 million sq ft, which is less than the commercial space in New York Metropolis alone, which is over 1 billion sq ft. This shows that there’s a lot of room for growth in India’s fit-out sector over the next 30 years.

Inconsistent results and delayed delivery via conventional methods

In the past, the execution of office interior projects was often a laborious process, marked by a heavy reliance on manual labour, traditional construction methods, and limited use of technology. Project management was typically carried out using conventional methods, such as physical meetings, manual documentation, and traditional communication channels. This led to many prominent issues, including inefficient communication, delays in project delivery, budget overruns, and inconsistency in quality. Lack of real-time collaboration often resulted in miscommunication and errors, while the absence of digital tools made it challenging to track progress accurately and manage resources effectively. Furthermore, traditional methods of construction and fit-outs often result in significant material waste, leading to financial losses and negative environmental impacts. But a lot has changed over the past decade.

The future of commercial fit-outs and IOT integration

Advanced project management software like RDash.io and Procore allows for seamless collaboration between all stakeholders, enabling real-time project monitoring, improved coordination, and better accountability. Imagine you are building an office. From multiple site contractors, factories producing the fixtures, and OEMs supplying equipment and raw materials to architects, finance, and procurement teams, everybody needs to dynamically time their work as per the project process. This 360-degree visibility and coordination is where the ball generally gets dropped, and the project overruns the deadline and budget. These programs are transforming the sector by enhancing communication among stakeholders. These tools are pivotal in driving productivity, ensuring quality, and contributing significantly to the successful delivery of projects.

Further technologies that visualize revolutionizing the construction sector include Building Information Modeling (BIM), wherein visual fit-outlets in 3D before construction begins, identifying and resolving potential issues in the design phase. The adoption of modularity and pre-fabricated components is reducing construction time and waste. Internet of Things (IoT) integration is creating smart spaces that adapt to occupants’ needs, enhancing their experience and overall satisfaction.

Bridging the gap between unorganised and organised sector

The productivity of an individual worker is another big aspect of modern construction. Investment in training and skill development of construction workers is the key factor driving speed and cost-efficiency in the commercial fit-outs sector. As workers become more adept at handling advanced machinery and tools, project execution becomes smoother and faster. Accessibility to advanced construction machinery and hand-held devices for operations like cutting, grooving, and grinding is proving to be a game-changer. These tools reduce the manual labour required and increase the precision of work, thereby minimising errors and rework. This not only speeds up project timelines but also significantly reduces costs, leading to more efficient and economical project execution.

Construction, in short, is ripe for massive technological adoption. What happened in logistics all over the world in the last decade is going to happen in construction. The whole sector will be digitized at a rapid pace. Big companies like L&T, DLF, and Prestige Builders are making significant investments in infusing technology into their operations, while new-age start-ups are digitizing the whole supply chain, involving all stakeholders in the fit-out. The sector offers a vast array of opportunities for those with a passion for innovation and a desire to make a positive impact. It’s a call to action for the next generation of innovators and disruptors to come and build the construction sector.