Advances in construction software, augmented and virtual reality will benefit the industry

What's your name?

Alan Hore

What’s your current job?

Head of Quantity Surveying, DIT Bolton Street

How long have you held the position?

Since 201. In DIT since 1995

Can you describe your daily work routine?

Dealing with all matters of academic management

What is your professional background?

Chartered Quantity Surveyor

Tell me about yourself away from work?

Married to Nora. Two boys Simon (19) and Nicholas (13). From a large family of 9. Keen interest in golf, travelling and gardening. I have a passion for classic cars

Tell us something very few people know about you?

I am a frustrated arsenal fan

You are speaking at the forthcoming National Digital Construction Summitin Dublin. What is the focus of your talk?

I will be speaking about the National BIM Council (NBC) Roadmap to Digital Transition for Ireland’s Construction Industry 2018-2021

In your opinion what are the main trends and disruptions having effect onthe industry?

Availability of labour, finance for SME and digitisation.

What in your opinion are the barriers that must be overcome to ensure theconstruction industry can effectively catch up with technical innovationand digitalization?

Funding will unlock potential ie support for SMEs, support to deliver the NBC Roadmap. A commitment by leaders of industry and government to deliver positive change in the sector.

What changes do you envisage for the sector over the next five years?

1. Construction software and full integration– construction software has already changed our communication behaviour in the industry. The advancements in tech has been phenomenal in the past 5 years and this will continue into the next 5 years.

2. Augmented and Virtual Reality- AR and VR can truly take the construction processes to the next level. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, construction managers can now have a detailed overview of the whole project and plan ahead.

3. Next Generation tools– We don’t quite know what these are but they will appear in the future eg. Future applications of blockchain technology, robots, autonomous site vehicles and machinery etc.

4. New workforce type– new technological savvy workforce will get into senior management and effect change (more futuristic solutions)

5. Green construction– establishment of sustainable buildings will be routine practice.

6. Lean construction– will become routine as companies seek to drive out waste by leveraging off site practices and just in time construction practices.

Alan Hore is appearing at The CIF Digital Construction Summit. The agenda and further details for this important national event, at Croke Park on March 7th, is available atdigitalconstruction.ie