Illuminating the Future: How AI and Advanced Technology are Rewiring the Electrical Trade
The buzz around artificial intelligence is no longer confined to the digital realm; it’s electrifying the entire construction industry. At Interstate Electrical Services, a forward-thinking approach to technology, infused with AI tools, is revolutionizing how the AEC industry is managing business and in how commercial buildings are constructed, yielding significant gains in efficiency, accuracy, and ultimately, the bottom line. This technological integration also extends to the critical area of safety, with AI contributing to advanced early detection of potential risks and dangers.
From initial labor projections to final installations, AI-powered software is adding tangible value at every stage. A prime example is Rivet, an integration platform that has dramatically enhanced Interstate’s labor planning. Gone are the days of sitting around a conference table with whiteboards and manually calculating the labor force, while relying heavily on historical knowledge. Technology such as this one provides a real-time, bird’s-eye view of the workforce while calculating prior trends automatically. Advances in technology enable Interstate to pinpoint where resources are needed and predict future talent requirements based on project specifics, location, and installation niche expertise. This allows project managers and estimators to generate comprehensive labor plans in just a few clicks, maximizing capacity and improving financial forecasting through predictive analytics. At Interstate, we will continue to explore AI’s potential in automating processes, particularly for repetitive tasks. Allowing an experienced team member a more advanced review ensures accuracy for the unique aspects of each project.
Another area experiencing a significant AI-driven transformation is the engineering and design/build phases. For example, the adoption of the Trimble X9 Scanner has revolutionized 3D scanning. This cutting-edge technology can now automatically capture a complete building model on-site in mere moments, a stark contrast to the 24-48 hours required with previous methods that involved stitching multiple scans. This rapid and comprehensive 3D data forms the foundation for Building Information Modeling (BIM). By creating a complete digital twin of the project, Interstate can meticulously coordinate with all other trades before any physical construction begins.
This 3D model serves as the blueprint for prefabrication, a process streamlined by ManufactOn, a SaaS platform that manages prefabrication and material handling. Acting as a central nervous system, platforms like this one provide real-time transparency into the status of every component, from detailing to scheduling, to shipping and receiving. The field team can schedule, coordinate, monitor progress and plan deliveries, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow across multiple concurrent projects.
Artificial intelligence is also being increasingly incorporated into virtual design and construction (VDC) to enhance project outcomes, accuracy, and efficiency. Construction processes can be streamlined and overall project performance improved by AI-powered solutions that can automate tasks, optimize designs, predict risks, detect clashes, and analyze project data within the VDC workflow. Construction processes are streamlined, and outcomes are more accurate as a result of this intelligent automation.
Beyond industry-specific software, readily available AI tools also have valuable applications in construction. Microsoft Co-Pilot, an AI-powered assistant, can automatically transcribe and summarize project meetings, assign action items, and even aid in tasks like documentation, proofreading, contract review, and generating complex Excel analytics and much more.
From intelligent labor planning to advanced 3D modeling and streamlined prefabrication, artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept but a tangible force driving progress in the electrical trade. For Interstate, adopting these innovative tools goes beyond maintaining a competitive edge; it’s about fostering a future defined by heightened efficiency, accuracy, and an unwavering commitment to safety within the construction industry.
By Steven Drouin, Senior Vice President of Technology at Interstate Electrical Services Corporation.