The revolution in factory organization that transformed the world of manufacturing has never had an exact parallel in construction. Based partly on new research findings, a recent survey suggests a decisive moment is at hand for construction: productivity, safety, environmental quality, building information modeling and collaborative management can all be enhanced by or used to facilitate modular construction and prefabrication techniques.
“It's amazing to think of all the pieces coming together now to transform the construction industry,” says Harvey Bernstein, vice president of industry insights and alliances for McGraw-Hill Construction, the parent of ENR, at a Construction Users Roundtable meeting in Cincinnati on April 12.