In the world of construction, where every nail, beam, and blueprint counts, there’s a new tool on the block: construction analysis. It has become the perfect planning tool for project managers, providing clear direction and helping them steer projects toward success. Gone are the days of flying blind and hoping for the best—now, with data in hand, decisions can be made confidently. This shift is all about being proactive instead of reactive, and it’s revolutionizing the industry. So, let’s delve deeper into how this approach is reshaping the landscape of construction management.
What Is Construction Analysis?
Construction analysis is defined as the process of using data analytics to determine whether the project can be completed as intended according to the identified specifications, materials, and budget. In an age where data is driving most of the major industries in the economy, quantitative analysis in construction has become an essential part of the planning process.
Evolution of Construction Analysis
The demand for risk analysis in construction projects began to grow during a time when many construction projects were being delayed by preventable issues. As project managers began to see where the errors were typically occurring, they quickly discovered that project management analytics could help them. This analysis allows them to assess the project prior to beginning and work to thwart any potential issues before they occurred.
Role of a Construction Analyst
According to ZipRecruiter, a construction analyst is a professional who works as part of the project management team on a construction project. The responsibilities of the construction analyst may include:
- Evaluating project expenditures.
- Assessing the project timeline and making updates accordingly.
- Verifying that the project complies with all codes and regulations.
- Harvesting data and relying on project management analytics to complete risk analysis in construction projects.
Typically, the construction analyst works on the project from onset until completion, and they are available to help with any troubleshooting along the way. Most construction analysts have both professional, hands-on training in construction as well as a bachelor’s degree.
Growing Importance of Construction Analysis
Risk analysis in construction is growing increasingly important, particularly in an age where there are sometimes material shortages, costs are rising, and deadlines are becoming stricter than ever before. The need to optimize the construction process and ensure that all steps move forward smoothly has never been greater, highlighting the critical importance of construction analysis.
Why Construction Analysis Is a Growing Field
Construction analysis is a growing field for several reasons, including:
- The increased demand for construction projects, particularly those designed to improve and enhance infrastructure.
- The increased costs associated with labor and materials.
- The increased precision of project management analytics through construction technology.
Impact of Construction Analysis on the Industry
When risk analysis in construction projects is done, project managers can quickly see the benefits. Construction analysis has the potential to lower costs, improve efficiency, and reduce the amount of time that it takes to successfully complete the project. One could argue that construction analysis results in higher-quality outcomes, thanks to many issues being identified in advance. These issues are resolved before they become a more significant problem.
Skills Required in Construction Analysis
A project manager who specializes in construction analysis and project management analytics will need a wide range of technical, practical, and soft skills. These are in place so they can successfully navigate the ever-changing construction landscape.
Technical Skills for Construction Analysis
Per LinkedIn, some of the most critical technical skills for construction analysis include:
- Proficiency with the latest construction technology, including Generative AI technology.
- Ability to rely on project management analytics to perform data analysis.
- Ability to calculate and measure costs and materials to perform an effective risk analysis.
Soft Skills Necessary for a Successful Career in Construction Analysis
In addition to having a foundational understanding of the construction industry and the advanced technical skills required to perform quantitative analysis in construction, construction analysts also will need to develop interpersonal skills, such as:
- Effective communication, particularly when communicating with other members of the project management team.
- Critical thinking, especially when collecting and interpreting data to perform risk analysis.
- Collaboration, particularly when working with the project management team and other members of the construction team.
Education and Training Opportunities in Construction Analysis
These are some of the qualifications to become a construction analyst:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Acquire professional experience in the construction industry.
- Pursue a specialization or certification in project management analytics or risk analysis.
This position generally requires candidates to have a strong background in math, science, and analysis. This is important to keep in mind when choosing a degree or certification program.
Degrees and Certificates Relevant to Construction Analysis
You may want to consider a construction management degree program, as this will provide you with an advanced understanding of the construction industry and construction process. Additionally, it will help you develop the management and analytical skills needed to perform construction analysis each day.
Continuing Education and Professional Development in Construction Analysis
Like all other construction professionals and project managers, continuing education and professional development is essential to career advancement over time. Continuing education and professional development courses can allow you to stay abreast of industry trends, changing technologies, and advanced techniques that can help improve your construction analysis performance.
Career Opportunities in Construction Analysis
Given the fact that construction analysis is a growing field, entry-level professionals will find that there are a wide range of career opportunities available.
Entry-Level Roles in Construction Analysis
Some entry-level roles in construction analysis include:
- Construction Estimator
- Risk Analyst
- Cost Control Coordinator
- Maintenance Analyst
Advancement Opportunities in Construction Analysis
In addition, there are advancement opportunities in construction analysis that may be available to you as you acquire professional experience and pursue professional development opportunities. Many people who begin their career in construction analysis go on to work in project management later on. The technical, practical, and soft skills acquired throughout your time as a construction analyst make you uniquely suited to the role of a construction project manager.
Real-World Applications of Construction Analysis
Data analytics can be applied in many aspects of a construction project. Some real-world applications of construction analysis include:
- Utilizing predictive analytics to account for unexpected delays, such as weather events, maintenance needs, and resource availability.
- Creating models to allow the contractor and customer to visualize the end results of the project.
- Performing risk analysis in construction projects by harvesting data related to industry trends and historical data.
- Managing and evaluating equipment to prevent delays caused by equipment failure.
Challenges in the Field of Construction Analysis
The purpose of construction analysis is to expect the unexpected — and trying to uncover what might cause delays or result in increased costs can be notoriously difficult. By being aware of the key challenges in the field, construction analysts can begin to develop creative solutions to overcome those obstacles.
Identifying and Overcoming Key Obstacles in Construction Analysis
Some of the key challenges in construction analysis mirror the challenges that the construction industry is facing as a whole. Some of the most significant obstacles in construction analysis include:
- Increasing costs, which have become more difficult to anticipate over time.
- Staffing shortages, which continue to loom over the construction industry.
- Difficulty adapting to emerging technologies, which prevents the project management team from being able to reach its full potential.
- Increasing safety concerns, which can complicate the process of risk analysis in construction projects.
The Future of Construction Analysis Amid Challenges
Despite these challenges, the future of construction analysis is bright. In the age of big data, construction project managers are becoming more dependent on project management analytics and risk analysis than ever before. This ultimately highlights the increased need for skilled construction analysts in the industry.
Technology and Tools in Construction Analysis
Technology plays a pivotal role in the field of construction analysis, requiring professionals in this niche sector of the construction industry to be proficient in the newest and most advanced tools.
Role of Software in Construction Analysis
Software can help streamline the tasks that construction analysts perform each day. In addition, the right software can also improve the accuracy and precision of quantitative analysis in construction. Collaborative and cloud-based software programs are the current industry standard, as they allow the project management team to work together to collect data, perform project management analytics, and evaluate the results to conduct a risk analysis.
Impact of Emerging Technologies on Construction Analysis
The digital revolution is moving forward in full-force, and in the AI era, it’s not surprising that emerging technologies will continue to play a pivotal role in the field of construction analysis. Professionals in this field will need to stay abreast of the latest technological changes and invest in ongoing training. This ensures that they are proficient in the most effective tools and efficient technologies in construction analysis.
How Can Aspiring Construction Analysts Prepare for This Growing Field?
With endless potential in this dynamic sector of the construction industry, now is the right time to consider a career as a construction analyst. To prepare for this growing field, you will want to:
- Consider pursuing a degree in a construction-related field, such as construction management. The right degree program will provide you with the foundation you need to launch your career.
- Begin adapting to the latest technologies to familiarize yourself with the leading industry tools.
- Acquire hands-on experience in the construction industry, as this will allow you to develop an intimate understanding of the demands of the industry and begin to see where improvements can be made.
- Start building a professional network to help you secure your first position in the construction analysis industry.
Explore the World of Construction Management at Florida Technical College
At Florida Technical College, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree program for students interested in working in construction or project management. The coursework within this degree program takes an in-depth look at the construction industry, focusing on topics such as management of the construction process, construction site safety, budgeting, building and construction code and more. Upon graduation, you will have a well-developed set of practical and technical skills that will allow you to begin exploring the field of construction management.
Request more information about our online degree programs today.
These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide of possible employment opportunities. There are many factors that determine the job an individual may obtain and Florida Technical College cannot guarantee its graduates any particular job. Some positions may require license or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.
Sources
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/career/Construction-Analyst/What-Is-How-to-Become
https://www.ftccollege.edu/program/bachelors-degree/bachelors-degree-in-construction-management/
https://www.procore.com/library/earned-value-analysis-construction
https://www.bc-architecture.com/project-analysis/
https://www.projectmanager.com/guides/construction-project-management
https://www.rhumbix.com/blog/10-examples-of-data-analytics-sweeping-construction-project-management
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214785322053767
https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/what-most-important-skills-estimating-construction-fnb0e
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/construction-analyst-jobs-troy-mi/?currentJobId=3033623895
https://pixelplex.io/blog/data-analytics-in-construction/
https://www.blackridgeresearch.com/blog/major-challenges-in-construction-industry-business
https://www.kreo.net/news-2d-takeoff/the-importance-of-data-analytics-in-the-construction-industry
