AI for construction scheduling

Introduction

In a recent weekly segment, we welcomed two key figures in the construction technology space: Renee Morkos, the founder of Alice Technologies, and Mike McBean, Director of Pre-Construction at Build Group based in San Francisco. Their conversation shed light on the innovative ways AI is transforming construction scheduling through Alice Technologies, an AI-driven platform designed specifically for this industry.

Overview of Alice Technologies

Alice Technologies has been operational for several years, offering a powerful AI-driven planning and scheduling platform tailored for the construction sector. Morkos describes Alice as the first generative construction optimizer, akin to how Revit revolutionized design for architects.

With Alice, users can modify various parameters—such as adding a crane, adjusting work hours, or employing fast-drying concrete—and immediately observe the effects on their construction project. This dynamic capability allows project managers to generate numerous construction scenarios quickly, leading to informed decision-making.

Generative construction optimization, as Morkos elaborates, doesn’t negate the need for human expertise; rather, it enhances it. The software captures human intuition and enables extensive exploration of options. Clients often run millions of simulations, allowing Alice to select the most efficient construction schedules and plans. The potential for time and cost savings is considerable, with averages reportedly reaching up to 17% in duration and 13% in labor and equipment expenses.

Mike McBean's Experience with Alice

Mike McBean has employed Alice on the significant 5M project in San Francisco. His interest in Alice stemmed from the need for a platform that could streamline the time-consuming processes involved in construction scheduling and resource allocation. Collaborating with Alice as a pilot program provided a mechanism to optimize construction methodologies, especially in the complex logistics environment of San Francisco.

Initially awarded the contract, the Build Group utilized Alice software during the pre-construction phase to analyze crane schedules and other dependencies. While McBean acknowledges that some conclusions could be reached without Alice, the platform saved considerable time and resources, allowing them to evaluate multiple scenarios swiftly.

Moving forward, Build Group intends to leverage Alice for larger and more complex projects beyond the 5M development, confident in its ability to enhance efficiency and profitability.

Versatility of Alice Technologies

Renee Morkos remarked on the diverse applications of Alice. The technology has been applied to a wide range of construction projects—from parking lots to expansive airports. Its versatility makes it an invaluable tool for organizations focusing on self-perform work and resource optimization.

The discussion indicates that the future for Alice involves both enhancement of its current capabilities and an integration with generative design technologies, potentially pairing design and construction optimally for even greater efficiencies.

Conclusion

The insights shared by Morkos and McBean illuminate the profound impact AI is having on construction scheduling. As the industry evolves, the ability to leverage data-driven insights will only continue to grow.

Keywords

• AI
• Construction scheduling
• Alice Technologies
• Generative construction optimizer
• Resource optimization
• Build Group
• 5M project
• Efficiency
• Simulation
• Pre-construction

FAQ

1. What is Alice Technologies?
Alice Technologies is an AI-driven planning and scheduling platform designed for the construction industry, enabling users to optimize their construction projects through simulation and resource management.

2. How does AI improve construction scheduling?
AI allows construction managers to simulate various scenarios quickly, providing insights on how different parameters affect the project, thus enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

3. What are the typical savings associated with using the Alice platform?
Users can expect an average of 17% savings in duration and 13% savings related to labor and equipment costs while using Alice for construction scheduling.

4. Is Alice Technologies suitable for all types of construction projects?
Yes, Alice has been successfully applied to various projects, including high-rise buildings, data centers, hospitals, and more, making it versatile across the construction sector.

5. What future developments can we expect from Alice Technologies?
Future advancements include the integration of generative design with construction optimization to provide comprehensive solutions for both designing and building projects effectively.