Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart infrastructure are revolutionizing society and the manufacturing industry. These technologies enable unprecedented connectivity and efficiency and, therefore, are redefining how we design, build and operate just about everything.
These were major themes discussed by various industry-leading executives at Cherry Bekaert’s Modernizing Manufacturing Executive Symposium in September. During one session, moderated by Cherry Bekaert Partner and Industrial Manufacturing & Consumer Goods Leader Jason Hodell, SKYX Co-CEO John Campi and Volumetric Building Companies CEO Vaughan Buckley shared insights into how their manufacturing companies are developing and deploying cutting-edge smart infrastructure and smart devices inside infrastructure to enhance the safety, operations and construction of homes/housing, facilities and other commercial buildings.
Smart Plugs and Platforms To Save Time, Cost and Lives
John Campi, Co-CEO of SKYX, kicked off the panel, introducing attendees to his company’s innovative smart products, designed to revolutionize home and building safety while reducing time and costs. He hopes these products will soon become a mandatory standard under the National Electrical Code (NEC).
The company’s flagship product, the SkyPlug, allows for the safe and rapid installation of fixtures, ceiling fans, etc., within seconds, eliminating the need to deal with hazardous wires. The SkyPlug is integrated with many smart features, including phone control, voice control, energy saving measurement, eco-mode scheduling, and is compatible with digital assistants like Siri, Google and Alexa. Additionally, its all-in-one platform enhances connectivity and safety by incorporating features like emergency lighting, smoke and CO2 sensors and room-to-room intercom systems.
Transforming Industries With Smart Technology, Data and AI
SKYX’s technology also generates data, creating opportunities to transform everyday living in the home and productivity, efficiencies, and safety in factories, offices, healthcare facilities and more. When asked about the implications of data collection from smart devices and sensors like the ones SKYX produces, Campi focused on the transformative potential for supply chains.
Drawing from his extensive background in supply chain management, he said, “Through where these installations will be — from a factory standpoint, from an office standpoint — and you're going to be collecting a lot of data. Now, obviously, that data is huge and very diverse, and algorithms will have to be developed to get the right kind of information. But I think you're going to see a significant transformation in supply chains from the standpoint that, today, most companies still operate by getting competitive bidding and working; you can change suppliers from one day to the next. I think those days are limited.”
“I think we need to have total visibility through what I call the entire supply chain so that we don't take the kind of risks that I see companies still doing today, and that requires a more cohesive supply chain and AI capability to be able to look at the dynamics of what's happening from a geopolitical standpoint, from a weather standpoint,” he continued.
Expanding on this, Campi envisions a future where AI facilitates rapid data processing and decision-making, optimizing supply chains by allowing for strategic trade-offs and partnerships between companies. He also believes the role of AI in supply chain management will become increasingly crucial, predicting that the industry will undergo significant changes in the coming years as AI continues to evolve.
For healthcare, Campi highlighted the transformative power of SKYX’s smart products in this setting. Referencing the familiar Life Alert phrase, “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up,” he illustrated how integrated sensors with light fixtures in nursing homes and hospitals could revolutionize patient care. Able to capture auditory and other environmental data in real time, the smart sensors enable immediate responses to emergencies.
Smart Manufacturing To Solve On-site Construction Issues
Modular Construction Solutions
In discussing next-gen smart infrastructure, Volumetric Building Companies’ (VBC) CEO Vaughan Buckley highlighted the critical issues in the construction industry. He noted that traditional on-site construction methods simply take too long and cost too much, contributing to a vast undersupply of housing. However, according to Buckley, the most pressing challenge is a declining skilled workforce, further underscoring the need for innovative solutions in construction practices.
“We're going to lose four out of ten of our skilled workforce between now and 2031, and that four out of ten is not just 40% of the population that is in the construction industry… it's the most tenured 40% of the population in the construction industry,” Buckley warns, “It is the part of the population that knows how to do the work, how to solve the problems that inevitably come up while the work is being done, and are the most efficient and skilled at it, which also means the most safe.”
To address these challenges, Buckley and VBC are championing a “build different” approach using modular construction solutions. These involve constructing one to 22-story buildings with wood and steel frames, integrating architecture, manufacturing, and construction services to eliminate the typical scope gaps that lead to delays and increased costs.
Unlike traditional on-site construction, the company focuses on delivering complete building products inside the four walls of a controlled factory environment, streamlining the construction process and cutting construction time by approximately 50%. This approach allows for simultaneous work on-site and in the factory. While foundations are laid at the job site, the building components are constructed off-site. Each module is designed to be transported by highway and assembled on-site using a crane. This approach ensures that each part of the building is structurally independent, similar to Lego pieces.
Repetition and AI Are the Name of the Game
Buckley emphasized that repetition is the key to successful modular construction, which makes manufacturing a suitable approach. VBC focuses on projects with repetitive designs, such as hotels, healthcare facilities or large urban developments, rather than custom homes, without compromising quality or structural integrity. This focus is particularly relevant in addressing affordable housing needs, where scalability and efficiency are paramount.
Increased productivity and efficiency are also achieved in a controlled factory environment as the labor training curve is significantly shorter compared to the construction industry. Workers in a factory setting often repeat the same tasks daily, such as pulling wires through, and skills are acquired much faster.
Additionally, VBC utilizes smart AI tools, including facial recognition, to assess and enhance employee ergonomics. By tracking employees' movements and steps within the facility, VBC can optimize workstation layouts to minimize unnecessary movement and ensure tools are readily accessible.
Overall, VBC’s approach mitigates supply chain risk as well. While the construction industry often suffers from inefficiencies due to unpredictable supply chain issues and a lack of precise tracking, VBC can utilize advanced systems to monitor every aspect of the production process in a factory setting. From tracking shipments to managing parts and components on a per-unit basis, this level of oversight allows for quick identification and correction before project completion.
Embracing Technology for the Future of Construction
For VBC, the implementation of these tools is more than just a strategic benefit; it represents a necessary evolution for the construction sector to meet the increasing demands for housing and infrastructure. Automation and technology allow the company to streamline operations, enhance precision, and reduce risk, leading to faster project completion and improved resource management.
As the construction landscape continues to transform, the adoption of these smart solutions is crucial for companies aiming to remain relevant and effective. By leading the charge in technological integration, VBC exemplifies how embracing innovation is key to driving progress and sustainability in modern construction practices.
Your Guide Forward to a Smarter, More Efficient Manufacturing Future
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just adopting new technologies — it also requires adapting to market needs and demands, as exemplified by SKYX and VBC’s innovations.
Cherry Bekaert is uniquely positioned to help manufacturing companies navigate this complex environment. With our robust suite of tax and advisory services offerings, you can develop and implement cutting-edge solutions like those discussed in this article. We collaborate with you — whether advocating for favorable legislation for your solution, leveraging tax incentives that benefit innovation, or optimizing digital strategies — to help you gain a competitive edge that aligns with your business goals and promotes sustainable growth. Contact Cherry Bekaert today to explore how we can support your journey.