A recent survey conducted by HP, as cited by ConstructionTechnology, has shown that technology could address the "productivity issue" in the construction industry.

"The State of Productivity in Construction" examined the opinions of construction workers and decision-makers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. It found that 60% of respondents believed that there have been only minor changes in construction techniques and processes in the past 20-30 years.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of the respondents believed that the construction industry has a productivity problem, while less than 1% thought otherwise.

Interestingly, 71% of those surveyed believed that technology is the key to increasing productivity.

In the last two decades, while labor productivity in the manufacturing industry has increased at an average annual rate of 3.6%, construction productivity has only grown by 1%.

"There is a clear acknowledgment in the industry that there is a problem; less than 1% of workers believe the sector has no productivity problem," said Xavi Juarez, Director of HP Construction Services.

"For survey respondents, it is remarkable to have observed a slight improvement in productivity over their careers, given the technological advances during this period. A greater focus on harnessing technology and automating certain tasks is certainly the key to significantly improving construction productivity levels."

The survey found that 75% of all respondents had not seen such technology implemented on-site in the past year, with 79% estimating that less than one-fifth of their annual budget was invested in on-site technology. A total of 25% said their employers were not open to new technologies.