ICT Construction Machinery Introduction Anxiety Relief Guide: Common Questions and Their Answers

In recent years, construction work using ICT (information and communication technology) has been rapidly spreading across the industry. At the center of this trend are ICT construction machines (ICT construction machinery, “ICT machines”). However, introducing new technology naturally brings concerns. You often hear questions like “Isn’t it too expensive?” or “The operation looks difficult…”. This guide presents common questions and their answers in a Q&A format for those considering introducing ICT machines. Let’s dispel concerns and questions one by one and lower the barrier to ICT machine adoption.

Q1. Isn’t the cost of introducing ICT construction machines too high?

A: Concern about high introduction costs is understandable. ICT-compatible heavy equipment is more expensive than conventional machines because of additional equipment such as GPS receivers and onboard monitors, so purchase prices and lease fees tend to be higher. An initial investment of tens of millions of yen can indeed be a heavy burden for small and medium-sized enterprises. However, “expensive = should not introduce” cannot be said categorically. From a long-term perspective, there are effects and support measures that justify those costs.

• Investment in the future and effects: ICT machines improve productivity and accuracy in construction, leading to mid- to long-term cost reductions such as lower labor costs, shorter construction periods, and fewer reworks. For example, surveying work that used to require two people can be done by one person, and because high-quality finishes can be achieved even without highly skilled workers, rework due to quality defects is reduced. Treat the initial cost as an investment in the future and consider the ROI (return on investment) over a long span. In fact, companies that have introduced ICT machines report feedback such as “It ultimately led to expense reduction” and “We recouped the cost in a short period.”

• Use of subsidies and grants: National and local governments are also promoting ICT in construction, and you can reduce the initial cost burden by using subsidy programs. For example, there are support measures tailored to uses, such as the “IT Introduction Subsidy” for software, the “Monodzukuri (Manufacturing) Subsidy” for machinery and equipment, and the “Human Resource Development Support Grants” for employee training. By wisely utilizing these, you can introduce the latest technology while minimizing your own expense. In addition, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has indicated a policy to make ICT construction standard for directly managed projects from fiscal 2025, and public support is expected to become even more substantial going forward.

• Trial introduction via rental or retrofitting: You don’t have to immediately purchase expensive ICT machines—renting is an option to trial their use. By renting ICT machines only for the required period, you can greatly reduce the initial investment and experience the effects. Also, for some models, you can add ICT functions (especially machine guidance) to your existing conventional machines with retrofit kits. Starting with retrofits or partial introduction allows you to begin ICT construction at low cost, so it’s a wise strategy to start small and gradually expand.

Q2. I’m worried that ICT machines and systems seem difficult to operate and that we won’t be able to use them well.

A: It’s natural to feel something is “difficult” when you’re unfamiliar with new machines or systems. However, the operability of ICT machines has been improving year by year, and they are designed to be intuitively operable. For example, the monitor in the operator’s cab displays guidance and audio alerts based on 3D design data, clearly assisting the operator on what to do. Much like a car navigation system, it provides real-time information such as “where and how to excavate” and “how many centimeters (how many inches) remain until completion,” so if the operator follows the machine’s guidance, anyone can perform construction with a certain level of accuracy.

Furthermore, manufacturer and rental company support systems are robust. When introducing ICT machines for the first time, specialist staff typically provide operation explanations and on-site instruction at delivery, and detailed manuals and training videos are also provided. If you encounter something you don’t understand on site, you can use phone or online consultation services (such as manufacturer-run support centers) to quickly resolve issues. In practice, people say things like, “I was confused at first, but after training I got used to it quickly,” and “When I had trouble, the manufacturer responded promptly, which made me feel secure.” Therefore, there is no need to worry excessively about how to operate them. By gaining experience step by step, you will be able to handle them in everyday use just like conventional machines.

Q3. Many on-site staff are not good with IT, and there are many older veteran operators—will that be a problem?

A: Concerns about staff IT skills are common when introducing ICT machines. But in short, advanced computer skills are not necessary. The operation of an ICT machine itself is fundamentally the same as conventional equipment; the main difference is that you perform work while looking at a monitor that displays data. Computer-related tasks on site are mainly simple operations such as loading design data into the machine using a USB memory stick or tablet, or saving and sending survey data. These tasks are not difficult if done according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Also, actively leverage the strengths of younger employees. Younger generations are generally familiar with digital devices and often adapt smoothly to ICT construction. For example, assign data preparation and ICT equipment setup to younger staff while veteran operators operate the heavy machinery—this kind of intergenerational cooperation lets your team advance ICT adoption without strain.

On the other hand, highly experienced veterans may resist, feeling “relying on machines is bothersome” or “my intuition is faster.” In such cases, it’s important to clearly explain the benefits. Using ICT machines allows work that relied on craftsmanship to be done with high precision by anyone, reducing the burden on veterans and enabling younger workers to become productive; ultimately, the productivity of the entire site improves. Also, if there is resistance to fully automatic MC functions, consider starting with the MG (machine guidance) function that assists operation. MG allows operators to retain decision-making while receiving guidance based on data, which is easier for those who prefer to operate themselves to accept. In actual sites, there are examples of veteran operators who initially resisted but, after trying it, were surprised by its convenience and now use it proactively. Everyone is a beginner at first. With in-company mutual support and time to acclimate, even those unfamiliar with IT can become proficient.

Q4. I’m worried that creating and managing 3D data will be difficult.

A: ICT construction uses 3D design data and as-built (survey) data, so you may feel it is specialized and difficult. Compared with the traditional 2D drawing–centric approach, there can indeed be initial confusion. However, you can adequately handle data creation and management by utilizing external resources and new tools.

• Outsourcing to specialists: If your company lacks know-how for creating 3D data, there’s no need to force it in-house. Consider outsourcing to surveying firms or consultants who specialize in 3D design data creation. If you provide the original design drawings or client-supplied drawing data, they will create and deliver 3D data suitable for the site. Although there is a cost, outsourcing is faster and more reliable than procuring expensive software and training personnel internally—relying on external expertise in the initial stage is a prudent choice.

• Use of viewer software: You might worry that you cannot handle 3D data without specialized software. However, if you only need to view completed data, free viewer software and simple tools provided by manufacturers are available. For example, Autodesk’s viewer or free point cloud viewers let you display and check 3D data for free. Some rental companies even lend tablets or viewer apps together with the machinery. In other words, you don’t need to purchase expensive CAD software just to view and confirm data.

• Easy 3D acquisition with the latest tools: Recently, tools that make data acquisition itself easy have appeared. For example, photogrammetry using drones or devices equipped with laser scanners can automate site surveys that used to take surveyors several days and complete them in a short time. There are also compact surveying devices attachable to smartphones that allow you to quickly measure on site and obtain point cloud data without specialized knowledge. With these technologies, you can prepare on-site 3D data easily even without complex 3D CAD operations. The idea is to shift from “people drawing” to “machines measuring.” When starting out, rely on outsourcing and simple tools, and gradually become accustomed to using data in-house.

Q5. Are there benefits to introducing ICT construction machines for small sites or small and medium-sized enterprises?

A: Yes, absolutely. The benefits of ICT are not diminished by smaller scale. In fact, small- to medium-sized sites with limited manpower and time often feel the effects of ICT machines more acutely. Main benefits include:

• Improved work efficiency: With ICT machines, you can eliminate stake setting and manual surveying, enabling efficient construction with fewer people. For example, if a grading task that used to take a full day can be completed in a morning, the remaining time can be used for other tasks. Even when a small team is covering multiple sites, shortening the work time at each site through ICT construction improves overall productivity.

• Stable quality and improved construction evaluation: ICT machines allow work to be performed with consistent quality regardless of skill level, reducing as-built errors and finish inconsistencies. High-precision finishes on small-scale jobs build client trust and can improve construction performance ratings. Fewer mistakes and reworks also suppress unnecessary expenses.

• Safety and coping with labor shortages: Reducing the need to set and remove stakes or perform measurements at heights or hazardous locations improves site safety. Additionally, automatic control and machine guidance enable inexperienced operators to perform work at a consistent level, which helps small and medium enterprises facing a decline in skilled workers and labor shortages. Being able to execute safely and reliably with a small team reduces the overall burden on the site.

• Expansion of contract opportunities: With policy shifts by the government, ICT construction is becoming required even for small public works. Cases where not having ICT construction puts you at a disadvantage in bidding are likely to increase. Conversely, companies actively adopting ICT can showcase advanced construction capabilities and be chosen more often by prime contractors and clients. When you have few achievements, try ICT on small projects and build success stories—this will open opportunities to win larger projects in the future. Even small companies can use ICT as a competitive advantage.

As shown, introducing ICT construction machines has many advantages regardless of company size. Of course, depending on budget and staffing, full utilization from the outset may be difficult, so gradual introduction is fine. For example, “rent one ICT machine first and try it,” or “apply ICT construction only to part of the earthwork process.” Start small, verify effects, and adopt in stages that suit your company. The important thing is to take a step forward in line with the times.

Closing: Alleviate concerns and take a step forward

This Q&A addressed typical concerns and questions many people have when introducing ICT construction machines. Those who felt hurdles regarding cost or technology may now find themselves thinking “This might be doable” after learning about appropriate measures and support options. What’s important is to take it slowly and become accustomed step by step. There is no need to aim for perfection from the start. By accumulating small successes, ICT construction will eventually become a routine capability.

For example, as a first step in ICT utilization, you might start with simple surveying. The recently notable smartphone-compatible surveying device LRTK enables centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) positioning and acquisition of 3D scan–based as-built data with just an iPhone. It’s a revolutionary tool that allows site staff themselves to quickly obtain digital site information without specialized surveying equipment or difficult operations. Leveraging such cutting-edge technology makes it easier to take the step of “first, digitize the site”, which reduces resistance to ICT construction. Experience the benefits of digital construction through simple surveying with LRTK and gradually expand the use of ICT machines at your own pace. Before long, you will find yourselves working with confidence on sites where ICT machines are routinely at work.

If you are interested, please also check the [LRTK official site](https://www.lrtk.lefixea.com/). Skillfully adopt the latest technologies, dispel concerns about introducing ICT machines, and step into creating the construction sites of the future.