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At ARKANCE, we don’t just support digital transformation - we lead it. With the largest pool of engineering, consulting, and development experts focused on the AEC and manufacturing sectors, we offer the scale, specialization, and support needed to drive meaningful results. Our deep bench of professionals ensures that no matter the size or complexity of your prefab or modular construction project, we have the expertise to help you succeed.
This article explores how digital automation is transforming prefabrication and modular construction and highlights how solutions like ARKANCE’s Be.Smart Framing tools for wood and metal framing are reshaping the future of modular construction.
What is Prefabrication and Modular Construction?
Prefabrication involves manufacturing building components off-site in a controlled setting, then assembling them on-site. Modular construction takes this a step further by producing entire modules - such as fully outfitted rooms or structural segments - off-site, which are then combined on location.
These approaches are not new, but adoption is surging. According to McKinsey, modular construction could deliver projects 20–50% faster and reduce costs by up to 20%. Meanwhile, the global prefabricated buildings market is expected to reach $271 billion by 2032 (Precedence Research). That growth is fueled by modern technologies that allow for scalability, sustainability, and efficiency at a time when the industry needs it most.
How Automation is Transforming Prefabrication and Modular Construction
Digital automation in construction is bridging gaps between design, planning, and execution. Advanced tools - including robotics, AI, and IoT - are central to this shift, automating repetitive, error-prone tasks and improving real-time decision-making.
With ARKANCE’s Be.Smart Framing tools for Autodesk Revit, teams can automate the creation of fabrication-ready models, dramatically improving both design precision and coordination across disciplines.
Our Be.Smart Framing tools allow offsite builder to turn Revit models into build-ready digital twins - streamlining production and dramatically reducing manual modeling effort
Benefits of Automation in Prefab and Modular Construction
Faster Project Delivery
Automation eliminates many causes of delay. By shifting time-intensive processes off-site and catching design errors early through AI and model checking, projects move faster from concept to completion.
Cost Efficiency
Cost overruns affect 9 in 10 construction projects, sometimes adding 50% to the original budget (Accenture). Automation combats this by reducing manual labor, cutting material waste, and improving ordering accuracy. Digital tools ensure you only build - and ship - what is needed.
Sustainability
Smart manufacturing environments minimize waste through precise material usage. Automated logistics and reduced site activity also help shrink the carbon footprint. These align with industry sustainability goals and environmental compliance.
Quality Control
Consistency is critical. Automated production and inspection systems maintain strict quality standards and flag potential issues before they escalate. This leads to better long-term performance and fewer defects in the field.
Flexibility and Scalability
With demand surging for both high-volume housing and complex commercial builds, automation allows producers to scale with confidence. Digital twins and modular platforms can be adjusted mid-project with minimal disruption.
In the construction industry in general there is a demand for sustainable practices at every step of construction...when we talk about materials and resources we’re talking about waste and how we eliminate waste and at Hermanson we use technology to get leaner, eliminate waste, and order earlier... We’re able to extract data from Revit to help with material and resource waste. When we are talking about time saving typically it would have taken about a year or a year and a half, its literally shaved off 4-6 months of time!
For Hermanson the ability to streamline shop workflow for prefabrication is critical, Cordova elaborates on the role of technology in speeding up production workflows ‘up to 10 times faster’ in the ARKANCE Think.Future podcast Technology drives efficiency and sustainability for Hermanson.
Common Challenges in Adopting Automation
Despite the benefits, automation still presents challenges for many firms - especially those lacking digital maturity. High upfront investment, skill gaps, integration complexity, and regulatory pressures can slow adoption.
That’s where ARKANCE comes in. While many firms offer technology support, ARKANCE brings something unmatched: scale and specialization. With more than 1,200 professionals across 50 offices worldwide, we’ve assembled the most comprehensive team dedicated to AEC and manufacturing digital transformation. Our consultants, developers, and implementation specialists bring hands-on project experience and domain knowledge that accelerates adoption, reduces risk, and delivers measurable results.
What’s Next: Smarter, Greener, More Connected
The future of prefabrication and modular construction is digital. Innovations like AI-driven design optimization, digital twins, and predictive analytics are reshaping what's possible. Be.Smart tools from ARKANCE are already enabling smarter, integrated workflows - and the evolution has only just begun.
Smart factories connected to cloud-based data environments will further optimize performance and enable mass customization. Automation is no longer a competitive edge - it’s becoming a requirement.
FAQ
What’s the difference between prefabrication and modular construction?
Prefabrication refers to off-site manufacturing of components. Modular construction builds entire room-sized sections that are then assembled on-site. Think of modular as prefabrication at scale.
What industries benefit most?
Housing, commercial real estate, healthcare, and infrastructure are major adopters, but any industry that values speed, cost savings, and repeatability can benefit from these approaches.
How can ARKANCE support automation in prefab and modular workflows?
We offer specialized Be.Smart tools integrated with Autodesk Revit that automate framing, documentation, logistics, and production workflows. From CLT and SIP panels to steel and concrete systems, ARKANCE provides tailored solutions backed by training, consulting, and support.
Ready to Build Smarter?
Whether you're exploring automation for the first time or ready to scale your digital strategy, choose the partner with the experience, talent, and reach to guide you every step of the way.
Choose ARKANCE - the largest pool of engineering, consulting and development experts committed to your transformation. Transformation takes a team. We’re your people.