If you work in construction in Mexico, chances are you’ve seen a steady implementation of technology on job sites, digital drawings, online collaboration platforms, maybe even drone mapping progress. However, a bigger shift is underway globally that’s reshaping economies: artificial intelligence.

AI is already driving massive productivity gains in markets from the U.S. and Europe to Asia. Meanwhile, according to a McKinsey report, Latin America, including Mexico, is at risk of falling behind, with the region’s potential economic impact from AI estimated to be up to five times lower than in more advanced economies.

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A digital gap that’s widening

In “What Could a New Era Mean for Latin America?”, McKinsey’s 2023 report makes it clear: the region has made strides in basic digital adoption over the last decade, with more widespread access to smartphones, online payments, and internet connectivity. However, when it comes to next-wave technologies like AI and advanced data analytics, Latin America still lags significantly.

McKinsey estimates that by 2030, the average economic boost from AI in Latin America could be 0.5 to 1 percent of GDP, compared to 1.2 to 2 percent in North America. 

In the construction sector specifically, this slower adoption shows up in continued manual processes, fragmented communication, and limited data-driven decision-making. Many firms still rely on spreadsheets, isolated software tools, and piles of paperwork, leaving efficiency gains on the table.

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Why this matters for construction companies in Mexico

Globally, contractors are leveraging AI and automation to solve age-old problems like cost overruns, delays, and safety risks. Here’s how:

• Predictive analytics: AI models can process thousands of data points to forecast project delays or cost blowouts before they happen.
  
  
• Generative design: Tools suggest optimal layouts or construction methods, saving architects and engineers weeks of design iterations.
  
  
• Computer vision: Cameras paired with AI algorithms automatically spot safety hazards or track inventory on-site.
  
  
• Process automation: From automated RFIs to digital inspections, teams cut down repetitive admin work, freeing them to focus on higher-value tasks.

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They’re already delivering real results for companies worldwide, reducing project times by 20 to 30 percent and costs by up to 15 percent. If Mexican firms don’t move quickly to adopt these technologies, they risk being edged out by international competitors who can deliver projects more quickly, safely, and cost-effectively.

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The Time is Now

According to McKinsey, Latin America faces a “narrow window of opportunity” to catch up. Mexico is well-positioned to lead the charge within the region with a large, growing urban population, massive infrastructure plans, and a strong tradition of engineering and construction expertise.

To close the digital gap, construction leaders can prioritize investments in:

• AI-powered project management platforms that bring together schedules, budgets, safety, and quality tracking in one place, enabling predictive insights rather than reactive scrambling.
  
  
• Data integration across suppliers and subcontractors, so everyone works off the same up-to-date information.
  
  
• Training the workforce to not just use new tools, but interpret data, adjust workflows, and become champions of innovation on-site.

This isn’t just about tools; it’s about transforming how projects are completed. As McKinsey puts it, countries that embrace digital and AI-led productivity could see per capita GDP gains that are twice as large as those that don’t (MexicoBusinessNews).

In construction, that translates to more profitable companies, more competitive bids, and better-paying jobs for workers.

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Buildpeer: Small steps with big payoffs

Some Mexican firms are already proving what’s possible. Whether it’s using AI to forecast labor needs and avoid costly idle days, or digital platforms like Buildpeer that centralize communication and catch issues early, the benefits are clear.

It’s also about future-proofing your business. Owners and developers globally are starting to demand digital collaboration, real-time dashboards, and data-backed assurance that their projects won’t spiral off-track. Firms that can’t offer this will increasingly be left out.

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Curious how AI and smarter data tools could transform your projects in Mexico?

At Buildpeer, we’re passionate about helping construction teams digitize their workflows, improve collaboration, and prepare for an AI-driven future.

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Book a demo to see how you can start closing the gap.

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