Growing interest in DfMA and productization signals a major shift in the future of construction
New York, United States, 28 May 2026 – North America may still be behind other global regions in adopting productization and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly, commonly known as DfMA, but industry experts say momentum is steadily building across the construction and manufacturing sectors. New research from Dodge Construction Network and Autodesk highlights increasing awareness and investment in smarter, faster, and more efficient building methods.
DfMA is a construction and manufacturing approach that focuses on designing buildings and products in a way that makes them easier to manufacture, assemble, and install. Instead of relying entirely on traditional on-site construction, companies use prefabrication, modular systems, automation, and digital design tools to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Industry analysts say North America has been slower than Europe and parts of Asia in adopting these methods because the region’s construction industry remains highly fragmented and heavily dependent on traditional labor-intensive practices. However, growing labor shortages, rising material costs, and increasing project complexity are now forcing companies to explore new approaches.
The latest research shows that while current adoption levels remain relatively low, many construction firms are planning to increase investment in productization and DfMA technologies over the next few years. Companies are recognizing the benefits of faster project timelines, improved quality control, lower operational costs, and greater supply chain resilience.
Experts believe digital transformation is becoming one of the biggest drivers behind this shift. Technologies such as Building Information Modeling, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and cloud-based collaboration tools are helping companies streamline project planning and manufacturing workflows. These innovations allow construction teams to manufacture building components in controlled factory environments before transporting them to project sites for faster assembly.
The construction industry is also facing increasing pressure to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact. DfMA methods can help reduce material waste, lower carbon emissions, and improve energy efficiency by optimizing design and production processes. Industry leaders say these advantages are making modular and off-site construction more attractive for large commercial, healthcare, residential, and infrastructure projects.
Manufacturing trends across North America are also supporting this transition. Companies are investing heavily in automation, advanced manufacturing facilities, robotics, and data-driven production systems to strengthen long-term operational efficiency. The rise of smart factories and Industry 4.0 technologies is creating new opportunities for integrating manufacturing and construction workflows.
Labor shortages remain another major factor influencing adoption. Construction and manufacturing sectors across the United States and Canada continue struggling to fill skilled workforce positions. By shifting more work into factory environments and using standardized processes, companies hope to reduce dependency on unpredictable labor availability while improving safety and productivity.
Industry observers believe the next decade could bring significant transformation to how buildings and infrastructure are designed and delivered across North America. As developers, contractors, and manufacturers continue investing in digital innovation and prefabrication strategies, DfMA may become a central part of modern construction practices.
While challenges such as upfront investment costs, workforce training, and industry resistance still exist, experts say the growing momentum around productization and smart construction reflects a broader shift toward efficiency, resilience, and technology-driven growth in the built environment.
