Construction technology options are abundant nowadays, yet choosing, implementing, and integrating the right technology for a contractor’s particular needs can be overwhelming, leaving many owners unsure of even where to start. It doesn’t have to be this way, though.

Modern technology solutions allow contractors to choose and customize the best option for their business needs today, with the added possibility to scale the solution later to fit changing business objectives.

By connecting people, machines, and the field to the office, contractors can improve processes as well as profitability throughout the entire construction lifecycle. This article takes a dive into the true definition of a connected construction approach and shares tips, best practices, and advice from industry leaders for smooth technology implementation.

CONNECTED CONSTRUCTION APPROACH

Historically, contractors have relied on technology to optimize individual tasks, but today’s connected construction technology allows teams to integrate workflows and share data across project teams and with project owners. It’s an ongoing transformation that has opened the door for connecting multiple systems, diverse applications, mass quantities of data, and a construction site managed in ways unimagined a few years ago. But, what does this all really mean?

In today’s environment, the term “connected” generally means office-to-field-to-office workflows. Connectivity facilitates the movement of data across various activities, enables real-time progress tracking, faster issue resolution, increased productivity, improved efficiency, and ultimately better overall site management.

Consider these connected technology examples: 

  • A civil contractor in the field utilizes a combination of 3D modeling, machine control, and automatic steering to increase accuracy, productivity, and efficiency by keeping concrete pavers exactly on target with alignment, design, and slope.
  • An estimator increases the accuracy of current and future bids by understanding actual production rates on similar jobs from performance-tracking software. 
  • Electronic field logs that capture data about labor hours, productivity, materials, and equipment utilization can be used to report daily progress-versus-plan to guide collaborative decisions between managers in the field and the office about adjusting operational resources. 
  • Field teams utilize a survey rover or machine equipped with a SIM card, as well as radios to receive RTK correction streams. Information gathered in the field is sent to the office via satellite or cellular internet plans. That data is then reviewed by someone in the office, where 3D models are also updated and sent to machines and survey rovers.

Connected construction offers better insights faster, which helps contractor decision-making and boosts both efficiency and profits. 

PLAN A SMOOTH ROLLOUT

Connected construction technologies offer a multitude of efficiencies, and it’s important to choose the best solution for your particular needs. To avoid the frustration and costs associated with making the wrong choice, below are a few best practices to follow as you implement new technology into your construction business.

Assess your needs. Processes for assessing and prioritizing technology needs are key to selecting the best options in a methodical, structured way. Take the time to assess and prioritize your company’s requirements. It’s a good practice to have user buy-in ahead of time so the most impacted users don’t feel like new technology was just thrust upon them. 

Western Specialty Contractors, a Missouri-based building restoration and maintenance contractor, has a structured plan for reviewing and ranking technology needs. The company’s executives meet several times a year to evaluate opportunities and vote on priority items, explains Shawn Nichoalds, senior director of IT for Western Specialty Contractors. Prior to this process, the IT department determined what technology needs were met based on requests received. The current process is more comprehensive and helps identify which departments should be involved, based on end users that will be affected by the change.

Sherwood Companies, a civil contractor based in Oklahoma, utilizes a formal evaluation and scoring process to make decisions about technology upgrades. Scott Martin, IT director at Sherwood, says the selection process helps develop greater user buy-in because it involves those most impacted by the upgrade.

Check the compatibility. Ensure the technology integrates with your existing systems to avoid data discrepancies and inefficiencies. Integration is a key ingredient to successful technology implementation. Every system must integrate with existing systems, with no exceptions, says Martin. 

Review the security. Prioritize solutions that offer robust security features like data encryption, secure transmission protocols, and multi-factor authentication.

Look for a user-friendly interface. Evaluate the solution’s interface from the perspective of both users and administrators in your company. Look for features like intuitive interfaces, construction logic, customizable dashboards, automated workflows, and comprehensive reporting tools.

Embrace training. Proper training is key for a successful implementation for employers and employees. When field managers understand the software and workflow, they can efficiently train field workers to use it. It’s a best practice to break the training into easily consumable sessions, rather than introducing all concepts at once. Software implementation should also include a combination of online and in-person learning that is well organized and planned out. Additionally, training should be customized to match the user’s needs, experience, and requirements.

Explore costs and ROI. While cost is important, focus on the overall return on investment rather than just upfront expenses. Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including any implementation costs, subscription fees, maintenance, and potential savings from increased efficiency and reduced errors. Many contractors realize quickly, for example, that the cost of adopting estimating software is offset by winning one or two bids that might have been lost, or that uptime and reduced repair costs offset the cost of equipment-maintenance software. 

Assess the provider’s reputation. Research the technology provider’s experience in the industry, factoring in case studies, testimonials, and reviews from reputable third-party sites. A reliable provider with a proven track record is more likely to deliver a seamless experience and long-term satisfaction, as they can offer a proper support structure to answer user questions, provide training, and continuously evolve the technology according to user needs and suggestions.

The potential for connected construction is unlimited in our complex ecosystem, and the foundational elements are already in play with existing solutions—all being put to use on job sites around the world today. 

about the author

Doug Seyler is vice president of customer success at Trimble. In his role, he leads implementation services to assist contractors in planning and optimizing software applications for construction.