Contractors know that the future of the industry is digital, and many companies are already using digital solutions for tasks such as daily reporting, safety management, and timesheets. The World Economic Forum estimates that a full-scale digitalization of the industry could save $1.2 trillion.
So why is the industry struggling to make digital work? Because of a lack of buy-in from the boots on the ground.
Real-time data collection is a critical element of digitizing the industry and that means field workers are a big part of the process. It doesn’t matter how good a tech solution is; if employees don’t use it, it’s worthless. That’s why thoughtful implementation, starting at the ground level, is critical to success.
There are a few key best practices to implement for those looking to get buy-in when it comes to digital transformation. They include:
1. ASSESS THE NEEDS OF ALL EMPLOYEES
Effective collection of field data relies on field employees to collect and send such data. Yet, according to Autodesk, only 28% of contractors consult the needs of field employees when considering new technology. All users need to be taken into account when selecting technology. Solutions that are difficult to use, time-consuming, or don’t provide adequate support will not be used. It’s that simple.
2. WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER
Learning new technology takes time and temporarily disrupts work; there is no getting around that. In a deadline-driven field like construction, anything that could cause a delay puts a bad taste in workers’ mouths, especially if they don’t perceive any benefits. You must be able to clearly demonstrate how technology will make their jobs easier and faster. From field to office, every employee needs to know what about their job specifically will improve. If you can show how a task that normally takes 15 minutes now takes three clicks on a mobile app, you’ll have buy-in in no time.
3. INTEGRATION
The ease and convenience of technical solutions can be undone in a single word: integration. According to the JBKnowledge 2021 Construction Technology Report, 28% of the construction industry using technical solutions says that none of their tools integrate. Programs that can’t talk to each other need to have data transferred manually. Not only does this significantly increase the risk of human error, but it also ends up wasting all the time you were trying to save in the first place. When adopting new technology, it is imperative that it integrates with programs already in use.
4. PILOT PROGRAM
Roll-out is another struggle when it comes to introducing new technology, especially for larger companies. The amount of training and support needed to get everyone up to speed can be overwhelming. Consider implementing a pilot program instead. This allows a small group of employees to be early adopters of the tech, which means reduced support and training needs. Once the technology is implemented company-wide, the pilot participants will act as an added support team in the field.
CLOSING THOUGHT
Technology has the potential to solve many of the construction industry’s problems, but its implementation needs to be considered as carefully as its selection to be fully effective. Decision-makers must take a holistic view of all users and touchpoints, along with their different needs, to find the best solution and implement it effectively.
About the Author:
Fred Haynes is a solutions engineer at Assignar. For more, visit www.assignar.com.
Modern Contractor Solutions, May 2022
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