There is no shortage of technology and innovative tools available to construction teams, but adoption rates have lagged behind other industries. Unavoidable factors like a skilled labor shortage and increased construction costs mean the industry needs to adopt technology FAST to stay ahead of the curve. Let's explore what construction teams can do to increase technology adoption.
Create a strong culture around digital tools and lean operations
The first step in increasing adoption of new technologies is to create a culture that celebrates and rewards innovation. It starts by making sure project leaders actively encourage use of new technologies while also rewarding team members who show initiative when adopting new tools into their workflow. Incorporating technology for the sake of it, however, won't lead to immediate results. Teams should focus on adopting new tools that actually improve their workflows by:
- increasing operational efficiency
- reducing errors
- preventing cost overruns
- improving communication and collaboration
Promote technology that is easy to use and mobile
A major challenge in the construction industry is the distribution of technology among project teams. Many tools are only accessible by select team members, such as engineers, designers, and consultants, meaning field staff is left without valuable project data. Technology that is expensive, requires formal education or training, and/or doesn't work easily in the field is not a reasonable solution. In order to increase adoption, construction teams must be empowered with the right data and use the right technology to make timely and informed decisions. It's essential that tools are user-friendly for non-engineers, which increases the adoption rate among project teams.
In addition to making technology accessible to the entire team, the best tools are mobile so they can be used efficiently. Tools that work via phone, tablet, and/or laptop allow teams to have all the information at their fingertips throughout the project, whether in the field or working remotely.
Be proactive about the needs of future workers
The construction industry is already aware of the skilled labor shortage, and technology is a good way to combat this problem. Construction leaders should encourage technology adoption now to help solve this issue in the short term. Tools that improve workflows can save employees hours each week, allowing them to do more and use fewer resources.
In the long term, it is essential that the industry embrace technology in order to appeal to a younger workforce. Millennials and Generation Z are frustrated by the slow, cumbersome construction processes that haven't changed in decades. These new groups are tomorrow's workers, and they want to work in a more collaborative, modern environment with technology that makes workflows easier and more efficient. By embracing new technology and incorporating it into their culture, construction teams will be able to improve how they plan, design, construct, operate/maintain facilities and equipment, manage projects and communicate.
A strong technology culture is essential to the success of any construction team. More than just embracing new technologies, companies need to reward their teams for innovation and show a willingness to change existing processes to make room for new tools that improve operational efficiencies. Tools like TraceAir improve workflows for land developers, homebuilders, grading contractors, general contractors, and the entire project team.