It may sound like something out of a blockbuster science fiction movie: digital transformation. Yet, it’s a very real trend in many industries, including construction.
The term refers to a business’s conscious effort to integrate digital technology into every area of its operations. That means more than just rolling out new types of software as they become available. To achieve digital transformation, the company must shift its culture away from old ways of thinking and doing and toward a data-driven, innovation-minded, tech-friendly approach.
Here are some ways your construction business can embark on a digital transformation and keep the momentum going:
Seek out solutions. Carefully identify and prudently invest in technology that:
- Improves communication and collaboration,
- Automates or simplifies tasks,
- Increases productivity, and
- Helps bridge labor gaps.
As you’re no doubt aware, there are many digital tools to choose from. They range from cloud-based document-sharing platforms to videoconferencing systems to more industry-specific solutions such as building information modeling, project management tools, drones, and equipment and vehicle telematics.
Involve your staff. Survey your employees to determine their current levels of technological proficiency. From there, pinpoint which skills, tools or software you want workers to be proficient in — such as creating and reading digital blueprints, using project scheduling software, or conducting remote inspections.
Get their input, too. Ask them what kinds of technology they enjoy using, what kinds frustrate them or they feel are unnecessary, and whether there are any solutions they’d really like to have.
Tackle training head-on. Once you know your employees’ technological aptitude and have identified changes you’d like to make, you can tailor training to their job-based needs. Today’s experts recommend accommodating different learning styles, so offer a mix of training formats that includes in-person workshops, online courses, video tutorials, written guides and, if possible, one-on-one mentoring. Indeed, hands-on experience is often the most effective way to learn and retain new skills — especially in construction. Explore options such as virtual simulations, interactive workshops and on-the-job training.
Be prepared to refresh everyone’s skills. Technology evolves rapidly, so be ready to offer refresher sessions on the software and other tools you adopt to keep your team engaged and updated. Some construction businesses hold regularly scheduled monthly or quarterly trainings for this purpose.
If the technology involved impacts the jobsite, be sure to address safety and compliance. This could involve continuing instruction on how to use:
- “Wearable” technology (such as fitness trackers or “smart” clothing to monitor biometrics and location),
- Equipment tracking systems, or
- Software for maintaining compliance with the latest Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
Nurture a tech-friendly culture. As mentioned, to reach your destination in a digital transformation, you’ve got to make a case for what you’re doing and gain buy-in from everyone involved. Only then will your construction business begin to operate as a transformed company.
To do so, show employees how the right tech tools will make their jobs easier and improve the company’s financial performance. Encourage workers to ask questions, raise concerns and seek additional help. Identify particularly tech-savvy team members who can act as champions and mentors. Regularly gather feedback and make adjustments as necessary.
To be clear, undertaking a digital transformation should never equate to blindly throwing money at technology in hopes that something will change. It’s a strategic decision that calls for careful planning and measured spending. Please contact our firm for help identifying and evaluating all your technology costs.
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