If I were to tell you that a single gadget would make it possible to double your profits while keeping costs down, would you be willing to try it?
Many project managers would respond with a resounding yes, but the truth is, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
Let’s take a step back and assess what the gadget can do for a construction project regarding organization, planning, monitoring, change management, and budgeting.
Can it monitor remote workers?
Does it have GPS technology?
What about communication features? And generating key financial reports?
We can see that it clearly depends on the scope and goals of the company. And according to a report by FMI, most construction businesses list functionality and easy-of-use as critical determinants in purchasing such software.
So what makes most contractors or project managers reluctant to invest in software that CAN help ease their problems?
Let’s look at the significant hurdles stopping firms from embracing advanced technology and how to overcome such negative thinking with some positive tips!
There hasn’t been such an immense divide in organizations until the pandemic.
This shift to digital technology, most noticeably seen in the construction industry, has caused some project managers to become overwhelmed and confused about the new processes.
The truth is that adopting new technologies is a significant commitment. It requires time, money, training, education, patience, and open-mindedness.
However, those who have already made this leap benefit from being more adaptive and efficient.
A 2020 CIO report by KPMG noted that digital leaders outperformed their competitors in several categories, including:
With the right tools and processes, firms can reduce paperwork, improve communication, increase accuracy, and become more productive organizations.
New technology can seem enticing initially, but dipping toes into the unknown can be risky if they don’t know the consequences of investing in such tech.
Contractors are more reticent to invest in tech due to:
A primary concern is the lack of understanding of how software works, what it can do for them, and the time commitment needed to learn its features.
For instance, a contractor is considering a tool to streamline their project management process. They must understand and use all the available features to get the most out of this software.
Investing in technology can be costly if contractors don’t know how to set aside funds for such projects.
Especially if they have complex construction projects on their hands, the money invested in these new tools may not be worth the benefits.
Contractors might be worried that it won’t work as well as they had hoped or that the systems will crash and become a useless expense.
For example, the software might not be compatible with their mobile devices, and they might be unable to access their data or resources.
They would spend considerable time and effort learning how the software works and consider it a waste if they don’t yield desired results.
Access to technical support is essential, especially when dealing with a complex software system.
If it takes too long to reach a technical support person, the contractor might be discouraged from using the software.
Contractors may be concerned about data loss or cyberattacks, especially when using cloud-based solutions.
Security protocols must be sound and up-to-date to give contractors peace of mind when using new technology.
It’s normal for contractors to have reservations about new technology, but with the right approach and attitude, they can overcome their fear and take the plunge.
Research all your options before investing money in a particular solution. Read reviews on sites like Capterra.
Moreover, talk to industry peers, and assess the pros and cons of various software solutions.
Instead of implementing a full-fledged tech stack across the entire project, start with a few simple tools and gradually build up from there.
For example, start with a cloud-based project management system and move on to construction performance monitoring.
Take advantage of free trials to test new software and assess whether it provides value for your needs.
Many software businesses confident in their product would gladly show you a demo or provide a free trial period.
Make sure everyone understands how to use the software. Invest in onboarding and training sessions to help everyone get up-to-speed quickly.
Without your crucial team understanding how to use the software, you won’t be able to maximize its benefits of it.
Focus on tracking and measuring the performance of all your processes with new technology.
Regularly measure how much time you save, how many errors are prevented, or any other metrics that can help improve efficiency.
Provide incentive programs that reward the successful adoption of new technology, such as gift cards or promotions. This will encourage team members to try out new tools and boost morale.
You can also assign key leadership roles to those who embrace new technologies and know how to use them effectively. This way, you won’t need to re-expand the learning curve for everyone.
Attend conferences to learn about the latest trends in technology and discuss them with other professionals in the construction industry.
Many emerging software companies would present their new products at their booths and explain the product features in detail.
Be sure to ask questions, share your experiences, and take notes on any new technology that you find interesting.
New technology can be a game-changer for any construction project. It can help streamline processes, reduce costs, improve accuracy and efficiency, and increase safety.
However, it can be daunting for contractors to transition from traditional methods to the digital age.
By implementing the right strategies, contractors can make the transition to digital technology much easier and more successful!
Tackling these challenges head-on will enable them to adopt new solutions that improve their business’s efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
Therefore, contractors must take the time to understand and accept new technology as a critical step toward success.
Adopting new technology will pay off in the long run if done correctly.
Just remember to do your research, start small, test drive it, and track progress!
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