Totalmente de acuerdo, en construcción es lo que comúnmente llamamos “marcar la cancha”, donde se definen los límites y alcances, es importante asegurarse que cada contratista o miembro del equipo de Proyecto haya entendido bien su alcance y las expectativas con las cuales será medido su rendimiento o avance.

Absolutely, 100%! Cloud-based software that is INTUITIVE and simple to use! Otherwise, how can we expect site operators to be spending valuable time figuring out overly complex technology? We can't. Empower site-supers (for example) with digitized, simple, and intuitive, daily reports that can largely be automated, that collect data from the (minimal) daily inputs, and that convert the data into actionable reporting/insights - aka, turn the data into an asset!

Implementing a policy of using shared digital construction drawings instead of paper blueprints is critical to making sure the field crews have the correct information they need to avoid errors and re-work. Not only will this streamline communication, but it also relieves some of the burden of document management from the trade contractor (sub-contractor) when everyone is working from the same set of digital drawings that is managed by the GC. It essentially means that as soon as the GC receives a drawing revision or answer to an RFI and updates the shared digital files, everyone instantly has the same information, even the crews in the field who need it the most but often get it last.

In the last 5 years the construction industry has seen a surge in available technology and mobile apps. Choose these with a purpose. They need to solve a problem or streamline a process. Mobile apps that allow access to shared digital plans and other construction documents can greatly reduce workflow burdens and can keep the entire project team up to date in real time. Some of these apps and systems also streamline the collection of data and simplify reports.

Agreed, these can be great tools. In my experience, being successful with these necessitates buy-in and understanding how it will improve the overall process. Training, onboarding, and rolling these out properly are key to success; otherwise, you may encounter resistance and frustration from those you are actually trying to help. I recommend beta testing with a set of users first, seeing what works and what needs to be adjusted for optimal engagement.

As simple as this may sound, this is becoming more and more complex as we continue to adopt more software and digital workflow solutions. Each system we implement creates a new data silo, and something as simple as getting a person’s name, department, and current assignment (which lives in your HR system) into your project management system can be a daunting task. Always consider the software’s ability to share data when you are evaluating new software, whether that’s through an API, export, or a prebuilt integration.

This is critical, and way more difficult than it sounds. It’s critical because without the training the trade contractors (sub-contractors) are unlikely to embrace and utilize the software to its full potential. It’s difficult because the people staffing your project are unlikely to remain consistent, meaning the training needs are constant. One solution is to create on-line training modules to compliment your in-person training. Make it easy to access by posting QR codes that link to the training, and make sure it can be viewed on a mobile device.

My short series on LinkedIn Learning called “Construction Industry: Going Digital in the Field” has several great examples and suggestions!

Question: how simple (or not simple) is your technology stack? How simple (or not simple) is it to onboard internal/external teams? Intuitive simplicity is KEY to leverage technology- because adoption and use are necessary... hope that helps!