As technology advances, more industries are turning to ecommerce, automation and digital collaboration.
Yet, the construction industry is still lagging behind.
Despite the transition to mobile devices, digital data and realtime blueprints, many construction companies, vendors and suppliers are still using white boards, excel sheets and the phone to conduct most of their business.
We asked Ted Matson, Vice President of sales and marketing at Brokrete, a real-time order management system for the concrete industry, to get more insights on the industry.
Ted brings a holistic perspective, having over 30 years’ experience as a construction manager, plant manager and regional manager before migrating to a marketing and sales role.
11:07 How could technology change the industry in terms of efficiency and productivity?
Technology brings more transparency with realtime tracking, updates, and data analytics. A foreman or site superintended has more information on their mobile device than the average office manager had on their computer a few years ago.
Instead of relying on outdated paper blueprints, the crew can now view live updates to any map revisions or project specs in realtime.
Data sensors, GPs tracking, and realtime price quotes also provide more transparency for both companies their clients
15:00 What are some of the examples of these changes?
Good examples include companies like:
CarbonCure: They are injecting CO2 from the environment into concrete to improve performance. With senor technology, they are able to monitor and improve the performance of their concrete.
Giatec: Giatec is using a Bluetooth sensor that can detect the set time of the concrete, helping them monitor in realtime the condition of the concrete and how it is setting.
Fill Connect: Fill Connect is improving collaboration between project sites by providing realtime updates on commercial dumpsite and project sites that have or need fill material.
Brokcrete: Brokcrete allows a site manager to order, cancel, change and track his concrete order onsite with a click of a button
17:55 How can established players adapt to changes in technology and turn disruptive innovations into a competitive advantage?
Industry disruption through technology can be scary to some and is not always welcome.
As more people see the value of transparency, open marketplaces, and realtime data and transactions, we can create more opportunities for better customer/client solutions.
What about you?
How are you using technology for your construction projects, or are you still lagging behind?
