We're Contractors not IT Guys

If I had a dime for every time this crossed the mind of PEs, PMs, and CMs in our market. And yet software companies for years have continued to push the adoption of technology in the construction industry - with mixed results.

As a small to medium GC, I likely opted to avoid the early adoption of systems, but today is different. Technology has matured; notably web-based technologies - to what is called version 2.0. The name alone means nothing. But, look under the hood and get hands on and you will see that web 2.o does have meaning and includes everyone!

Web 2.0 is different because it is focused on you - the customer. The technology should be flexible enough to adapt to your business process, not force you to mold to its methods. Web 2.0 technology should allow you - construction professional - to focus on construction and not think about (or invest in) technology or technologists. As a GC, I don't want to be forced to hire IT staff. I want to focus on my core strengths in my business of building actual structures!

It is refreshing to see that Construction Executive Magazine and Fred Ode (p. 47, January 2008) speak directly to this issue and provides valuable guidelines for those choosing a software provider.

1. Know the Company behind the product you're considering.
2. Gauge the Company's commitment to clients.
3. Consider the technology sophistication of your organization.
4. Evaluate your organization's 'readiness' (just because you buy it, doesn't ensure they will use it!)

A good software provider should be a resource to you in answering the above. The concept is familiar and applicable to our industry...Design-Build anyone? Bring your software provider to the table early - at the design stage - to avoid costly errors during the build phase. If you are a BIM enthusiast, consider it clash detection for running your construction business. Be smart about applying your construction intelligence to building your business and consider evaluation of software as foundational to that process.

ConstructHub gets it. We were born from a GC and refined by PMs and Sups in the trenches. Say it in either vernacular, but let ConstructHub provide your business a competitive advantage -- increasing your efficiency and focusing on your core competency of building. When do you want to get started?

2008 Forecasts

Like many of you, I've been digesting vast quantities of construction industry forecast information I can locate to best understand the challenges our industry faces and how ConstructHub is or can be poised to alleviate strain and deliver futher quantifable benefits.

The January edition of Construction Executive provided numerous direct references to the increasing importance of technology in construction.

"Contractors should focus on modern methods, such as construction technology, to enhance and streamline ordinary business practices" shares Matt Stevens, author of Managing a Construction Firm on Just 24 Hours a Day (Pinch, L., January 2008. What to anticipate in '08, p. 30, Construction Executive).

"Industry executives should devote more resources to exploring the benefits they can derive from using the Internet" (Jurewicz, B., January, 2008. Taking Advantage of Online Communication Technology, p. 45, Construction Executive). Why? As Jurewicz clearly advises, "by posting critical project information online and instantly executing multiple tasks efficiently and cost-effectively, online communications allow personel to engage in other works that delivers more value to the business" (p.45).

Exactly! Articulate, simple and readily achievable advice. ConstructHub is founded on these principles and delivers with proven, measurable results. Try it yourself free for 30 days to execute on emerging best practices in our industry and define your organization as a competitive, leader in the market.