As construction leaders, many of us are settling in to the “new normal” of remote work while managing our teams from afar. In this challenging new era, we’ve become even more reliant on technology to keep us united for the benefit of our businesses, employees and communities—and in some ways, this tech innovation is long overdue. As an industry, we are learning to see the creativity that comes from being forced to perform under pressure.
In early 2020, Associated Builders and Contractors began developing a new Tech Alliance that will bring a consortium of construction technology and innovative digital products to ABC contractor members, the majority of whom are classified as small businesses and primarily perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors. Consisting of 13 companies, the Tech Alliance will introduce these small- and mid-sized contractors and subcontractors to construction technology solutions for: bidding, billing, BIM, compliance, connected equipment, CRM, field collaboration, job costing, jobsite monitoring, preconstruction, project management, safety analytics, security, service software, subcontractor management and time tracking, among others.
In addition, ABC has started a Construction Technology and Innovation Committee, which will help guide future Tech Alliance partnerships, increase collaboration with the overall technology community and help contractors meet the needs of a 21st workforce. To learn more, visit abc.org/TechAlliance.
In this issue of the magazine, themed “Innovation in a Time of Crisis,” readers will learn how firms are implementing a variety of technology options—old and new—to better equip their companies to succeed despite whatever obstacles lie ahead.
Turn to the Intelligent Machines and Jobsites special section to delve into smart technology, understand its legal and privacy implications, and strategize on how safety and productivity might be improved through remote monitoring, modular construction and prefabrication techniques.
