Construction leaders undoubtedly face many challenges in today’s ever-changing environment. But there are new tools and technologies available that could significantly impact their workflow and improve efficiencies across their team, if only managers could identify what they are and how to implement them, which often is the scariest part of any new tool.
When facing change, many managers ask the following questions.
- What are the proper approaches and technologies to use?
- Which deliver the most “bang” for the buck?
- How can different solutions and the resulting flood of data be integrated into an overall operations flow?
Let’s start by talking through a few things construction managers should think of when considering new electronic solutions or field service providers to optimize operations.
1. Paperless Ops
The most obvious opportunity for improvement is the implementation of an electronic platform instead of traditional paper-based systems. One huge benefit by going digital is that it saves dollars over time. It’s estimated that every time a piece of paper documentation is generated by field operators and sent to the back office, a minimum of $10 in costs is also generated to process that paper. Problems with legibility, re-entering the data into electronic systems, errors that are introduced into the system, and difficulty in integrating this paper with customers all add delays and costs. A structured system that allows field-generated data to be fed into back-office systems and presented to the customer gives modern solutions optimal speed and leverage.
It doesn’t just save time, it also reduces errors. Solutions that simply capture documentation, such as those involving scanners or simple pick lists, fail on several levels. These solutions have no internal logic or error prevention, and simply reproduce the problems of paper in an electronic format. It’s important that your field operations solution perform validation of data entered, preventing invalid configurations and improper data entry. Some solutions can configure themselves based on job conditions or assigned equipment.
2. Data in the Right Place
Data is important, but construction managers have to make sure they have the right data and know where it goes. Structuring data into proper elements allows for efficient scheduling, fulfillment and analysis. An ideal platform can recognize locations, readiness level, and suitable and available replacements for projects. When all of these elements are in place, operations managers can not only plan immediate operations but can also begin planning future consumable, maintenance, personnel and other resource requirements.
3. Flexibility
Any adopted platform must allow for best practices to be overlaid on the solution, yet be flexible enough to allow operations to continue in remote environments. Field personnel must have full access to the data which allows them to perform operations, even if the back office is unavailable. Tools and technology that streamline workflow are important enablers.
4. Takeaways
All of the data you can generate is great, but what does it really mean? Construction managers must have some type of takeaway or actionable analysis to actually improve workflow. The ability to measure production details, and create and generate custom reports is vital to a company’s success.
5. Bring Customers Along
One often overlooked opportunity for improving operations and increasing resource use is optimizing customer involvement. Customers are traditionally involved at the beginning and the end of the process, but having the ability to keep them involved throughout the process can prove quite valuable.
There are lots of things to consider when looking to improve field operations for construction teams. Technology can certainly prove as an asset if used in the right way. Be sure to look for tools that are easy to use, and are customizable to fit different projects and people. Great construction managers need to leverage digital transformation now to keep up with the competition.
