DiBona & Associates
DiBona & Associates

Building Tomorrow: The Impact of Technology Adoption in Construction

26.02.24 01:00 PM By Noel DiBona

Construction Crew

From AI and robotics to virtual reality and drone surveying, tech innovation is rapidly changing the construction industry. Implementing these tools into operations is as critical as it is complex. 

What good does new technology do if it’s not being used properly or efficiently? 

It’s a big change for employees when they’re asked to learn and use a new technology in their everyday work. It can cause a lot of pushback, setbacks, and an overall dive in productivity when it’s not implemented correctly. Often times the human elements are overlooked during implementation, but it’s essential for successful technology adoption.

Strategic Evaluation: Making Informed Decisions

Don’t just hop on the new industry trends, ensure adopting new technology is a strategic choice.

      • Needs Assessment: Take a step back, look at your unique project needs and challenges, identify gaps that technology could fill to enhance efficiency or safety.
      • Strategic Alignment: Is this technology a good fit for your long-term business goals? Will it speed up your work, make it safer, or save you money?
      • Cost-Benefit Analysis: How much will this technology increase your organization’s efficiency or safety? How long will it take to adopt? What potential challenges may you face?

The Human Element: Ensuring Adoption Success

Technology is only as effective as the people who use it. It’s critical to focus on:
      • Change Management: Successful technology adoption requires buy-in from all levels of your organization. Develop strategies that address concerns, mitigate resistance, and highlight benefits to all stakeholders.
      • Training and Development: Identify the skills your team needs to effectively utilize new technologies and develop targeted training programs. This ensures that your workforce is not only prepared but also confident in using new tools.
      • Collaboration and Communication: Adopting new technologies affects various parts of your organization differently. By Facilitating open communication and encouraging collaboration, creating a cohesive and united effort.

Real-World Application: A Practical Approach

This methodology is the same process we use to help clients successfully and effectively navigate the transition. 

Ex. A client facing prolonged project timelines discovered, through strategic evaluation, that drone surveying could significantly cut down survey times while reducing risk. By focusing on team training and emphasizing the benefits, we achieved a smooth transition, resulting in more efficient project completion and enhanced team morale.

Ex. Another client was considering using VR and AR technologies to enhance their 3-D modeling and visualization techniques, but was uncertain about the investment. By utilizing the cost-benefit analysis, we discovered a tremendous amount of potential savings. Through careful planning and team engagement, the technology’s adoption became a keystone in their sustainability efforts, helping to enhance their market position.

Guiding You Through Transformation

The journey toward embracing new technologies should be strategically sound and human centric. Every step is crucial in a successful transformation, from the initial strategic evaluation to ensuring your team is prepared and aligned with the new changes. It’s all about making smart, strategic decisions that not only will raise you above the competition but also enhance your project outcomes and team satisfaction.