Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) released its third annual construction technology report, which consists of a framework and complementary real-life case studies from ABC contractors that utilize construction technologies to strengthen safety, workflows, and profits. These case studies help to explain the foundational steps companies can take toward successful adoption of construction technology.
“By focusing on the people affected by technology change and identifying key stakeholders and drivers throughout the process, companies can develop a robust construction technology framework that can lead to more profits, safer jobs, and more work,” says Matt Abeles, ABC vice-president of construction technology and innovation. “In the 2023 Tech Report, we see how ABC members’ investment in tech and innovation can be strategically adopted and implemented. The case studies and research highlight construction companies of all sizes and explain how they have successfully transformed their businesses with the proper technology choices, rollout strategies, and leadership.”
“The research and case studies in ABC’s 2023 Tech Report answer the question, ‘How do I get started?’ when it comes to implementing construction technology and innovation,” says Jack Hineman, chair of ABC’s Construction Technology and Innovation Committee and vice-president of business intelligence at Gaylor Electric, headquartered in Indianapolis. “You’ll get a peek behind the curtain to see not only which technology they are adopting, but also the steps they took throughout the process. There are multiple potential pathways, and it will be up to you to determine the best fit for your company based on your knowledge of the business and people.”
ABC’s framework of construction technology and innovation covers the following:
- Trigger: What is driving the need or request for the new technology?
- Assessment: How do you find and evaluate your options?
- Decision: What option are you deciding to pursue?
- Implementation: How do you put the technology into place?
- Adoption: How do you use the technology?
- Feedback: What’s the process of requesting, receiving, and consuming feedback on the new technology?
Construction technology and innovative practices in the 2023 Tech Report include cybersecurity, virtual reality, equipment and asset management systems, business information modeling, data-driven analytics, technology training, capturing, and analyzing spatial data through light detection and ranging scanning, and innovation labs.