________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The key to IT consolidation is centralizing data, tools and information and aligning them with the firm’ s processes and best practices. This way, construction firms can see what they have, including redundant solutions, security threats, and the real cost of app sprawl and their impact on productivity and project profitability.
Through the consolidation process, another risk may emerge. It is the reliance on standard construction platforms that requires firms to align with the platform’ s processes, instead of empowering the firm to easily input their best practices, workflows and proven processes. Standard platforms can limit a firm’ s ability to differentiate their work, properly train the next generation on their own processes, and quickly identify inefficiencies.
Think about it this way. If the workforce never learns to master their crafts, and relies on technology to run projects, they will never be able to innovate. The instant the technology becomes inflexible or outdated; they’ re stuck.
This is why a centralized operations platform is a more strategic approach. It aligns with the workforce and makes it easier to see the current state of projects, improve upon existing processes or quickly create new ones, and easily share information.
Preparing for AI
While centralizing information is critical to the successful introduction of AI, many construction companies are foregoing that process and diving in headfirst. The Quickbase construction survey found that 49 percent are already using AI tools daily and 35 percent use them weekly. However, 86 percent admit they have some level of concern about AI when it comes to data security, compliance or privacy risks.
As firms begin to rely on AI more, some may want to consider bringing on an AI workflow consultant. This person helps define the requirements for AI adoption, map the current workflows and business processes to identify opportunities for automation, and gets teams up and running with AI so the consultant’ s role can eventually be phased out.
Prefab and the rise of hyperlocal ecosystems
Another factor having a big impact on construction today is the prefab resurgence being driven by innovations in technology such as BIM, digital twins and AI. As a result, prefab shops are transforming into robust, hyperlocal manufacturing centers that act as a hub for local contractors.
By leveraging volume and scale, these hubs can improve material planning, BIM coordination, manufacturing, logistics, and more of the prefab activities in an efficient, cost-effective way.
For these reasons, the next gen of prefab is likely to spark more hyperlocal construction where builders that may have once competed are now working more closely together. These efficient prefab firms will also help create more opportunities for local markets, allowing the areas to win more profitable work that enables continued growth. These strategies help to combat the rising costs of materials, tariffs, labor shortages, and more.
16