Digital transformation
Digital tools designed for these functions can help recover hundreds of lost hours on the jobsite in two fundamental ways .
1 . Labor savings via automation : Automating processes that are completely or partially paper based , such as signing in , site surveying or recording the daily log with digital tools can easily save a jobsite hours a day . This is time previously spent by workers signing in at the trailer , supervisors handling paper and / or performing data entry in the field , plus filing at HQ .
2 . Jobsite management using data : By digitally transforming the jobsite and using real-time data for decision making , contractors can collaborate , spot patterns , get ahead of potential issues , and mitigate risks .
For example , there ’ s a significant upside to being able to quickly produce reports that include the certifications and skills , as well as vaccination status , of everybody on a crew . These reports can also help supervisors make better decisions faster , and reprioritize workflow and assignments without compromising safety or risking project delays . This data empowers supervisors to make better decisions faster on the jobsite when they ’ d otherwise be waiting for approvals from the office .
Ensuring ROI on digital transformation
Getting ahead of potential issues and boosting productivity without compromising safety are the primary drivers for making digital transformation in construction a priority . Not to mention the fact a recent survey by the National Association of Women in Construction ( NAWIC ) found 95 percent of workers on jobsites report being more productive because they ’ re using digital tools . However , not every digital transformation project pays off immediately .
Sometimes the ROI is hard to quantify . To avoid a misstep , here are three requirements .
1 . Identify the processes and teams that will benefit the most from automation and digital tools , then select the technology for a small kick off project . One rule of thumb - only invest in tools benefiting a majority of stakeholders . 2 . Only acquire new technologies that integrate with at least one existing solution that ’ s broadly used throughout the company . You want to be able to join together different sources of information to make better decisions based on a bigger picture view of what ’ s happening . 3 . Ensure the learning curve is minimal . Since the rise of the smartphone , we ’ ve all been living in an increasingly technically savvy world . When it comes to investing in digital transformation , employees should be able to quickly master new technologies without requiring extensive training or reliance on professional services for installation and upkeep .
Digital transformation in construction is still in its early stages largely because of slow adoption at the jobsite . As digital tools become more ubiquitous on jobsites , there ’ s the potential for a digital divide that separates firms poised for greater productivity , and those that still rely on dated business processes . ■
David Ward www . safesitecheckin . com
David Ward is CEO at Safe Site Check In . Safe Site Check In provides a customizable and private QR-coded digital check in and screening app , data and analytics . Safe Site Check In is used in construction , manufacturing , commercial real estate , assisted living facilities , and event venues to manage workers , subcontractors and visitors .
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