Construction has traditionally had a reputation for being resistant to new technology due to high costs and an aversion to risk. Despite this reputation, there are numerous success stories showcasing how construction companies can benefit from embracing innovation. For example, firms like Gilbane Building Co., PCL, and LeChase Construction Services have successfully implemented technology, resulting in significant savings and efficiency improvements. These stories highlight the importance of deliberate measures to test new technologies before committing fully. In this article, we will explore the key strategies to ensure success and avoid pitfalls when piloting construction technology, based on insights from industry experts.
1. Test for the Right Reasons
When testing a new piece of technology, it is crucial that the purpose is aligned with the business’s needs and the objectives of the testing committee. Alex Belkofer, senior director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) for St. Louis-based McCarthy Building Cos., emphasizes the need for strong alignment to ensure that the pilot meets the desires of the business. He explains that pilots often start with a small group of people and, while they may yield results, they sometimes fail to meet business needs and eventually dissipate. This is why ensuring that the testing committee’s goals match the broader business objectives is essential.
McCarthy Building Cos. employs a collaborative approach, bringing together its innovation team, emerging technology team, and VDC team to ensure successful pilots. This community of practice includes teams on the jobsite, such as field operations and preconstruction, who implement the pilot. By including a broad range of stakeholders, McCarthy ensures that pilots are conducted for the right reasons, with a clear understanding of what success looks like from multiple perspectives.
2. Don’t Cut Corners on Investment
Innovation requires proper investment, and companies that claim to innovate but do not provide adequate resources can set their teams up for failure. It is essential for builders to ensure that innovation teams have the tools and funds they need to make their tests successful. Tim Gaylord, corporate director of innovation for Redwood City, California-based DPR Construction, acknowledges the challenges posed by thin margins in construction but stresses the importance of dedicated budgets and support for innovation teams.
Without sufficient investment, it is difficult for innovation teams to document and set up new technologies effectively. Gaylord argues that providing resources for innovation is crucial for creating an environment where experimentation and development can thrive. Builders must recognize that innovation is not just about talking the talk but also about walking the walk, with a commitment to supporting teams both financially and logistically.
3. Understand Exactly What Your Tech Does
Builders need to have a clear understanding of what they hope to achieve with new technology. Jit Kee Chin, chief technology officer for Boston-based Suffolk Construction, emphasizes the importance of knowing the specific capabilities and potential outcomes of the technology being tested. Having a well-defined set of parameters for using the technology can help ensure that it is utilized to its full potential.
Chin cites the example of Microsoft’s Copilot technology, an AI assistant integrated with Microsoft 365, which operates most effectively when given specific instructions. If vague or general queries are input, the results can be inconsistent. Success with new technology requires a meticulous approach to understanding its functions and potential applications, as well as clearly communicating these to the users involved in the pilot.
4. Don’t Be Afraid of Failure
Embracing failure as a part of the innovation process is crucial. Experiments are inherently risky, and not every pilot will result in immediate success. Tim Gaylord from DPR Construction encourages companies to adopt a mindset where failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. This perspective enables teams to quickly move past unsuccessful attempts and gain valuable insights that can inform future efforts.
Construction is a high-hazard industry, adding an extra layer of complexity to experimentation. However, as Jit Kee Chin points out, this should not deter innovators from taking risks. The industry must evolve, and part of that evolution involves accepting the possibility of failure while maintaining safety and learning from each misstep. Structured ways of capturing and sharing lessons learned from unsuccessful pilots can significantly benefit the entire organization.
5. Learn from Your Colleagues
In the vast world of construction, connecting with technologically advanced peers is an invaluable way to deepen understanding of new processes and innovations. Alex Belkofer of McCarthy Building Cos. recommends attending conferences, engaging with stakeholders, and sharing knowledge with other innovators as ways to stay informed about industry trends and technological advancements.
Peer learning isn’t limited to external connections; in-house collaboration can also yield significant benefits. Learning why a particular technology failed is just as important as understanding why another succeeded. Tim Gaylord compares this to investing in the stock market—not all investments will be winners, but learning from each can help prevent repeated mistakes and save valuable time and resources. By fostering an environment of open communication and shared learning, builders can create a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Embracing Innovation for Future Success
Traditionally, the construction industry has had a reputation for being slow to adopt new technology, largely due to high costs and a reluctance to take risks. However, despite this conservative image, numerous success stories show that embracing innovation can greatly benefit construction companies. For instance, firms such as Gilbane Building Co., PCL, and LeChase Construction Services have successfully adopted technology, achieving significant savings and improvements in efficiency.
These examples underline the importance of taking strategic and deliberate steps to test new technologies before fully committing. This process helps mitigate risks and ensures that the technology will bring the expected benefits. In this article, we will examine key strategies necessary for successful technology adoption in construction and how to avoid common pitfalls. Insights from industry experts will provide actionable advice for construction companies looking to innovate and improve their processes through technology. By following these best practices, firms can navigate the challenges and reap the rewards of modern construction technology.
