By Jeff Burmeister, Director, Subcontractor Network for Kahua
The construction industry accounts for 6 – 13% of global GDP. The work you do as a subcontractor provides the accommodations and infrastructure that determine how we live, work and play.
Subcontractors today are faced with a growing number of technology solutions. From point solutions designated to solving specific issues related to design or bidding, to innovations in technologies like 3D scanning & printing, BIM (Building Information Modeling), IoT (Internet of Things), and drones, and even full enterprise project management systems and data sharing solutions, there are a host of emerging technologies that are reaching maturity and stand to deliver significant value in the industry.
Unfortunately, the overwhelming availability of tools for the field and tools for the office can also leave subcontractors feeling overloaded, which ultimately leads most of them to choose nothing. With so many challenges that need solving in the industry, how do you identify the best tools for your company?
- Connect Field to Office
We all know communicating between the field and the office is a challenge. And yet, breaking down departmental silos and making sure your field and office are on the same team improves efficiency and reduces risk to allow you to profitably deliver successful projects and grow your business.
When evaluating technology for your company, it is crucial that your field and office team members work together to view, edit and share files and documents. Consider utilizing tools that are interconnected, so that data can easily flow between the field and the office. This way, all of your documents can be updated in real time, providing a full picture to everyone in your organization!
2. Avoid Conforming to Technology
As a subcontractor, your core business comes down to managing projects. And what’s more? You excel in your field because you have unique practices, processes, and expertise in the industry. Don’t settle by changing your best practices to meet the restrictions of a project management tool. Instead, find a solution that matches your unique processes, and allows you to win business.
3. Prioritize Efficiency
It is easy to be tempted by small-scale tools that provide immediate relief. These band-aid products address specific challenges very effectively. However, creating optimized processes for individual challenges is not the best approach. By targeting small issues separately and avoiding the big picture, processes become disconnected and data becomes siloed.
Focus on overall efficiency for your organization to achieve the best possible outcome across all your projects. Approaching your technology strategically will allow you to prevent costly and time-intensive errors, and facilitate communication between the field and office! Plus, thinking ahead allows you to continue to innovate – to solve several challenges in one tool, while keeping an eye forward to continue to improve your processes over time.
4. Utilize Mobile Technology
One key component of connecting your field and office is taking advantage of the mobile technology we all use daily. You need to be able to access your project management technology from both a desktop and a mobile device.
Field personnel are increasingly utilizing mobile devices to execute critical business processes faster and more effectively. While mobile technology has come a long way, most core business systems like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), project management, or estimating still do not offer integrated mobile capabilities.
Use mobile technology to plug into your industry network in the field to get answers and quickly take action, so you can work productively and get paid faster. Complete and update tasks in real time and get answers quickly by communicating directly from the field. Mobile solutions allow you to stay connected and leverage the power and efficiency of your solutions whether you are in the office, on the job site, or on the go.
5. Get the Most from Your Data
One of the most crucial connections between the field and office is that of data! To prevent confusion or limited visibility in your organization, house all of your data in the same tool you work in, allowing users to access it in a controlled manner, consistent with your goals and objectives.
Take your data technology a step further by connecting with external project team members as well. Connect your information and workflows with the GCs and owners you work with on your projects to enhance project-wide efficiency, timelines, and margins!
Don’t let the multitude of technology choices keep you from leveraging technology in your business. Common sense is actually a better guide than you think.
Jeff Burmeister is Director, Subcontractor Network for Kahua. Jeff is responsible for Kahua’s connection and conversation with all Subcontractors. Kahua offers a simple project management and collaboration platform which is leveling the playing field for Subcontractors. Kahua’s Subcontractor Project Management suite connects field to office, organizes documents and streamlines communication to improve efficiency, reduce risk and deliver superior project outcomes profitably. Learn more at Kahua.com
