By Jessica Meno, writer for Raken
$1.6 billion. That’s how much we could boost the construction industry’s value by, according to the McKinsey Global Institute. We know we need to improve our productivity…but where do we start?
Here are five tips to improve your construction productivity.
1. Invest in construction software
Let’s face it: There are a lot of moving parts to every project. Not only do you have to make sure everything at the jobsite is taken care of, you also have to make sure you stay updated—even when you’re away or at the office.
Construction software helps you track the progress of your projects from anywhere. Some even come with a mobile app, so field crews can fill out their daily reports, surveys, and checklists on the go. With all your documentation stored online, it’ll be easy to spot any potential issues early to keep projects on schedule—and within budget. More visibility means better decisions.
When choosing construction software, be sure to involve your field crews from the beginning. They’ll have a different perspective on how easy to use (or not) your potential software is. Because they’re the ones logging the important jobsite data, it’s crucial to get their stamp of approval. Especially since their workflows will change, too.
2. Focus on better safety training
According to a publication by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), better safety means better productivity. Injuries and other hazards can cost big—and throw projects off course.
Developing a good safety program to educate your workers is key. Hold toolbox talks regularly to start the conversation. Upload custom safety and inspection checklists so they can easily fill them out from the field. After all, promoting safety is a team effort.
Don’t forget—safety and health protocols change (like in the case of COVID-19). Review and update your safety program often to keep everyone in the loop.
3. Streamline your documentation
Make sure to clearly document everything about your projects—for you and your clients. When your reporting is solid, it’s easy to see your total productivity, quality measures taken, and safety protocols followed.
Knowing how much you’re producing (or not) is the first step to improving your processes. Clean documentation also gives you an opportunity to lower costs, and make more competitive bids. Like we mentioned before, construction software makes collecting data easier.
4. Constantly look for new integrations
“The more, the merrier” holds true for construction tech. New apps and solutions are constantly released to improve your efficiency. A lot of them do one thing (or a few) really well.
Build your construction tech stack to streamline your workflows. Compare products to see what would work best for your business. Try a few things out. You’ll save time and money in the long run—and collaborate better among your team.
5. Listen to your crews’ feedback
Collaboration doesn’t stop with implementing new workflows. Everyone has an opinion—and where there are opinions, there are opportunities to improve.
Construction software works differently for the field and the office. That’s why it’s important to get your crews’ feedback. Showing them you care about their opinions—and make choices with them in mind—will build team confidence and motivation. It can even pave the way for career and leadership development.
Your workers are your greatest asset. When everyone is working well together, productivity will skyrocket. And, as a result, your projects will get even better.
About the Author
Raken helps you showcase your team’s hard work (and enhance it). Our digital tools like production tracking, safety checklists, and toolbox talks will give you better insights into your projects. They’re easy to use in the field, too. With cleaner field data, you can make better decisions to keep projects on track—and win future bids. To see for yourself, start a 15-day free trial today. Jessica Meno is a writer for Raken, the cloud-based software that was built to connect the field to the office. Raken helps boost productivity and safety by streamlining workflow processes such as daily reporting, time cards, production tracking, and safety management.
