By Patrick Hogan, handle.com

In the construction industry, new technology can make work faster and more accurate. Yet introducing new tools can sometimes be tricky because not everyone is on board right away. Clear and direct communication is critical to winning over your team.

This article covers straightforward ways to talk about new technologies so everyone gets on board and uses them well.

How clear messaging helps with introducing new technology

Clear communication is essential when you bring new technology into any construction company. The industry has the reputation of being stubborn in sticking to traditional methods, but it’s undeniable how certain apps and software solutions make work easier for everyone. Ensuring the benefits and potential challenges are communicated well helps your team understand how these tools will make their jobs easier, like saving time and cutting down on mistakes. Good messaging is more than just listing what the technology does. It’s about linking those features to the daily challenges workers face.

How to communicate clearly

When you talk to your team, whether they are project managers or site workers, you need to make sure your message fits everyone. Here are some tips:

Use simple words

Stay away from complex tech terms. Instead of using technical jargon, explain things in a way everyone can understand. Here are a few examples:

• Say “gather information automatically” instead of “automated data aggregation.”
• Say “update everyone at the same time” instead of “real-time synchronization.”
• Say “a system you can access from anywhere on the internet” instead of “cloud-based platform.”
• Say “tools that help us work more efficiently” instead of “optimization algorithms.”
• Say “making the software easier to use” instead of “user interface enhancements.”

Demonstrate the benefits

Instead of just talking about what the technology can do, show it in action. Use live demos or videos to make it clear.

Share inspiring stories

Don’t just tell, inspire. Share success stories from people in the same type of work and industry who have already used the technology successfully. Hearing about their journey and the positive impact of the technology can ignite a spark of curiosity and openness in your team, making them more receptive to new tools. These stories can come from peers or providers.

Here are some direct examples of how technology helps with everyday challenges in construction:

• Accounts receivables: Automated invoicing and payment tracking tools make it faster to get paid. They do the paperwork, so you don’t have to chase down late payments.
• Safety on the jobsite: Wearable tech monitors safety for you and sends immediate alerts if something dangerous happens, keeping everyone safer.
• Managing subcontractors: Project management software keeps everyone updated in real-time, ensuring subcontractors know what to do and when, so projects finish on time.
• Monitoring material suppliers: Supply chain software checks material deliveries as they happen. This helps avoid project delays by ensuring you always have what you need.
• Tracking project progress: Digital dashboards show you live updates on your project’s progress, keeping everyone on the same page and making it easier to stick to schedule.

Reliable provider support when introducing new tech

At Handle, we specialize in software for managing payments and ensuring lien rights in construction, so we understand the importance of good communication and support. Handle provides a wealth of resources for self-learning, but we also ensure ample support when teams start using our products. The comprehensive support we provide is designed to make everyone feel confident and equipped without feeling overwhelmed.

Effective new tech training

Proper training is crucial when you bring in new technology. Here’s how to do it right:

• Be hands-on: Let your team use the new tools during training. Learning by doing helps them see how technology makes their work easier.
• Sustain it: Technology changes often, and in the construction industry, it’s crucial to keep up with these changes. By continuing training sessions, you can ensure your team is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, helping them use the tools better and improving the efficiency of your projects.
• Ask for feedback: Make sure your team has a way to provide feedback during training. For instance, you can provide a quick online survey at the end of each session or set up a suggestion box in the training room. This helps make future training even better.

Getting it right

Bringing new technology into your organization requires clear communication and good training.

Take a good look at how you talk about and train on new technologies in your company. Using the practical ideas from this article can really help your team become more skilled at using new tools. This makes everyday tasks easier and helps projects run smoother. If you need extra help or more information, think about reaching out to experts and providers who specialize in construction technology. They can give you useful advice and help you tackle any challenges so that you can get the most out of your new tech tools.

About the Author: 

Patrick Hogan is the CEO of Handle.com, where they build software that powers the largest credit teams in construction. Handle is the new approach to construction payments and lien management, optimizing workflows to increase all credit and finance efficiency.