One of the top reasons experts say companies fail is lack of innovation. Of the original Fortune 500 Company ranking in 1955, less than 70 of those businesses are around today. The reason? Failing to change with the times and update their technology.
Let’s not kid ourselves, adopting new technology can be challenging for your superintendents, project managers, and dedicated quality control staff who are squeezed for time and are not too keen about changing the way they do their jobs. But what if they were offered a powerful software tool that would make their work easier, faster, and smarter?
There are ways to get your teams successfully onboard and without fervent opposition. Here are four top strategies to help get them there:
1. Invest in industry-specific software.
One of the most important steps to take is to stay up to date with new construction technology. Doing this guarantees that the solution was built for the industry. More importantly, your business remains relevant and competitive, you don’t want to lose out on projects because your competitors are offering newer and more powerful solutions.
All technology should provide functionalities that streamline operations, improve collaboration and increase productivity. However, industry-specific solutions also allow for integrations as the business grows, reducing the need to flip between different applications. Make sure to use a reputable provider vetted by sites like G2, as it’ll be more apt to offer timely customer support. Should something go wrong or questions arise, it’s just a matter of contacting the provider to remedy the issue. This is where having a solid IT team counts, too.
2. Get a dedicated IT department in place.
Few things rival technology when it comes to improving the efficiency of a business — that is, of course, if the business understands how to use it. Improving efficacy isn’t always possible without a dedicated IT team or, at the very least, one dedicated IT professional. IT support can help keep digital initiatives in the construction industry on track and ensure all team members use the solution for its intended purpose.
Some construction companies hire staff to handle IT, while others use external consultants who assist with the implementation, deployment and adoption of technology. For example, Procore Certified Consultants serve as independent experts to help teams get the most value from their Procore investment.
3. Involve the entire team.
Companies can never go wrong by involving the entire team in the implementation process. In fact, it can increase the rate of field adoption. Bring together all the different team members in the organization to discuss the integration and deployment of digital construction technology. Explain the reason for the investment and how it will improve operations — not upset the balance. Involving the entire team can also establish trust, limiting resistance from those who prefer the current way of conducting business.
4. Establish realistic expectations.
While technology can be a powerful tool to improve the efficiency of operations, it’s not magic. As with any digital initiative in the construction industry, organizations must make a concerted effort with the implementation, deployment and training of a digital solution. Be pragmatic about where the company can leverage technology and the time it will take to experience the desired results. How will the technology be used? Why? Is it intended to solve multiple problems? Also, think about where the solution could cause operational disruptions and what can be done to minimize the impact. Change can be difficult for many employees, so managing the human component alongside technology improvements will be crucial.
Operational efficiency has become more important than ever, and digital construction technology can help. It’s all in the choice and approach of a solution. They also establish a single source of truth, allowing team members to derive never-before-seen insights from connected data.
A successful tech adoption involves many moving parts, but with the right strategies in place, your organization will reap the rewards of a powerful software system.
To learn more about how one company successfully got more than 150 staff members to replace their decades-old processes and adopt an entirely new solution, check out the free KBD Group case study by clicking here.
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