Every construction project is an exercise in extreme collaboration. Multiple trades, the general contractor and the owner must work together seamlessly to deliver a successful project. But that task is rarely simple.
Today’s complex building systems and fast-paced schedules benefit from the use of advanced technology to ensure work happens on track and in sync with other project teams and components and that critical building systems operate as expected on day one.
Choosing a technology provider with a brand reputation for innovation and support can help make this collaboration effortless by ensuring the mechanical, electrical and plumbing work all happens on schedule and on budget. While the features of a single hardware or software product might seem impressive, the ability to maximize productivity across the entire ecosystem through easy workflows and seamless file transfer and the ability to roundtrip data between the site and the office may be what truly elevates your firm’s capabilities.
Here’s what you need to know about selecting a technology provider that supports your role in collaboration across the project team.
Marks of a Qualified Technology Provider
Verified industry experience
To find a technology provider that can support your team’s ability to collaborate internally and externally, first research its experience. “Look for how long it’s been in business and the types of projects it has been involved with, whether they’re big or small,” advises Clair Vander Zwaag, director of reality capture solutions at NOAR Technologies. “Has the provider invested in technologies to make the user experience intuitive and the workflows and deliverables happen quickly?”
Tailored technology capabilities
After reviewing the company’s experience, examine whether it offers the hardware and software capabilities you need. Not only should the product line integrate smoothly into your workflow, but it should also be compatible with products by other tech providers; invariably, the general contractor and other trades will be using a variety of brands.
“Once you’ve introduced different tech providers to the game, the workflows change and the outputs are different,” Vander Zwaag says. “Some manufacturers don’t play as nicely as others. You’ll want to stay in an ecosystem where you can contact one or two people for help — and not six or eight — to get the deliverables the team needs.”
Enjoyable user experience
Keeping up with data privacy and industry requirements along with customer preferences is also important. Look for a technology provider that publishes regular firmware and software updates, demonstrating that it is keeping its products secure and in line with industry standards. Native devices and apps offered by your technology provider should work together seamlessly at the office and on-site. The hardware and software should have a similar user interface and user experience, allowing your team to adopt and learn them quickly – meaning they can respond better to other project team members. They should also offer top-notch customer and technical support that responds to your questions promptly and values your feedback.
Benefits of a Strong Technology Partnership
Communication, coordination and collaboration among all trades are critical for success – and those efforts shouldn’t overlook the technology at work on the jobsite.
At project kick-off, Vander Zwaag recommends asking the GC and other trades questions such as “What tools are you using to conduct layout?” and “Which robotic total stations or laser scanners are you using?” Then you can work with your technology provider to ensure your workflows and contributions can integrate efficiently with the team’s collective deliverables, such as a federated BIM model or hitting a particular milestone to keep the project on schedule.
“There are quite a few software packages out there,” Vander Zwaag says, “but from my experience with different manufacturers and workflows, Leica Geosystems’ software line is consolidated and bundled, giving MEP contractors a better workflow to push their deliverables through efficiently.”
When you have an experienced technology partner with products that have been intentionally designed for your industry, you can achieve deliverables that resonate with your collaborators and clients, regardless of whether they are laypersons or technical experts.
For example, after Vander Zwaag used a laser scanner to conduct floor flatness and levelness checks on a series of retail stores, he could show his client a heatmap of discrepancies at each location plus calculate the volume of concrete needed to estimate the repair costs. Vander Zwaag says the ability to share visual, easy-to-read output was critical to becoming his client’s trusted partner, which led to strong referrals and repeat business.
Success and the Long Game
To stay competitive in the construction industry, your reputation for being a reliable and collaborative team player that produces accurate and on-time deliverables matters. Choosing a technology provider that holds similar values and priorities will help your business grow.
Ready to explore your options? Get in touch with a Leica Geosystems building construction specialist to discuss your needs.
