Construction technology is about safety, schedule, cost and coordination between the trades. Until that technology is adopted, the gains are theoretical. Adoption is accelerating in some areas, but is stuck in others. With a few minor tweaks, construction executives can turn technology from a cost into a competitive advantage.
1. Use a Top-Down Approach
Champion a top-down culture of innovation. Crews are more likely to embrace a new tool when executives and project managers try it first. Understanding the purpose and benefits — as well as the savings in time and cost — helps them connect their daily work to the broader picture.
2. Phase Rollouts and Implementation
Around one-third of construction industry professionals point to lack of training, integration and other technical challenges as reasons for resisting new technology adoption. Pilot programs enable teams to test the equipment on a single project or phase before committing to its widespread use.
Training also helps employees get comfortable and reveal problems early in workflows. The way a new program works in demo mode may differ significantly from how it behaves in real-world scenarios. Adopting something new in increments allows leaders a chance to make changes or scrap the technology altogether if it interrupts workflows.
3. Focus on Tools That Integrate
Tools that don’t communicate with each other lead to data silos and frustration. Project managers might not realize the system failed to order materials, leading to delivery delays and missed deadlines.
To prevent this, select platforms that integrate with existing systems to minimize errors. Ensure crews can trust the data and the software to perform as expected. If it makes their lives more difficult, they will resist its implementation.
4. Track Measurable Outcomes
Show value with proof points and return on investment. Most team members want the company they work for to be successful, as it leads to job security and other perks. Demonstrating a new technology’s effectiveness is key to winning over a crew. Lower rework, faster approvals and improved safety reporting become a business case when they can be measured and tracked across projects.
Primary Barriers to Implementation
While adoption is usually fast, it is rarely easy. What is predictable is opposition. Recognizing these obstacles helps decision-makers anticipate objections before they occur.
Reluctance to try new digital tools remains the most visible problem. Deep-rooted habits and expertise developed from years of working under a different system are difficult to shake. When technology is viewed as a threat, workers might resist its use, leading to a lack of progress.
Factors influencing confidence and adoption include limited training, varying digital capabilities, misalignment between tools and workflows, gaps across tools, and financial constraints. Leadership teams often struggle to justify the initial costs without concrete evidence of short-term value. There are ways to overcome this resistance, but it may require a planned approach from management.
One area where management and labor often find common ground is safety. Drones and robots can replace human labor in dangerous or monotonous tasks. People can then transition into higher-value work that aligns with their skills and preferences. Automation in the right areas tends to increase productivity as well, creating a win-win scenario for introducing new technology.
The Accelerating Pace of Digital Transformation in Construction
The construction industry is becoming more receptive to technology, not because it is a fun experiment, but because it is necessary as labor shortages leave too few professionals on-site and material costs rise. Schedules rarely allow for delays, and digital systems can fill in for an unavailable workforce.
Reports indicate contractors are investing in construction technology. This action addresses labor shortages and rising costs. A survey of 683 construction industry professionals found 33% use project management software, with most turning to AI-type tools.
Succeeding at Technology Adoption Now and in the Future
Advances in AI and connectivity are driving progress in every industry. For construction companies to remain competitive, they must adopt at least some new methods to deliver results.
The deployment of construction technology is most effective when leaders prioritize staff and consider the unique experiences each brings. Involving employees to ensure existing pain points are reviewed and solutions are chosen that fit with existing workflows helps everyone in the business benefit.