This column was published with Concrete Contractor’s annual Product Guide. Inside you should find over 100 products, equipment, and solutions designed to help contractors work better, more efficiently, more productively, etc.
It’s been said that construction has been slow to integrate technologies into the workflow. If you look at the last five years or so, it seems technology has been more than welcome. There’s computer technology, sure, but also consider the equipment you use day-in/day-out. For one, insiders say that contractors are now more comfortable with digital tracking of field performance with the use of scanners, drones, and video documentation. However, being able to have and connect to a (reliable) 5G network can be a limiting factor for many. Is this increased use due to early adopters that shook the cobwebs out or are we seeing the effect of a workforce being that much more familiar in using technology? The practical answer is it’s likely both.
I spoke with James Baty II, F.ACI, F.TCA, Executive Director, Concrete Foundations Association (CFA). He sees technology most significantly impacting software and cordless solutions. He explains, “We have seen software like FieldWire becoming of high interest as companies are seeking to find greater efficiency in management control and communications. Portable power, as in battery-powered handheld tools continues to be on the rise, particularly for companies that have fleet management systems. And, robotics, while it has a history of confidence and participation in [the CFA], continues to grow in conversation as the technology evolves and even more begin to test it.”
In the printed version of this short column, I asked readers to page through and consider the development process behind each innovation and the technology behind it all. It’s everywhere.
That’s enough out of me.
Thank you.
