Digital solutions for construction companies can have immense power and impact when implemented thoughtfully and strategically. When they are rushed in with little thought, however, they can potentially be costly and damaging let alone ineffective.

When you’re thinking about implementing a new digital product or service, there are many factors to consider. This blog gives an overview of some of them; we’ll go into each of these in more detail in future posts.

If you’re thinking of introducing project management software, consider what skills and attributes users will need other than just being confident with the technology: 

One of the most common reasons for unsuccessful implementation of a digital solution is failing to provide users with the necessary training to support it. 

The apparent simplicity and user-friendliness of equipment such as machine control can be a red herring. If the engineers don’t have the relevant CAD skills or the experience to establish site control correctly, or if the machine drivers perceive the display unit as a distraction which simply serves to undermine their years of experience, then it’s likely to be a wasted investment or, at a minimum, not used to its full potential. 

In the case of safety equipment such as cable detection kit, the saying ‘A little knowledge is a dangerous thing’ couldn’t be truer. A three-hour course delivered to twelve people by someone who has recently attended a 1-day train-the-trainer course and has never worked on a construction site may tick the requisite boxes legally but gives a false sense of capability and confidence which could potentially lead to serious injury or death.

If you don’t have the right skills in-house for the implementation, it can be more cost effective to invest in expert support. This could reduce the learning curve by weeks or months and save you time, money, energy and wasted work. 

There at least a dozen blog posts we could write on this subject – and I’m sure we will in due course! 

If you are introducing new technologies, the likelihood is you are bringing in new methods of working. In some cases, you may be expecting people to change the way they have worked for their whole career. 

It makes sense to build rapport with your workforce before launching into sudden and drastic change. Any small problems with morale can be amplified if the employer forces the introduction of a new technology without getting the end users on board. 

At best, you could find that the new regime is ignored or rejected. At worst, you could anger employees if they perceive that you are trying to save money at their expense, make their jobs redundant, or simply haven’t listened to their concerns about how they feel the new methods will impact on health and safety, efficiency or the way they prefer to do their jobs.

It’s surprising how many companies go head-long into a significant investment in a particular digital technology without calculating the financial costs and benefits. 

Before you make any decisions, gather information about the upfront costs, the running costs and any hidden costs and compare them to the potential cost savings it will bring in terms of time, fuel and material. 

Consider how it could enable you to increase productivity or take on more employees, or how it could allow you to price more competitively or tender for bigger projects. Consider what the sunk costs will be if it doesn’t work out or if you’ll be practically or legally tied-in. 

Before you jump in, think strategically. Don’t just look at one solution in isolation. 

Where possible, find some examples of where the tool has been used in a similar context to yours. Suppliers should be able to give you examples and introduce you to happy customers. Ask people you know or ask on LinkedIn to see if anyone is willing to share their experience. 

For most equipment and software, there is a way you can check that it’s right for your company before you make a significant outlay. That might be in the form of time-limited free trials of software or ‘lite’ versions which can be upgraded if you need to use them on a wider scale. For most expensive equipment, you should be able to hire it before you decide to buy it. This can be a good way of testing the quality of customer service as well as whether it meets your needs. 

These are just a few of the factors to consider, and there are more questions than answers here, but that’s because every company has a unique situation. We’d love you to share your own thoughts in the comments below. What useful tips do you have for others? What questions do you have that other readers may be able to help you with?

Digital Construction Skills has been awarded CITB funding to provide free training and consultancy to construction companies. 

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