CMAA's editorial staff is dedicated to the examination of timely issues confronting the architectural, engineering, and construction communities. Resources included present the multiplicity of views that exist within the CMAA membership and all involved in the construction process.
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Business Development
Written by: Stephen H. Lewis, Vice President and National AEC Industry Leader, Segal | The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides an opportunity to change the landscape of America. Federal spending to build and repair U.S. infrastructure is expected to increase by over $550 billion. Government contractors, especially those specializing in heavy civil construction, could receive substantial amounts of economic stimulus if they effectively prepare and have the right talent at the ready.
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | With widespread labor shortages facing our industry, engagement within the female population is essential to achieving any hope of expanding and delivering successful construction projects in 2023 and beyond. It is also a very smart business move. Why? Because the numbers don’t lie.
Written by: Jessica Packard, Content Strategy Manager, ClockShark | With an industry-wide labor shortage and an economy resurging after a global pandemic, the construction industry is scrambling to staff jobs and complete projects. According to an Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk survey in mid-2022, 66% of contractors had projects that were delayed because of labor shortages.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | It’s typical for a business owner or leader to believe that strategic decisions are their responsibility – after all, they have the “big picture” view of the business and how all the pieces fit together. On the other hand – remember the axiom “no one of us is as smart as all of us.” Why not harness your team’s knowledge and experience to assist in making strategic decisions?
Written by: Bob Prieto, a member of the National Academy of Construction since 2011 | This article describes how the writer has seen cultural differences enter into negotiations and other business dealings with a client, partner, or supplier and the acknowledgement that regional cultural differences within a culture can be equally important.
Written by: Joe Bousquin, Senior Reporter, Construction Dive | Diversity and inclusion goals on construction projects have made a lot of news recently. To gain more insight into the issues around meeting supplier diversity goals on projects, Construction Dive talked with Paula Finch, an attorney at St. Louis-based Greensfelder who specializes in helping construction firms navigate this sometimes confounding area of jobsite management.
Written by: InEight Behind the Build Blog Editors | While each phase of a construction project carries the weight of its own importance, the construction bidding process may be one of the most critical steps for general contractors and subcontractors. Learning how to master the construction bidding process can make all the difference between securing new business or losing out to the competition.
Written by: Chris Carson, CCM, PMP, Director of Program and Project Controls, Arcadis | Maximum and most effective control of Owner’s project risk requires a risk planning and management culture integral to the project controls disciplines of cost and time management. There is no simple one-step process, but rather a proactive and planned effort.
Written by: Rick Deans, Executive Vice President of Industry Engagement, InEight Inc. | Sometimes people bristle at the idea of defining business processes. These two words, when put together, conjure up images of consultants, whiteboards, and dizzying Visio flows with no shortage of boxes and arrows joining them.
Written by: Rick Deans, Executive Vice President of Industry Engagement, InEight, Inc. | Sometimes people bristle at the idea of defining business processes. These two words, when put together, conjure up images of consultants, whiteboards, and dizzying Visio flows with no shortage of boxes and arrows joining them.
Written by: George Hedley, Professional Construction Business Coach, Consultant, and Speaker | Many contractors want to grow their companies to the next level but can’t and therefore don’t. They usually get stuck at a certain size and stop growing for multiple reasons. Working harder and smarter doesn’t solve this problem, and eventually they reach their maximum level of what they can do without hiring more people. Why? Business owners try to do too much themselves and have trouble letting go and allowing their employees to make their own decisions.
Written by: Sarah Jones, AEC Section Writer, Design & Make with Autodesk | The Industrial Revolution took 80 years. The Digital Revolution took 46 years. Today, the speed of artificial intelligence (AI) computing power doubles every three months. Take this unprecedented pace of technology and add financial shocks, supply-chain disruptions, natural disasters, cyber threats, and a pandemic into the mix, and you have a perfect storm of business disruption.
Written by: Kimberly Holland, Lifestyle Writer and Editor. Republished from Redshift. | Defining an organization’s culture - or changing it - so that every person is on the same page requires much more than writing a vision in a handbook or posting a placard in a lobby. Organizational culture requires a top-to-bottom strategy of adaptive, innovative redevelopment.
Written by: Jake Macholtz, CEO, InEight | After a season of global labor shortages, supply chain challenges, and evolving regulations, the construction industry remains as optimistic as ever. According to InEight’s Global Capital Projects Outlook, Third Edition, 92% of owners and 99% of contractors worldwide are optimistic about the future — and it is easy to see why. We are living in an era of unprecedented opportunity.
Written by: Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Staff Writers | With 2022 firmly in the rearview mirror and the new year now underway, it’s clear many of the opportunities and challenges impacting equipment manufacturers today are poised to remain as relevant as ever in the weeks and months ahead. With that in mind, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) caught up with several staff leaders to hear which ones, specifically, are top-of-mind for them at the moment.
Written by: Prakash Kota, Autodesk CIO | Flashback to early 2020. Everyone was going about their business, doing things a certain way when the pandemic shook everything up. Two years later, one thing remains clear: Change is necessary. For businesses to exist in this new normal and beyond, digital transformation is critical to accommodate remote work, pivot to new business models, and succeed in volatile markets.
Written by: Michelle Meisels, Principal, Deloitte Consulting | Despite market-cooling uncertainties like volatile material prices, labor shortages, and high interest rates, the engineering and construction (E&C) industry is poised for growth in 2024. Sustainable practices and technological advancements combined with recent government legislation are likely to boost construction activity, according to Deloitte’s 2024 engineering and construction industry outlook.
Written by: Emily Newton, Writer for Construction Executive | Whether renovating a home or designing offices for a startup, every structure reflects those who work in it and become patrons of it. That is why construction professionals and contractors must connect with customers uniquely because their work is personalized. Communication is the crux behind long-term relationships in business.
Written by: Joe Egan, President, Egan Connection Inc. | Construction is a competitive industry that can be harsh at times. It hurts to try hard and still experience failure, especially when the cycle can be relentless. But even failure has merit and can help you build character in a way that also builds your business.
Zach Mortice, architectural journalist based in Chicago | The business value of BIM for owners can’t be denied when it comes to managing cost, reducing waste, and driving efficiency in building projects. As digital construction gains wider adoption, there’s a new consensus: BIM isn’t BIM unless the entire project team uses it the same way.
Written by: John Fischl, Pacific Regional Executive, Sentry Insurance, and Dave Garcia, President,Rancho Mesa Insurance Services Inc.r Steps to Clarity in Construction Insurance | Your insurance isn’t a one-time transaction, though. In most cases, you’ll need to renew your insurance every year — but you shouldn’t click the submit button before reassessing your needs. Your business changes year to year, and so should your policy when it does.
Written by: Jacquelyn M. Mohr, Partner, Pasich LLP | Proper insurance is a critical risk-management tool for contractors, design professionals, and project owners. Disputes are an inevitable cost of doing business, and the importance of understanding the types of insurance available and which claims might be covered has never been more vital for a business’s bottom line.
Written by: Bill Sanders, CEO, Mobus Creative Negotiating | The business-to-business (B2B) landscape has changed dramatically over the years. But several megatrends continue to progress, including globalization, technological disruption, instant information exchange, and customized solutions versus commoditized inputs. These trends have led to new ways of doing business and new kinds of business transactions.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | In order to help summer interns have more purposeful engagements, and for you to structure a worthwhile internship program, I recently interviewed the heads of the three programs. The three span the country from east-coast to west-coast, and represent small, medium, and large-sized firms. This article shares their best practices.
Written by: Stacee Barkley, Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader, DPR Construction | The best of construction’s inclusion intentions will remain unachieved if they are not matched with policies and practices that enable and hold us all accountable. Suggestions for mapping out a game plan for more equity on jobsites.
Written by: Gregg M. Schoppman, Partner, FMI Corporation | Operationally superior engineering and construction (E&C) firms continuously implement changes to processes and procedures to make sure they’re operating at the highest level. Creating an operationally superior E&C firm, whether you’re a general contractor or a specialty trade contractor, takes diligence, continuous review, and constant changes to processes and procedures.
Written by: Masai Lawson, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition & Inclusion, Gannett Fleming | Team diversity refers to the differences across individuals of a team based on various identifiers like gender, culture, age, ability, education, and overall experience and perspective. So, how do leaders manage individuals to empower diverse and high-performing teams in an ever-changing environment? Here are some ways to keep diverse teams engaged for long-term success.
Written by: Gregg M. Schoppman, Consultant, FMI Corporation | Ask any construction leader what they think the most common reason for employee flight is and you will hear a common refrain: money. However, most studies show that employees often leave for a more personal reason: the relationship with their immediate supervisor.
Written by: Dr. Scott Arias, President, ACE Consulting | Is training really a waste of time and money? Many are quick to respond “yes” or “no,” but it is wise to consider a few items before answering the question. Before you even begin to respond, you must understand what training truly is. When discussing the subject, it may be easy to confuse training with formal post-secondary education.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | Succession planning is often a “We’ll get to that later” task, but having a detailed plan in place is a matter of risk management. To make it easy for you, this article covers three ways to make succession planning standard operating procedure. By implementing these three methods you will subtly and painlessly make knowledge sharing, learning, and coaching others standard operating procedure, which in turn enables you to do effortless succession planning.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | As Boomers are inching closer to retirement, both owner/founders and senior leaders in organizations need to be prepared to hand over the reins to their successors. When done with thought and grace, transferring leadership can be a successful and relatively stress-free event.
Written by: George Hedley, Professional Construction BIZCOACH and Industry Speaker | Today’s financial demands, project complexities and tight schedules require project owners to look for more than a low bid. But by only providing a bid, customers are only aware of one component of your service: price. Here are 12 ways to increase your chances of winning contracts.
Written by: Tom Horkan , Vice President, HDR | Large-scale transportation programs can be dizzyingly complex, with dozens of individual but interconnected projects, many contractors and subcontractors, and third parties with different goals. Effectively managing the construction process on these programs is critical to keeping projects on schedule and within expected budgets.
Written by: Bob Prieto, National Academy of Construction | Effective listening is an essential element of effective business and project performance. One of the keys to strong client relationships, starting with marketing and selling and continuing throughout the project life cycle, is having a clear understanding of the client's wants and needs.
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction member since 2011 | This article reflects the author's experience as a member of engineering, construction, and industry organizations focused on innovation within the E&C industry. Innovation, specifically sustained innovation, is a requirement for sustainable, profitable growth.
Written by: Jason Lowy, Financial Advisor, UBS Wealth Management USA. | With so much economic uncertainty, now is the time to put your business on the offense. It’s no secret the last few years have been tough for commercial construction and other industries in general, and the last few months haven’t helped. Fears of high inflation and rising rates have been met head on with the threat of a financial crisis and slowing economic growth.
Written by: Maria Davidson, CEO and Founder, Kojo | After working with thousands of contractors to improve their procurement and materials management processes, Kojo recognized a pattern among those experiencing exceptional growth and resilience in the face of challenges like supply-chain disruptions and inflation. The company analyzed what these top-performing contractors were doing differently from start to finish and compared results with other contractors.
Written by: Jenn Donahue, President and Owner, JL Donahue Engineering | Today, baby boomers are leaving the workforce at a staggering rate. According to the Pew Research Center, on average, 2 million boomers have retired each year since 2011. That number rose dramatically in 2020 to 3.2 million. Within 2 years, millennials and Gen Z will make up over 52% of the workforce.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | A relatively new approach to professional development is peer learning. It is exactly as it sounds – coworkers within your company work in small groups, on a regular basis, to share best practices, discuss frustrations (and solutions), and develop their skills in aggregate.
Written by: Christina Throndson, Digital Marketing Strategist, Moxie | Brand identity is often defined as a logo. Yet, brand identity is more correctly defined as how a company is perceived by others. That perception can vary from person to person as well. While no company can completely control how the public perceives it, it can control the attributed elements such as its logo, colors, fonts, style, tone, and imagery. But brand identity goes well beyond flashy design and also includes your company’s culture and service offerings.
Written by: Bob Prieto, National Academy of Construction member | This paper focuses on construction education as opposed to engineering education, as the writer believes construction education presents some special challenges and opportunities. It begins by looking at the role of education in society and recognizing certain characteristics and objectives.
Written by: George Hedley, Business Coach and Industry Speaker, BIZCOACH | What’s the number one factor that successful construction company leaders focus on to achieve results? At a recent mastermind peer group meeting attended by 20 successful construction company owners and managers, I asked: “What’s the one thing you do to make sure your construction company is successful?”
Written by: George Hedley, Hardhat BIZCOACH, Construction Business Coach and Industry Speaker | The key to building a successful construction business is knowing and managing your numbers. You can’t bid projects right unless you know your job costs, production rates, actual overhead, and profit goal. Learn how to achieve your business goals by setting financial targets and understanding your costs.
Written by: Chavon Wilcox, CPA, Partner, Aronson LLC’s Construction and Real Estate Services Group | It can be difficult for contractors to attract and retain qualified management personnel. As a result, contractors should proactively address employees’ concerns about their positions and career opportunities within the company — before they decide to work for someone who will.
Written by: Chememe Phillips, President, BRIXBranding | Your brand in the construction industry is much more than just a logo — it is the commitment you deliver and the image that comes to people’s minds when they hear your company’s name. Check out these six core branding strategies that will plant your brand’s boots firmly on the ground and make you the go-to builder in the business.
Written by: George Hedley, Professional Construction BIZCOACH and Industry Speaker | To build a profitable construction business, owners must be focused on key performance indicators (KPIs) and bottom-line numbers. These KPIs are centered on sales revenue, overhead, profit markup, labor costs per unit of work, and your updated job cost labor for every project.
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction Member | Life cycle asset management is an area of growing focus and importance across all industries. This life cycle focus must not only be “cradle to grave,” but also holistic, addressing each of the triple bottom lines. This article looks at one aspect of this life cycle asset management approach and reflects a growing focus on infrastructure asset management that is driven by roles in planning, designing, building, financing, and operating and maintaining road and rail systems that are delivered under a public-private
Written by: John Meibers, Vice President, Deltek | The construction industry has around 430,000 job openings, with 40% of the U.S. construction workforce poised to retire over the next decade. To supplement this labor gap, construction firms must make strategic technology investments that reduce jobsite and administrative inefficiencies.
Written by: Gregg M. Schoppman, Partner, FMI Corporation | For many engineering and construction (E&C) firms, the first area they turn to for improvement is the jobsite, because it often seems to be the easiest place to boost efficiency. Yet, operationally superior organizations know they must implement the right practices, processes, and people across the entire organization, including field teams.
Written by: Vinay Nair, PE, CCM, Senior Manager, Ernst & Young | Work-from-home has been one of the most often debated subjects in recent years. The impact of changing working practices in a post-pandemic environment on corporate infrastructure has been discussed extensively. But things might not be as cut and dry as you might believe. In recent years, change has been the only constant, and corporate infrastructure is undergoing certain structural adjustments.
Written by: InEight Industry Insights Blog Editors | The construction industry has always been outwardly diverse. However, expanding recruitment ideology will help strengthen the ability of construction companies to experience the many benefits of construction diversity as they succeed in an increasingly competitive market.
Written by: Zachary Phillips, Editor, Construction Dive | For construction, a “Help Wanted” sign is familiar, as the demand for new workers has continued to outpace the supply. From a huge influx in public spending, to debates over vaccines and continued social changes, here are the top trends impacting construction labor in 2022.
Written by: Carol Wilhelm, Counsel, Gray Reed, and J.P. Vogel, Leaders, Construction Practice Group, Gray Reed | Every company, no matter the industry, relies on its name and reputation to develop customers and generate revenue. While the tools necessary to protect your company’s brand exist at the state and federal level, many business owners or leaders are unfamiliar with the trademark process and unaware of the consequences of not utilizing those tools.
Written by: Gregg M. Schoppman, Partner, FMI Corporation | A leader of a construction organization once said, “I hired a senior project manager. This manager had an amazing pedigree. Worked for amazing organizations prior to mine. Trained in all the best systems and software on the market. Then this manager came into my business and failed miserably.” How can a seemingly amazing project manager fail to launch?
Written by: George Hedley, Professional Construction BIZCOACH and Industry Speaker | Most managers focus on producing results, such as: finishing projects on time and on budget, scheduling crews, ordering materials, managing subcontractors and suppliers, winning new contracts, getting paid, hiring good employees — all the many things necessary to keep a company functioning properly. The problem with focusing 99% of their attention on the work is that they are not dedicating proper attention to developing and building great employees.
Written by: Joe Egan, President, Egan Connection Inc. | The construction industry is one of the oldest in the world. It began when humans developed the ability to reason: the cognitive ability to draw a conclusion based on the experience or use of tools or other available material. Success in construction depends on many common factors.
Leadership, Business Development
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | The majority of architecture, engineering, construction (AEC) firms are run by their original founder or founders. Most have not thought about a succession plan, also known as a transfer of leadership. It’s a nagging fear in the stomach of many that their firms will either have to be sold or merge, or will simply cease to exist if they don’t “do something” soon – but how, exactly, does one go about identifying the future leaders of their organization?
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | The majority of architecture, engineering, construction (AEC) firms are run by their original founder or founders. Most have not thought about a succession plan, also known as a transfer of leadership. It’s a nagging fear in the stomach of many that their firms will either have to be sold or merge, or will simply cease to exist if they don’t “do something” soon – but how, exactly, does one go about identifying the future leaders of their organization?
Claims & Arbitration
Written by: James G. Zack, Jr., CCM, PMP | Construction projects over the past few decades have become increasingly complex. As a result disputes have grown in direct relation to the size and complexity of projects. One key to delivering a dispute free project is the early identification of potential claims and disputes.
Written by: James G. Zack, Jr., CCM, PMP | Many legitimate construction claims and disputes are abandoned because one or more of the parties involved are unable to afford the legal process. Third party construction mediation, arbitration or litigation funding in the U.S. is emerging to alleviate this situation.
Written by: James G. Zack, Jr., CCM, PMP | Partnering is a process, not a single act. As such, partnering is hard to define. In its simplest form successful partnering is the establishment of a team approach for a mutually beneficial resolution of the ongoing challenges and problems that typically arise on a construction project.
Written by: James G. Zack, Jr., CCM, PMP | Hot Tubbing, also known as Concurrent Evidence, the Tandem Expert Process, or Dueling Experts, originated in Australia in the 1970s and has been exported to Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the U.K., and more recently, to the U.S. While hot tubbing has primarily been used in arbitration it is now being imported to courtrooms.
Written by: James G. Zack, Jr., CCM, PMP | Change is the norm on construction projects. Change is, at times, beneficial for both owners and contractors. Owners can modify the project after contract award, if needed, while contractors can increase their scope of work and project profitability without needing to compete for additional work.
Constructibility Reviews
Written by: Rupert Williams, Ph.D., PE, Construction Site Safety Support Engineer, New York City Department of Buildings | Due to the transitioning from horses to motorized vehicles, timber bollards were changed to cast iron. Today, bollards are made out of a variety of materials to meet any requirements they might have. Read the history of barrier loads for parking garages.
Contracting
Written by: Matt Verderamo, Consultant, Well Built Construction Consulting | There are many construction companies that win work, make lots of money, and have good reputations in the markets that they serve. And the leaders of those firms should be proud, because none of that is easy to achieve. But there is another level of success that far fewer construction companies achieve. In our work with contractors around the country, it is rare for the external success mentioned above to align with an internal success of a happy culture and generally positive sentiments about the business.
Written by: Nick Osborne, Solution Engineer, InEight | Predicting cost to deliver a project is a challenge for owners and contractors alike. With global supply chains, there is increased risk to project timelines and subsequent costs compared to estimates. Downstream schedule and cost impacts compound with each day of delays. How should we deal with unforeseen circumstances, and how do we mitigate the risks to the costs of our projects?
Written by: Mary Scott Nabers, CEO, Strategic Partnerships Inc. | Deferred maintenance is a major problem for many public entities throughout the U.S. including cities, counties, school districts, universities, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies. Upgrading their facilities will cost billions of dollars, and the longer this issue remains unaddressed, the greater the financial burden will be on taxpayers.
Written by: Dennis Milsten, CCM, Director of Federal Programs, SIRIS | In the performance of construction, many contracts must be executed. A strategy or procurement method must be identified for each acquisition. Procurements generally fall into one of two categories, qualifications-based selection (QBS) or price-based selection (PBS). Each of these selection methods has many variations.
Written by: Zachary Phillips, Editor, Construction Dive | This year’s spring construction season could see a change in how firms hire new workers. Despite January data implying the demand for construction jobs was slowing, the number of open positions for which contractors were hiring grew again in February, according to a report from Associated Builders and Contractors.
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | How many times have you submitted an RFI only to feel like it’s gone MIA? It’s probably a lot more common than any of us would care to admit. Having no semblance of control over the RFI once it’s been sent on its way can surface all sorts of questions. There are a few ways to gain control over the RFI process that can give you a better chance of tracking its status.
Written by: Bob Prieto, National Academy of Construction member | This paper looks at escalation, which affects both current and yet to be issued construction contracts. It is intended to provide a framework for providing immediate relief to ongoing contracts and also as an outline for strategies for owners and contractors on yet to be issued contracts. Key materials of construction susceptible to escalation are called out and potential indexes for any agreed to adjustments are suggested.
Written by: Dago Garcia, Senior Content Marketing Manager, Hearth | When business is booming and the workday feels never ending, the last thing a contractor wants to worry about is keeping track of paperwork — losing hours of the day to administrative tasks that could be done with the click of a button. The digital economy is moving faster than ever; however, according to a survey from Hearth, 48% of contractors are still using paper invoices.
Written by: David Arkell, Attorney, Moye White | Contractors wade in a sea of risk for every project, and well-crafted contracts can protect all involved parties. In this installment on the allocation of risk between general contractors and developers in construction contracts, we’ll explore five critical general contract clauses contractors should know.
Written by: Joe Bousquin, Senior Reporter, Construction Dive | Maryland’s much-delayed Purple Line is getting a contractual do-over. Construction attorneys say the modified public-private partnership (P3) agreement has the potential to set precedent for other closely watched public works projects, particularly as funds from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act flow to the states.
Written by: Tyler Peterson, Head of Professional Risks, Hiscox USA | Would you believe that a piece of paper is strong enough to stop the damage from a burst pipe or a collapsed wall? Construction contracts can all look the same, with pages and pages of impossible-to-understand legalese, and they can be tedious to read. But within those paragraphs, even the smallest of word choices can have an alarming impact on the future of a contracting business.
Written by: Ro Bhatia, CEO, PlanHub | The construction industry faces a major problem: Inflation is squeezing contractors and subcontractors. How construction professionals address and resolve these challenges could be the difference between a bright future for their businesses or a continued rough road ahead.
Written by: Tim Fandrey, Associate, Construction, Gray Reed, and JP Vogel, Partner, Construction Law, Gray Reed | All construction industry stakeholders are aware that material prices, especially lumber, have seen steep increases that are unprecedented in the U.S. Despite that reality, projects still need to be completed and most have already been financed based upon material prices that have quickly changed.
Written by: David Broughton, Vice President, Business Development, Gannett Fleming | As a project owner, if you could harness all the benefits of design-build and receive certain guarantees about the performance of your new infrastructure, would you do it? Enter engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) - a turnkey model that’s gaining momentum as a preferred project delivery method but can require a hefty dose of patience to find the right EPC partner and negotiate a mutually beneficial contract.
Written by: Matt Verderamo, Consultant, Well Built Construction Consulting | If you’re bidding work, never getting feedback, and only winning when you’re the low bidder, then you’re working way harder than you need to. See how your estimating engine can run more smoothly, burn less heat, and achieve greater efficiency in the form of higher win rates.
Written by: InEight Behind the Build Online Blog Editors | In construction bidding, the long-standing practice of low bidding, aka lowballing, has become ingrained in the industry’s culture. But, as a contractor, taking an extra sharp pencil to your construction bid can cost a lot more than just slimmer profit margins.
Cost Estimating
Written by: David Redd, Content Manager, HCSS | An accurate bid for construction work takes time; it’s not something that can be thrown together in 15 minutes. It takes knowledge of the client, an understanding of the plan, and much skill to estimate labor, materials, and equipment costs accurately. The key to submitting the best quality bid is having the most accurate and up-to-date current costs as possible in your estimated costs — the more accurate the bid, the more profits for your business.
Written by: Builder Blog by RedTeam | Accounting is an essential and often complicated process for every business, especially when it comes to construction. Overhead costs are more complex than with your average business, and creating an accurate budget is a challenge since the cost of construction projects can change in response to a variety of factors.
Written by: Greg Norris, Director of Marketing Communications, B2W Software | Knowing how their company’s actual costs compared with the estimates for past projects is obviously valuable information for contractors putting together bids for new work. Modern estimating software with built-in connectivity to the performance tracking application makes the previously difficult job of retrieving that data quick and easy.
Written by: Piero Anticona | It is well known that indistinctly, private or public projects finish with cost overruns. Causes for cost overruns have been listed by many authors who have done research in different sectors and different project sizes, founding justification on bad estimates, poor tracking and analysis, bad forecast, bad contracts, poor project definition, etc.
Written by: InEight Behind the Build Blog Editors | Each capital project involves multiple types of financial outlay. Those expenses can fall into one of several classifications, with some of the more common ones being capital expenditures (CAPEX), sustaining capital projects (SUSCAP), and operating expenditures (OPEX).
Delivery Systems
Written by: Don Young, PE, CCM, Executive Vice President, MBP | Due to future trends, the landscape of new technology, and industry changes, the use of public-private partnerships (P3) continues to be a popular topic in discussions around improving our public infrastructure in the most economical way. P3 delivery remains a unique and highly flexible project delivery method with multiple benefits for public owners and design-build (D-B) teams.
Written by: Michael Valentino, Pre-Construction Leader, Gannett Fleming | If you have ever worked on a traditional design-bid-build project, you’ve most likely been on the receiving end of vague specifications, unforeseen conditions, schedule delays, and budget surprises for things that simply cost more than expected. You want to receive what you’ve asked for when you ask for it. There isn’t any more money or time, so the project must be executed within the budget you initially planned, but miscommunication, scope definition, and schedule creep may prevent you from getting everything you want
Written by: Andrew Conrad, Senior Content Writer, Software Advice | As a construction project manager, you know how crucial it is to get the closeout stage of a project just right. But this final hurdle can also be one of the most difficult obstacles of the entire project. Here are eight essential closeout documents and how they fit into the closeout process.
Interview with: Jay Chiglo, Transportation Alternative Delivery Director, HDR | Over the last few decades, design-build has rapidly become popular in transportation infrastructure, celebrated for what the delivery method’s supporters champion as its ability to complete projects much faster than a traditional design-bid-build approach. But the increasing adoption of the delivery method has also led to some significant growing pains.
Written by: David Broughton, Vice President, Life Sciences, Gannett Fleming, and Craig Crowther, PE, President, Gannett Fleming Project Development Corp. | When you’re at the helm of a state-of-the-art facility project, every decision impacts layers of complexity, including timelines, budgets, and the ultimate success of your project and operations. The maze of technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations make it a thrilling yet daunting journey. This is where the power of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) comes in, offering a streamlined path
Written by: Mike Putnam, Senior Principal, Head of Delivery, Unispace | The construction landscape is constantly evolving. From continuing labor shortages to ready-to-deploy tech solutions, a range of forces is currently influencing project delivery across the U.S. It takes agility, flexibility, and creative operating strategies for construction executives to keep projects on schedule and within budget. Here are some of the latest construction trends to help your company stay ahead of this dynamic sector’s ever-changing curve.
Written by: Adrian Sanchez, Director, Linesight | As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, every sector of the economy was forced to adapt to a reality in which the availability of products we had all taken for granted suddenly and dramatically slowed. This “supply strain” affected virtually every industry, but construction was particularly hard hit, as the raw materials and components that builders need were suddenly harder to acquire.
Written by: Adrian Sanchez, Director, Linesight | As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, every sector of the economy was forced to adapt to a reality in which the availability of products we had all taken for granted suddenly and dramatically slowed. This “supply strain” affected virtually every industry, but construction was particularly hard hit, as the raw materials and components that builders need were suddenly harder to acquire.
Written by: Alex Headley, Associate Editor, Construction Business Owner magazine | Travelers, the second-largest writer of United States commercial property casualty insurance and the largest writer of surety bonds in North America, has released the findings of a new infrastructure study that followed 224 heavy civil construction projects from 2004 to 2020.
Written by: Brice L. Clawson, Vice President, and Mark D. Dickinson, PMP, Vice President, both of Hill International, Inc. | For some owners, the construction manager at-risk (CMAR) delivery method offers an attractive alternative to traditional design-bid-build (DBB) project delivery. Also known as construction manager as constructor (CMc) or construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC), CMAR involves hiring a single party that takes on the roles of construction manager and builder, known as the CMAR. There are many other components included.
Written by: Mike Doiel, AIA, RA, Project Delivery Director, HDR | Designing and building complex projects is really hard work. Owners are seeking delivery methods that eliminate waste, reduce conflicts, minimize errors, and infuse their projects with higher quality, greater cost savings, and innovative solutions that meet schedule and budget. An ideal approach in response is integrated project delivery (IPD), which can neutralize many undesirable elements of traditional processes while increasing the value proposition.
Written by: Catie Williams, Vice President of Product Development, InEight | The lack of collaboration between the designer and contractor has driven our industry from the traditional design-bid-build approach to alternative delivery methods. These new methods have reduced unexpected change orders, improved project delivery time, increased client satisfaction, and established a better relationship between designers and contractors.
Written by: Joseph W. Delaney, PE, and Dr. Satish Mohan | The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and an increasing number of State Department of Transportation, view Design-Build (D-B) as an acceptable alternative to the traditional Design-Bid-Build (D-B-B) method for public transportation projects.
Interview with: Tom Nettleton, PE, Vice President of Alternative Project Delivery, Gannett Fleming | Alternative project delivery (APD) methods continue to gain traction. The challenge for government agencies and their partners is to recognize when and where APD methods make sense. But with more state governments getting on the APD bandwagon, firms are poised to help them maximize the value from the various types of alternative project delivery.
Transportation, Delivery Systems
Interview with: Alexa Mitchell, Transportation BIM Program Manager, HDR, and Chris Williges, Economics and Statistics Director, HDR | Building information modeling is increasingly popular in transportation infrastructure. With digital delivery in transportation, also known as BIM for infrastructure, agencies can not only design projects in a 3D platform but also maintain assets digitally rather than with plan sheets. While there is a cost to implementing any new technology, agencies are continually evaluating competing priorities and need to be able to justify their investments.
Interview with: Alexa Mitchell, Transportation BIM Program Manager, HDR, and Chris Williges, Economics and Statistics Director, HDR | Building information modeling is increasingly popular in transportation infrastructure. With digital delivery in transportation, also known as BIM for infrastructure, agencies can not only design projects in a 3D platform but also maintain assets digitally rather than with plan sheets. While there is a cost to implementing any new technology, agencies are continually evaluating competing priorities and need to be able to justify their investments.
Energy
Written by: Michael Voigt, Project Development Manager, EnTech Solutions | As a construction business owner, it’s important to recognize the growing need in the industry to reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impact. One of the most effective ways to achieve this goal is through integrating clean energy solutions at construction sites. Renewable energy plays an integral role in cost reduction, environmental protection, and creating a sustainable future.
Leadership
Written by: Rachel Fleming, PE, CMIT, Project Manager, MBP | In March of this year, Rachel Fleming, PE, CMIT, completed the Construction Management Association of America’s (CMAA) Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). The ELP equips participants with essential leadership skills and valuable connections within the construction management field. Hear directly from Fleming about her experience and takeaways in leadership, networking, and industry insights in this article.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | Companies of all sorts – not just in the AEC world - are reluctant to institute professional development/training because they can’t see an immediate return on investment (ROI). Here is an activity to ask your up-and-coming leaders to conduct that will not only develop their thinking, planning, organizing, analyzing, decision making, and writing skills, but will return an immediate result for the organization.
Written by: Dennis Milsten, CCM, Director of Federal Programs, SIRIS | Small firms in the competitive construction management industry face challenges in navigating complex projects, managing client relationships, and sustaining growth. Advisory Boards have emerged as a valuable resource, offering expert guidance and strategic oversight. This paper examines the role of Advisory Boards in small construction management (agent) firms, assessing their effectiveness and providing a framework for establishing an Advisory Board to maximize benefits and minimize drawbacks.
Written by: John M. Collard, Chairman, Strategic Management Partners, Inc. | What makes a good leader in a healthy company? What about a company in crisis? The two styles are different in focus, decision making, authority, and people. Understanding and managing these differences can help directors recruit the right talent to lead a company through good times and bad.
Written by: George Hedley, Professional Construction BIZCOACH and Industry Speaker | High-performing leaders generally succeed because they view their position as a privilege to serve others in the pursuit of achieving results. These leaders attack and confront problems head on, rather than avoiding challenging situations or difficult tasks.
Written by: Dan Hannan, Safety Director, American Engineering Testing | Successful safety programs often identify the need for leadership support through phrases such as, “safety needs to start at the top.” The point being made is that leaders provide the influence for change to occur at lower levels. Having support from senior leadership, including C-suite executives, in prioritizing and leading an organization’s safety effort is paramount.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | I was speaking with a business owner the other day about a recent catastrophe that occurred within his company. He and another senior leader in the company spent a good day and a half cleaning up the issue and the aftermath, and he was quite exasperated. I asked him, “What did the organization learn from this?”
Written by: Craig Martin, National Academy of Construction member and retired president and CEO of Jacobs | In a safety culture and, more specifically, a safety climate, the behavior of leadership is critically important. This article highlights the benefits of caring behavior, ways that leaders can demonstrate care, methods for creating a positive work environment, and approaches to overcome challenges in building a culture of care and support.
Written by: Dr. Annalisa Enrile, Clinical Professor, University of Southern California, and Oliver Ritchie, Vice President, Technology and Innovation, CMiC | The familiar story of the pandemic is one of health statistics, masks, vaccines and social distancing. However, what the COVID-19 pandemic also redefined is the nature of leadership, necessitating those at the uppermost levels to be a different type of leader. Digital leadership requires executives to inhabit several roles at once: digital strategist, innovator, and driver.
Deborah Grubbe, Owner & President, Operations and Safety Solutions, LLC | In the world of today’s global businesses, what gets measured, gets done. If an organization desires to be world-class in safety and in business results, or if there is a desire to make large improvements in these areas, the leadership team MUST develop effective leading indicators and a process to manage them. Leading indicators a must quite simply because managers need to anticipate and to “see around corners,” or the leadership team and its clients could miss critical opportunities.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | The ability to adapt and thrive in an environment that is always in flux is essential for the success and longevity of your organization. Which means you and your employees must embrace change.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | Collaboration in the workplace is like the foundation of a well-built structure. Just like a construction project requires seamless coordination between architects, engineers, and trades, your own business should focus on a blend of talent, ideas, and effort from all employees.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the development of future leaders is a critical aspect of your success. Companies have to think beyond merely creating efficient managers; they must invest in the development of individuals who will navigate complexity, embrace change, and inspire those around them.
Written by: Brent Darnell, Owner, Brent Darnell International | The AEC industry has always been a stressful industry. There doesn’t seem to be any respite. During the great recession, the stress was associated with a lack of work and financial pressures. In better times, the stress is associated with too much work and stretching resources beyond their capacity.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | As part of my work, I continually interview AEC firms, from private/regional firms to public/global firms – asking them how they are going about preparing the future leaders of their organization. This research has been ongoing for about a year now, and the data doesn’t paint a confidence inducing picture.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor, and Brent Darnell, Owner and President, Brent Darnell International | In the fast-paced and ever-changing AEC industry, developing a learning culture within your company is essential. Organizational culture is generally understood as a company’s beliefs, values, and attitudes, and how they influence the behavior of employees.
Written by: Joe Supino, Segment Director, Actalent | This year, the U.S. construction industry will need to hire roughly half a million workers on top of the normal pace of hiring to meet demand. The labor shortage is hitting organizations from all angles. Read this article to solidify your hiring and retention strategies.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | When it comes to the current job market, firms may be sacrificing tomorrow’s leaders for today’s needs. Firms risk creating a leadership and management vacuum by not building a bench of young talent. It sets the stage for a crisis 10 years from now when you don’t have people to take over. Read this article to see a few solutions to avert a future crisis in your organization.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | Like all professions, leadership in construction is evolving beyond traditional management. There are a number of demographic forces that are causing this shift, including GenZ’s priorities of wanting to do meaningful work, protecting their mental health, and believing in equity and equality to the point that they question why we need leaders in organizations.
Written by: Jim Mathis, International Platform Certified Speaker and Best-Selling Author | The law of intentionality: No worthy accomplishment or goal of worth is reached by accident. It requires an intentional effort to reach your goals, have a maximum impact on your life and add value to others’ lives. Intentional leaders are in the people business first, their industry second, and are there to add value to everyone they encounter.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | This article examines the role of mentors in business and presents arguments for the benefits of assigning mentors to newer and younger professionals. Mentorship allows valuable knowledge to be passed down within an organization while also providing invaluable services such as reviewing work, offering suggestions, and bolstering confidence by saying things like, “you can tackle this one on your own, I know you can.”
Written by: Dennis Milsten, CCM, Director of Federal Programs, SIRIS | In the realm of construction management, seasoned professionals often ponder what wisdom they can bestow upon the younger generation. Traditionally, the focus has been on education and training, and nurturing the growth of aspiring professionals in the industry.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | Think about your first promotion to a leadership role – did you get any official prep or mentoring to ensure your success? Probably not. I know I didn’t! I was moved laterally from one department as a “worker bee” to another department as the manager with a staff of eight. Other than being shown how to run payroll, no one higher-up in the organization did anything to ensure I was prepared to assume the management of others. In fact, I don’t remember anyone checking in with me
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | There are various types of assessments an organization can use. While some are used as a screening tool for hiring, they are most often used to identify “potential” and areas where someone could improve their performance with some training or coaching.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | Sixty percent of corporations allow paid time off for volunteer pursuits, according to United Way. While many companies are doing it for the “corporate goodwill” it engenders with the community, they are missing the mark on how to use volunteering for leadership development. Volunteering can develop both soft skills and technical skills that can be applied back on the job.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | Knowing who you are and how you operate can help you be a more effective construction leader. Assessments can reveal learning styles, personality traits, leadership tendencies, and more; helping you to identify strengths to lean into and potential pitfalls to avoid. This article offers three assessments that are free and can benefit you or your team by providing awareness of (1) strengths, (2) emotional intelligence, and (3) intrinsic motivations.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | We’ve been hearing the phrase “emotional intelligence” a lot in relation to the workplace, haven’t we? Companies tout the fact that their managers possess empathy and emotional intelligence – and that makes the company a desirable place to work. Managers are cautioned, “If you don’t demonstrate emotional intelligence, you won’t have the buy-in or cooperation of your workers.”
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | More and more “leadership” isn’t about how good you are at what you do, it’s about influencing others to get work done. Success Magazine defines influence as: The aim to help others succeed. So, what does it take to be an influential leader?
Legal
Written by: Scott D. Cessar, Board of Directors, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott | Construction business owners juggle heavy responsibilities. In addition to managing a business, owners need to be cognizant of the legal issues that impact their respective areas of the industry. This knowledge can protect a company and help to ensure projects run smoothly and successfully. Consider the following 10 legal reminders that construction professionals are sometimes unaware of or fail to consider.
Written by: David J. Pfeffer, Partner and Chair of Construction Group, Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP | A tragedy transpired on June 24 in Surfside, Florida, when the Champlain Towers South suddenly fell, becoming one of the country’s most deadly unintentional building collapses. It is imperative that construction industry professionals be aware of the legal issues that are raised by such ill-fated events.
Written by: Bob Prieto, National Academy of Construction | Here we will look at claims avoidance from an owner’s perspective. However, this paper also serves as a guide for contractors to ensure completeness of bids, smooth execution of work, reasonableness of any claims brought forward, and the likelihood of success regarding those claims.
Written by: Mitch Cohen, PE, Vice President, RT Specialty’s Environmental and Construction Professional Practice | The wrongful performance of professional services can not only result in hefty financial losses, but also structural damages that can cause many problems, from delays to collapses and loss of life. The errors and/or omissions related to engineering and architectural designs, land surveys, construction management, and technical consulting are just a few of the areas where problems can lead to significant professional liability issues.
Written by: Zachary Perecman, Trial Attorney, The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. | The construction industry continues to be one of the fastest-growing labor trades. Under Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) law, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment. That includes providing a workplace that is free of serious recognized hazards. Despite best efforts in implementing risk-mitigation and safety protocols, employers must be prepared with an incident procedure should an incident occur on a jobsite.
Written by: Niyi Ladipo, CCM, MBP Service Executive, and Mairav Mintz, PE, CCM, MBP Executive VP, Service Strategy and Delivery | The Department of Defense (DoD), earlier this year in response to industry-wide concerns with rising inflation and the use of price adjustments, issued its Guidance on Inflation and Economic Price Adjustments which appears to signal recognition by the DoD that current economic conditions, particularly inflation, are affecting construction costs.
Written by: Glendys Zuniga, Tax Supervisor, and Ashlie Forum, CPA, Tax Partner, Marcum LLP | As the new year continues to unfold, construction business owners must pivot their focus to a critical task: tax planning. The landscape for 2023 was shaped by legislative updates from the last few years that may still substantially influence tax obligations. It is essential for construction business owners to engage in comprehensive discussions with their tax advisors to navigate complex tax laws.
Written by: Robert Alfert Jr., Partner, Nelson Mullins Broad & Cassel The construction sector has been in a bull market for an unprecedented period of time. With the novel impacts from the coronavirus - and all the associated side effects, such as government moratoria, shipping delays, and materials availability - we are now in a market of extreme volatility in pricing, inflation, and increasing capital finance rates. It is not surprising, therefore, that the number one issue in construction contracts in 2022 was how parties handle inflation and materials cost escalations in existing contracts
Written by: Adam Richards, Partner, Berger Singerman | Being a successful contractor, much like being a successful lawyer, boils down to customer service. Clients must remain happy throughout the duration of the relationship, knowing that their chosen professional has their interests at heart, minimized surprises and maintained communication and transparency from start to finish.
Written by: Maydelis Torres, Vice President, RT Specialty | Already expecting a downturn, the commercial construction industry was further impacted when COVID-19 either delayed or shuttered projects nationwide. As a result, the benefit for certain project and business owners, developers, and contractors to insure against a multitude of risks has grown exponentially.
Written by: Dave Whitford, Senior EHS Professional/Project Manager, TRC Companies, Inc. | Filing the record is often the last step of completing an environmental compliance task. But who will ever look at that record again? The answer to this question is the guiding principle to establishing an effective recordkeeping system.
Written by: Joseph Modica, PE, CCM, Vice President, Service Executive, MBP | In 2016, the City of Norfolk was awarded a $112 million federal grant from the National Disaster Resilience Competition (NDRC) for the Ohio Creek Watershed project. Because this project is federally funded through The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the contractor is required to pay the locally prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits as outlined by the Davis-Bacon Act.
Written by: David McMillon for Construction Executive | Every construction leader wants to spend more time and energy doing what they do best — building projects safely, efficiently, and profitably — and less time thinking about the things that might land them in court. How can you best avoid big disputes bound for mediation, arbitration, or litigation? What emerging rules and regulations should be on your radar as you develop strategies for success?
Written by: Sebastian Obando, Reporter, Construction Dive | Supply chain disruptions due to the Ukraine war are stretching project timelines in the Americas region, if not directly, then through rising costs for fuel, metals and other commodities, according to the fifth annual Crux insight report on global construction claims and disputes.
Written by: Alexandra McManus, CEO and Co-Founder, Eyrus | The recent Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers asset owners and contractors considerable financial incentives for building qualified clean-energy projects. There are two main components to the IRA: apprenticeship utilization and the prevailing wage requirement. If these project requirements are met, the base credit increases from 6% to 30% for each project – and it brings more skilled workers into the industry at a time when they are desperately needed.
Program Management
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | “Leadership” is such a nebulous term. It’s part action, part mindset. Some think leaders are born, others, like me, believe leadership can be taught. While I think leadership can be taught, I concede that it’s not an easy or fast process.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | “Leadership” is such a nebulous term. It’s part action, part mindset. Some think leaders are born, others, like me, believe leadership can be taught. While I think leadership can be taught, I concede that it’s not an easy or fast process.
Written by: Builder Blog by RedTeam | Change management is anchored by a People, Processes, and Technology (PPT) framework. It aligns stakeholder goals and ensures selection criteria are defined and met before you purchase a new software solution. In this article, we’ll show you how to apply the PPT framework to select the best construction management software for your construction firm — starting with evaluating your current processes.
Written by: Rosalyn Asher, Regional Supplier Diversity Manager, Skanska USA Building | In today's economy, the strength of a business is often measured by its adaptability and innovative capacity. Central to these qualities is the diversity of its supply chain. Cultivating a diverse array of suppliers not only enriches a company's operations but also fosters inclusion, especially within the construction industry. This approach doesn't just open doors to unique perspectives and ideas, it also propels innovation forward
Interview With: Tory Jackson, PE, Project Manager/Disaster Recovery Specialist, HDR | In 2020, the U.S. experienced 22 weather and climate disasters that cost $1 billion or more. Disasters strike across the country, with these major events hitting every state and totaling about $1.9 trillion between 1980 and 2020. When crises occur, many agencies and states are turning to program management as an effective, efficient strategy for recovery.
Written by: Christian Burger, Founder and President, Burger Consulting Group | For construction businesses to be effective in selecting, managing, and deploying technology in today’s world, especially when the influence, intelligence, and complexity of that technology is growing, they need a new approach to IT. This includes a combination of a guiding framework of governance to ensure that technology investments are properly aligned with key business objectives, and the definition and use of the different supporting roles throughout your organization and its IT department.
Written by: Builder Blog by RedTeam | Navigating through the intricate process of commercial construction projects demands a strategic approach, meticulous planning, and a deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics. This blog will provide critical strategies and tips aimed at enhancing efficiency, controlling construction costs, and ensuring a more seamless execution.
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | Everyone has a crucial role in bringing a construction project to reality. And each one faces expectations to stay on track to meet client requirements. To do that means having the information necessary to make critical decisions and determine appropriate courses of action to maintain progress.
Written by: Stephanie Sherwood, Supplier Diversity Program Manager, Weston Solutions | As the construction industry continues to evolve and grow domestically and abroad, savvy firms are seeking innovative ways to gain a competitive edge and drive growth. Focusing on supplier diversity helps do just that. Robust supplier diversity programs help maximize opportunities, increase your ability to pivot on the fly, are socially and economically responsible, and boost employee morale.
Written by: Bob Prieto, National Academy of Construction Member | In construction, according to AACE1 International2, “A location factor is an instantaneous overall total project factor for translating the total cost of the project cost elements of a defined construction project scope of work from one geographic location to another."
Written by: Peg Landry, Lead Content Strategist, Newforma | Communication, transparency, and open sharing of project information are essential to building successful relationships across all stakeholders on the project team. However, the shared information must also be trusted. If incomplete, inaccurate, or untimely information is sent, relationships and trust can quickly erode.
Written by: Matt Verderamo, Consultant, Well Built Construction Consulting | If you want to grow your construction firm, getting your backlog right couldn’t be much more important. A strong backlog gives you the ability to plan ahead — whether that’s for hiring needs, manpower needs, key strategic investments, or general cashflows for things like trucks or raises.
Written by: Shanthi Rajan, Founder and CEO, Linarc, Inc. | The construction industry has long been male-dominated, but the tide is turning as more women are making their mark in this traditionally challenging field. The growing participation of women in construction not only provides women with rewarding career opportunities but also addresses the industry's skilled-labor shortage.
Written by: Adam Stark, COO and Co-Founder, Jet.Build | The U.S. construction sector is at a crossroads, balancing surging infrastructure demands with stagnant processes and persistent headwinds that diminish profitability. When considering the historic demand for housing, continued investments into sustainable building practices, and necessary upgrades to aging infrastructure, it isn’t hard to see the construction industry has ample opportunities for improved productivity — here are ways to take advantage of them.
Written by: Amy Gardner, Power Program Manager, HDR, and Jodi Eliel, Procurement Specialist, HDR | With historic lead times, labor shortages and increasing demand for faster project timelines, suppliers, consultants and contractors are key components of program success. Your approach to procurement can impact the program’s schedule, and ultimately your bottom line. The authors of this article share procurement do’s and don’ts to help establish a successful program.
Written by Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction member | Large complex programs require more expansive stakeholder programs than what might be traditionally experienced even on the largest single projects. This more expansive approach is driven by the growth in scale and complexity of these programs and by the different constituencies and stakeholder groups who have different views and interests related to the various projects comprising the program. Stakeholder management can be viewed as consisting of six principal steps.
Written by: Andrew Conrad, Senior Content Writer, Software Advice | Construction is one of the most powerful industries on the planet. But the path from conception to project completion is riddled with obstacles. Here are three top construction challenges for construction professionals – estimating, scheduling, and planning – based on the construction software features that are most in demand with buyers.
Written by: David DeSilva, Head of Construction, The Hartford | It's no secret that fluctuating labor shortages and supply-chain delays can present business challenges for contractors. Construction company leaders must think proactively about future operational interruptions. Speeding into the second half of 2024, labor shortages, the supply chain, and technology are among the top trends for construction industry leaders to be aware of and address.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | This article explores areas of personality and management techniques that make good leaders. Learn about ways to advance your leadership skills and participate in an interactive activity to identify areas that you can work on as a leader.
Written by: Alexandra McManus, CEO and Co-Founder, Eyrus | The recent Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers asset owners and contractors considerable financial incentives for building qualified clean-energy projects. There are two main components to the IRA: apprenticeship utilization and the prevailing wage requirement.
Written by: Jessica Johnson, Manager, Political Action Committee, National Propane Gas Association | Mentorship can take on many forms and is not always achieved through a formal process. To some, a mentorship could mean casually meeting for coffee once a month to discuss work, life, and balancing the two. For others, a mentorship could be deliberately established with certain goals in mind. Regardless, the mentor/mentee relationship should naturally evolve as the mentee’s career progresses and their goals change.
Written by: Grant Robbins, Co-Founder of Billy | The challenges that contractors faced in 2020 persisted throughout 2021 and continue to bog down many businesses and industries as we near the end of 2022. The construction industry is getting hit especially hard. Since January 2020, the cost of building materials has risen 31.3%, with more than 10% of that spike happening between October 2021 and February 2022 — just five months.
Program Management, Workforce/Productivity/Performance
Written by: Salvatore Schibell, Partner, Lawson, Rescinio, Schibell & Associates, P.C. | Employee engagement is a crucial factor in the success of any industry, including construction. By focusing on communication and fostering a positive work environment, construction leaders can unleash the potential within their teams and drive productivity on the jobsite. This article will explore practical strategies to improve employee engagement in the construction workforce.
Written by: Salvatore Schibell, Partner, Lawson, Rescinio, Schibell & Associates, P.C. | Employee engagement is a crucial factor in the success of any industry, including construction. By focusing on communication and fostering a positive work environment, construction leaders can unleash the potential within their teams and drive productivity on the jobsite. This article will explore practical strategies to improve employee engagement in the construction workforce.
Program Management, Project Management/Construction Management
Written by: Martin Lopez, Senior Director, Program Management, Hill International, Inc. | Why do large construction projects and programs fail? While we can cite many contributing factors, from bad and low pricing to increased costs related to changes in methodologies, lower-than-planned productivity rates, and labor and equipment shortages, the overarching reason is this: the bigger and more complex the project/program and the longer the timeline, the more opportunities there are for small risks to snowball into big problems.
Written by: Martin Lopez, Senior Director, Program Management, Hill International, Inc. | Why do large construction projects and programs fail? While we can cite many contributing factors, from bad and low pricing to increased costs related to changes in methodologies, lower-than-planned productivity rates, and labor and equipment shortages, the overarching reason is this: the bigger and more complex the project/program and the longer the timeline, the more opportunities there are for small risks to snowball into big problems.
Project Case Studies
Written by: Hill international, Inc. Authors | Since its construction in 1971, the North Mason Regional Fire Authority’s (NMRFA) headquarters fire station has gone from providing emergency response services over an area of 36 square miles to 132 square miles, and the number of annual calls has grown tenfold. To better serve the expanding community and the Authority’s operations for the next half century, the NMRFA undertook a progressive design-build (PDB) project to deliver a new headquarters fire station.
Written by: Sebastian Obando, Reporter, Construction Dive | Thousands of Seattle-area fans packed the Climate Pledge Arena last month when the city’s new National Hockey League franchise, the Kraken, took on the Vancouver Canucks for the team’s home opener. Underway since December 2018, the renovation included interiors and walls but preserved the original roof. The windows system was salvaged, as well as the curtain wall system.
Written by: Bob Prieto, Chairman & CEO, Strategic Program Management LLC | There is a tendency to think of the essential difference between mega/giga projects and more traditional sized projects as one of scale. If only it were that simple. A better analogy, and something that is more clearly evident in the world of giga-projects, is that this scaling up in size has the concomitant effect of “unfolding” unseen dimensions that were likely always there but whose effects were not readily noticeable.
Written by: Salim Short, CCM, Resident Engineer, Hill International, Inc. | The Playscape offers residents of and visitors to Lower Manhattan’s Community District 1 an open and engaging 1.5 acres of green space inspired and informed by the local ecosystem. It represents the culmination of years of careful planning, community involvement, environmentally responsive design, and high-quality construction.
Written by: Andrew L. French, PE, Chief Operating Officer, French & Parrello Associates | When complicated soil conditions, a global pandemic, and inspection errors threatened to derail the completion of a $30 million, state-of-the-art senior living facility in Plainsboro, New Jersey, it was an ability to respond immediately with full-service engineering and inspection expertise that allowed the project to finish on schedule and within budget.
Written by: Rina Diane Caballar, Freelance Writer | The Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is a biennial sports competition in Southeast Asia, bringing together athletes from the region’s 11 countries to battle for gold. For the games, which included 530 events in 56 sports, the country wanted a state-of-the-art sports stadium design that would serve as a centerpiece.
Written by: Bruce E. Hallock and James G. Zack, Jr., CCM, PMP | The construction project delivery environment has undergone dramatic changes due to globalization and growth in both project size and complexity. In the past three decades we have seen the rise of the mega project, large-scale, complex ventures that typically cost over a billion dollars; take many years to develop and construct; and involve multiple public and private stakeholders.
Project Management/Construction Management
Written by: Brandi Heffner, Director, InEight | We all have a favorite project, the one that went so well we are excited for the next. We try to replicate that project repeatedly. How did we do it, why was that one so great? Most likely, it was because we started with the end in mind, the commissioning, and we built from that end to the beginning as a team.
Interview with: Ian Lange, PE, Pacific Regional Manager, MBP | Building in remote locations comes with a unique set of challenges, from complex logistics to language barriers to unpredictable weather. Construction managers are often called to these demanding environments, where their work is tested by nature, culture, and operational complexities.
Written by: John Palatiello, Administrator, Council on Federal Procurement of Architectural & Engineering Services (COFPAES) | On this day, October 27, in 1972, President Nixon signed into law legislation providing for qualifications-based selection (QBS) of architecture, engineering, (A&E) and related services, including surveying and mapping. It was 50 years ago today the Brooks Act became law.
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | Construction projects are intricate, with a lot of moving parts. Funds are needed to secure materials, design blueprints, rent equipment, obtain permits, pay the workers, and much more. All those things require an immense amount of time, effort, and money. That’s why construction estimating is an essential part of any construction project.
Written by: Charles William (Bill) Moyers, First Vice President, Hill International, Inc. | Project and construction management companies are often tasked by clients to manage quality on their programs and projects. This means ensuring that the contractor has processes and procedures in place to meet the quality requirements of their projects and confirming how these processes and procedures are followed in the field.
Written by: Sebastian Obando, Reporter, Construction Dive | Plan for market conditions to get worse before they get better. Despite battling supply chain issues since late 2020, the construction industry will see continued material price escalation over the next couple of years, according to industry sources.
Written by: Constructor Magazine Online Exclusive | Lift marks milestone in building shrine dedicated to future saint. When you lift a 32-ton cathedral dome, it all comes down to trigonometry. That was the final check made before teams lifted the giant dome in place on the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine.
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction Member | Complex projects are often described as being large and most large projects face increasing levels of complexity. Scale, however, is not the only determinant of complexity as there are many scientific and research projects much smaller in scale that are equally complex.
Written by: InEight Behind the Build Blog Editors | You’re nearing the end of a long project. The closer you get, the more imperative it becomes to know the ongoing status of your turnover progress. Since turnover includes essentially the fully documented story of the project’s build, how can you be sure that files, drawings, and other information from earlier in the project have been stored, and where?
Written by: Andre Paden, Advanced Work Packaging Subject Matter Expert, InEight | Excellent communication truly is the linchpin for all successful projects in the dynamic world of construction and infrastructure development. The penalty for ineffective communication in general can be costly errors, delays, and even safety hazards.
Written by: Rick Deans, Executive Vice President of Industry Engagement, InEight | Current project management methodologies tout the “earned vs burned” means of measurement as a way of understanding your project’s overall health. But there seems to be some level of confusion around what this concept means, and how it can be used most effectively.
Written by: Greg Belpomme, Consultant, Heron Wolf | This case study examines the challenges posed by skill shortages in the construction industry and investigates strategies to enhance construction project performance despite these limitations. The study delves into the impact of skill shortages on project timelines, labor costs, and quality and safety concerns.
Written by: P. Lee Smith, Baker Donelson's International Trade and National Security Lead, and Gregory Maddaleni, Baker Donelson's International Trade and National Security Associate | This new guidance tightens U.S. content requirements for federally funded infrastructure projects, expands the definition of infrastructure, and provides calculation methodologies for manufactured products.
Written by: Laura Penhale, Assistant Vice President of Surety Home Office Underwriting at IAT Insurance Group, and Tom Postol, Senior Vice President of Property & Inland Marine at IAT Insurance Group | The potential for recession, continued inflation, critical labor shortages, and supply chain issues will loom large over construction in 2023. Prepare for opportunity with consideration of the following five trends.
Written by Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction Member | All firms struggle with innovation, whether that innovation be incremental or revolutionary. In part, this struggle is due to the use of traditional, closed innovation systems. An alternative to closed innovation is “open innovation.”
Written by: Brian K. Moore, PE, CCM, Vice President, Federal Market Leader, MBP | The construction process is full of well-worn and tested processes, stable regulations, universally accepted and legally sound contract documents, and rapidly improving technology. But you shouldn't miss an important component – partnering.
Written by: Preston Ingalls, President Emeritus, TBR Strategies | Having trained thousands of managers and staff over my 30 years as a consultant, I have always emphasized a key approach to project management: utilizing before action reviews (BARs) and after action reviews (AARs). This article will detail the benefits of these processes and how you can start using them on your projects.
Written by: Aviv Leibovici, Chief Product Officer, Co-Founder, Buildots | In 2023, despite the proliferation of digital tools and advanced management programs, the construction industry still grappled with project delays and cost overruns. While making strides in innovation, many construction sites continue to look much like they did a century ago. But is this slow evolution rooted in technology (or lack thereof), people, or both? Could a performance-driven construction management (PDCM) approach pose a pragmatic solution to this innovation dilemma?
Written by: Sebastian Obando, Reporter, Construction Dive | The importance of an effective preconstruction process has never been more apparent, said Brett Poulos, national director of preconstruction and estimating at Burns & McDonnell, a Kansas City, Missouri-based construction company. The preconstruction phase increasingly gives owners and developers a better understanding of the project’s cost, scope, and schedule.
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | With highly anticipated infrastructure projects getting under way in the U.S. and around the globe, the focus going forward must be on how to keep project inefficiencies in check and deliver those projects on time and within budget. It’s going to come down to project controls.
Written by: Cezar R. Cunningham, Senior Project Manager, Hill International, Inc. | Business ethics and corporate social responsibility are not new, but with ever-increasing public scrutiny of business practices and their impact on social and environmental welfare, these concepts have taken on profound importance in the modern business environment. For construction projects, this means prioritizing ethical decision making through the entire project life cycle.
Written by: Robert Salaj, Director, Customer Advisory Team, Construction, Quickbase | Here’s the thing about construction project delays: It’s not a matter of if they will happen — it’s when they will happen, for how long, and why. The key to project profitability is identifying and addressing the factors that are in your control before it is too late.
Written by: Bob Prieto, National Academy of Construction Member | In construction, according to AACE1 International2, “A location factor is an instantaneous overall total project factor for translating the total cost of the project cost elements of a defined construction project scope of work from one geographic location to another."
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, Chairman & CEO, Strategic Program Management LLC | This article looks at the management of materials during the various engineering phases and engineering support to construction. Responsibilities, activities, and workflow are described for the civil/structural discipline. The information here is most applicable to large process, power, mining, and industrial plants, but can be readily adapted for civil/structural projects such as large transportation or water projects.
Written by: Michael C. Loulakis, President and CEO, Capital Project Strategies, LLC, and Douglas Gransberg, President, Gransberg & Associates, Inc., both members of NAC | The concern of encountering unanticipated subsurface conditions is present on virtually every construction project. This article provides insight into how owners can effectively manage subsurface risk. It starts with a discussion about managing risk through the use of a Differing Site Conditions clause in construction contracts.
Written by: Scott DeLano, Principal, Certified Construction Services | Open client communication is the cornerstone of success for businesses across various industries. In construction, it is all too easy to become consumed by the pressing demands of deadlines, adhering to timelines, and navigating each project’s development.
Written by: Andrew Conrad, Senior Content Writer, Software Advice | Construction project closeout is a big moment. It’s when you, as the builder at a small firm, get to proudly hand off the keys to the happy customer and bask in the satisfaction of a job well done. This stage is also known as “handing over the keys,” which is an actual part of the closeout. Closeout includes things like closing any open contracts, signing and filing necessary paperwork, walkthrough with the client, completing any last-minute changes requested by the customer, and analyzing project performance.
Written by: Bob Prieto, National Academy of Construction member | Parkinson’s Law states “work expands to fill available time for its completion.” It was originally developed in the 1950s by C. N. Parkinson, a British naval historian and author of more than 60 books. Parkinson’s Law can be seen in project performances where many tasks complete exactly on schedule with no real early finishes noted.
Written by: Josh Mahan, Director of Government and Industry Relations, Xylem | The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) delivered good news to the construction industry, with an estimated $1 trillion dollars to fund U.S. infrastructure and related projects. However, with this good news comes a recommendation to read the fine print.
Written by Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction member since 2011 | Effective project review meetings are essential to oversight and control of projects. A consistent, enterprise-wide approach improves the overall quality of project reviews and facilitates the identification of enterprise risks and performance issues. Each project carries its own special challenges and requirements, which will dictate more attention and more in-depth reviews of particular aspects.
Written by: Bob Prieto, Chairman & CEO, Strategic Program Management LLC | One of the most important steps in the implementation of a program management approach is the selection of the projects that will comprise the program. This selection process, done properly, is neither intuitively obvious nor simple.
Written by: Toby Cushing, Head of Construction, The Hartford | Commercial drones are changing the way we look at construction sites. When considering drone usage or ensuring their use at construction sites, there are several key questions that should be addressed by businesses and insurance carriers.
Written by: Robert Nawy, CEO, IPKeys Cyber Partners | Data security is of paramount importance to fleets — even the smallest data breach could lead to a company’s loss in revenue and customers, as well as a potential hit on its reputation. In regard to construction fleets, employees accessing company information through various networks — along with vendors and subcontractors accessing certain systems and data — create many susceptible points of infiltration for cybercriminals.
Written by: Matt Verderamo, Senior Consultant, Well Built Construction Consulting | Change is a necessary part of personal and organizational growth. Yet most people and companies are resistant to change, and it prevents them from reaching their full potential. Often, the most successful organizations are constantly changing, while the struggling organizations are stuck in their ways.
Written by: Gregg Schoppman, Consultant, FMI Corporation | World class preconstruction planning is actually more about project strategy than simply checking things off a master list. However, real preconstruction strategy is so much more in depth and should have a level of problem solving that only comes from collaboration between the estimator, manager, and superintendent.
Written by: Brian May, Vice President of Channel Development, Arcoro | 2023 is shaping up to be one for the record books. It’s a perfect storm of a workforce shortage that’s been years in the making coupled with historic planned infrastructure work plus other megaproject spending. The numbers are significant.
Written by: Nicholas Johnson, Chief Evangelist, Kahua | For the last year, an idea has been socialized among the CMAA community and with various other construction owners that has resonated with every audience. The idea is simply that as we manage construction projects, we need to do so through the lens of an asset owner.
Written by: Gregg M. Schoppman, Partner, FMI Corporation | Operationally superior companies continuously review and update their processes, and that discipline extends to post-job procedures as well. It takes dedication and diligence to create an operationally superior company, leveraging the lessons you learn from one job to the next.
Written by: Michelle Meisels, Principal, Technology Practice, Deloitte Consulting, and Aijaz Hussai, Senior Manager, Deloitte Services LP | There are fundamental shifts happening that will push engineering and construction industry firms to explore radically new ways of creating and capturing value as they make the leap toward the fourth industrial revolution.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | Traditionally, the construction industry has focused on hard skills like project management, budgeting, and technical expertise as key qualities for leaders. Yet as the workforce has diversified, and the complexity of projects has grown, so has the demand for leaders who can inspire, communicate, and collaborate effectively. Read this article to learn about the beneficial outcomes of polishing your social skills.
Written by: Scott Gregg, Director of Construction Management, TRC Companies, Inc. | Utility engineering and construction initiatives can be complicated and difficult, perhaps now more than ever. The demands of the energy transition – significant grid modernization upgrades and initiatives, rapid technological advances, emerging physical and cybersecurity issues, and changes to operational processes and systems – require detailed planning and precise execution.
Written by: Chris Giorgianni, Vice President of Product, JCB | In the construction industry, we’ve seen advancements in manufacturing and design capabilities as well as machine applications across jobsites. Today, the challenge at the forefront of all industries is curbing emissions — the “road to zero.”
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | As a project’s end approaches, it’s typically the time to wrap up all the artifacts the owner will use to validate all building requirements have been met and to help manage and maintain the project well into the future. But as capital projects have grown and their sophistication and complexity have increased, there’s been a corresponding increase in the amount and types of final deliverables to present at turnover.
Written by: Chris Hillyer, Regional Director of Preconstruction Services, Skanska | The preconstruction process is a vital phase in the construction industry, laying the foundation for a seamless and efficient project. If a builder gets preconstruction right, they pave the way for a smoother building process.
Written by: InEight Behind the Build Blog Editors | When looking at the origins of cost overruns and missed completion dates of capital projects, a solid line can be traced back to productivity levels. While it’s certainly not the only cause, it stands out because so much of it is controllable. There are several tried-and-true ways that contractors can regain control over the factors that impact overall productivity levels.
Written by: Ben Breen, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, and Global Head of Construction, Project Management Institute | We’re entering an era of unprecedented investment in infrastructure in the United States and around the world. While that’s good news for the construction industry, it raises important questions about whether the industry is investing enough of its own capabilities to meet the growing demand.
Written by: Mark Davis, Autodesk Sr. Director | While development and adoption of automation technologies has evolved more slowly in construction than in manufacturing, the time is now ripe for automated construction technologies to play a major role in helping to bring construction’s digital transformation into full bloom.
Written by: Slater Latour, Chief Marketing and Product Officer, Newforma | The ongoing evolution of technology and the business landscape combined with continuing economic and cultural disruption have amplified the challenge of managing project information for architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) firms.
Written by: David Brian Ward, CEO and Founder, Safe Site Check In | Field data contains a lot of critical information about the skills of workers and status of projects, yet it’s not always factored into the larger project plan. When you bridge the gap between what’s happening on the jobsite and the best-laid plans mapped out in the construction business owner’s office, you can spot trends and get ahead of potential issues before they erode a project’s profitability.
Written by: Guia Lasquete, Associate Principal, Rider Levett Bucknall | Engaging a project manager (PM) at the beginning of the design process — rather than starting at the construction phase — offers owners, architects, and contractors the measurable benefit of actionable options, not merely analysis.
Written by: Mark de Wolf, Freelance Writer | With trillions of dollars’ worth of new structures to house, employ, and service the planet’s exploding population in the pipeline, the pressure is on to build and build fast. But construction can be a chaotic affair. The answer for many is to rip a page from manufacturing’s playbook with a process called design for manufacturing and assembly, or DfMA.
Risk Management
Written by: Cyndi Punke, Product Marketing Manager, CASE Construction Equipment Parts & Service | Construction sites can be hazardous places, with heavy equipment, machinery, and workers constantly operating in close proximity. In this complex environment, any misstep or error can result in severe accidents or injuries.
Written by: Richard Papworth, Director, HDR | Despite the know-how around Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) among industry professionals, the question is why aren’t they used more? This is especially pertinent when MMC clearly have so many advantages, among them quality, sustainability, and labor efficiencies.
Written by: Kris Corbett, Director, Atlas Injury Prevention Solutions, and Kyle Schmoyer, Environmental Health and Safety Reporter | While some might argue that it is impossible to eliminate workplace accidents, getting as close to zero as possible is a goal of some of the leading organizations in the world. That is because they all understand the same thing, that safety is excellent for business, and a commitment to reducing accidents also lowers operating costs, decreases turnover, and boosts productivity.
Written by: Omar Kaywan, Founder and Chief Growth Officer, Goose Insurance | Being a construction worker is one of the most dangerous and potentially fatal jobs. In 2020 alone, over 1,000 construction workers died, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and over 21,000 sustained non-fatal injuries.
Written by: Keith Signoriello, Principal and Owner, C&S Insurance | In the construction industry, managing risks is a constant, day-to-day concern. From the safety of your workforce to the financial viability of your projects, there are numerous potential challenges to address. Insurance plays a key role in mitigating these risks, and choosing the right coverage for your business is critical.
Written by: Bill Creedon, Global Head of Construction, WTW | According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2016 and 2020 an estimated average of 4,300 fires per year plagued structures under construction, adding up to about $376 million in annual property damage. The construction companies that the insurance industry regularly engages face the highest risk and receive the most negative impact from wildfires that may include higher-risk entities, such as power-line contractors and power-infrastructure companies.
Written by: Builder Blog by RedTeam | It’s no secret that construction is a complex industry, which is why risk management should be an essential part of your strategy. When you proactively identify risks, you can take steps to mitigate them so your project is completed on time and within budget. This article will help you learn more about construction risk management, including how you can develop and implement a risk management plan for your next project.
Written by: Joanna Kim-Brunetti, Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Trusaic | With new employees coming and going at a high rate, it can be difficult for construction employers to keep track of who is eligible for health coverage and who isn’t, creating unique challenges in meeting Affordable Care Act requirements.
Written by: Rich Sghiatti, Regional Vice President, Contract Surety Operations, Old Republic Surety | There is no shortage of natural disasters to illustrate the importance of being prepared. Wildfires, hurricanes, winter storms, and floods can hit a construction job site hard. Contractors who have good business continuity and disaster recovery plans fare better than those who do not.
Written by: Bob Prieto, Chairman & CEO, Strategic Program Management LLC | This Executive Insight examines the special case of decision-making under uncertainty. The relationship between uncertainty and complexity is explored as is their joint relationship with large complex projects. The importance of getting these projects well-founded from an ability to manage uncertainty is discussed and the aspects of these strong foundations are described.
Written by: Nathalie Beauvais, Climate Resiliency Lead for Architecture and Planning, HDR | While architects and engineers must increasingly consider the changing climate in building designs, the current landscape’s rapid pace of change offers new obstacles. Planners and designers have a unique opportunity to protect public interest by designing structures that are resilient against climate change and can contribute to a regenerative future.
Written by: Tommy E. Jones, Safety Director, McCoy Grading, Inc. | “Don’t let a good crisis go to waste,” a phrase that was artfully coined by Rahm Emanuel while he was the White House chief of staff, has become an interesting point of discussion among crisis communications experts and enthusiasts. Is there such thing as a “good crisis?” In some instances, Emanuel’s point that a crisis can prove useful in some ways is valid... if the crisis is handled properly.
Written by: Mairav Mintz, PE, CCM, Executive Vice President, Service Strategy and Delivery, MBP | In the construction industry, project managers are taught to be proactive, anticipate risks, and plan accordingly. But the truth is when managing large projects, it is sometimes hard to see the warning signs that projects are struggling. Identifying early signs of project distress could provide an opportunity to rectify the situation before the project feels the ramifications. This article offers a list of warning signs as a starting point.
Written By: Bob Prieto, Senior Executive, the National Academy of Construction. | Event contingency is an event, such as an emergency, that may―but is not certain to―occur. This Executive Insight focuses on this important element of an engineer’s or a constructor’s price. While event contingency is often considered from a provider’s perspective, it is equally important from an owner’s perspective in order to understand probable project costs, the event-related uncertainties a project may face, and strategies to best manage any emergent risks.
Written by: Gurlal Singh, Chief Business Officer, Lynn Safety, Inc. | Fall protection is a highly important topic, yet it is often ignored. Falling from elevated work locations has been a leading cause of injuries and deaths in the construction industry. Falls can hurt an employee both physically and emotionally.
Written by: James Gallagher, Professional Engineer and Principal of Resolution Management Consultants | A risk register is a tool that construction project managers use to predict, document, track, and manage issues that could negatively impact their ability to achieve project goals. In the last year or so, a number of factors relating to risk have undergone disruption. Some important risk factors are now less important and vice versa.
Written by: Bruce Gerhardt, Industry Fellow of Construction Law and Adjunct Lecturer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln | We make decisions about risk every day in our personal and business lives. For construction business owners, bad outcomes can mean the difference between staying in business or not. Here are five risk myths that get in the way of thinking about important risks you may be overlooking.
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | The construction industry is going through a major transformation. The way we build, operate, and maintain buildings has changed dramatically in the last decade. This shift has created uncertainty on the jobsite and in the back office. That complexity is making risk management and mitigation efforts that much more of a challenge. This means taking a more proactive approach to project risk management is a must. Having the right technology in place can give you more control over both the anticipated and the unexpected.
Written by: Gregg M. Shoppman, Consultant, FMI Corporation | No one wakes up and thinks, “How can I make an unmitigated disaster of this project? And, most importantly, annoy my best customer?” Yet, construction leaders regularly make errors that serve to irritate their customers. Here are some of the most common actions that result in the most detrimental outcomes.
Written by: Jim Janquart, Senior Field Safety Specialist, Riley Construction | Working in construction inherently poses a higher risk of on-site accidents and other health and safety hazards off-site. No matter the size of the project, safety planning and employee health must be prioritized to reduce injuries that can result in work delays and potential litigation.
Written by: Michael Teng, Assistant Vice President of Regional Products, Pricing, and Underwriting, Sentry Insurance | There’s a good chance severe weather has impacted your construction site in the last few years. In fact, severe weather events exceeding $1 billion in damages have more than doubled in the past five years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Compounding problems, material inflation, and supply chain delays could lead to longer, costlier recovery periods.
Written by: Cameron Simon, Senior Vice President of Industrials, Technology, and Services, Stallion Infrastructure Services | Theft at construction sites is a growing crisis, with the National Equipment Register reporting losses amounting to billions of dollars annually. In an era where the prices of crucial materials like lumber and copper are at record highs, this issue poses a severe financial burden on business owners. The repercussions of such thefts extend beyond the direct loss of materials; they significantly disrupt the flow of operations, which can be detrimental to the overall
Written by: Mark de Wolf, Freelance Writer specializing in technology stories | Construction sites can look chaotic. Tracking progress in this challenging outdoor environment can be difficult—especially when comparing a real building to a digital model. Now one company has created a four-wheeled robot equipped with LIDAR and cameras that can map a construction site 10 times faster than existing methods.
Written by: Shannon Jones, Regional Safety Manager, Aerotek | Labor can be harmful to physical health when proper attention isn’t given to how the work is designed and performed. Improper tools, limited mobility, and other factors can lead to workers missing time from work due to soreness, fatigue, and other health issues.
Written by: Jay Greenspan, Co-Founder of JMJ, and Founder of the Injury and Incident Free CEO Forum | Recently, I was asked for my thoughts on the safety challenges the U.S. engineering and construction industry is facing in 2023. To get a broader view, I put the question to the CEOs of 11 different construction companies. While each CEO had their own company-specific challenges, there were two areas of concern that almost all of them shared.
Written by: Michael Siburt, PE, CCM, MBP Vice President, Project Controls Services Leader; Justin Jacobsen, MBP Director of Innovation Development; and Mairav Mintz, PE, CCM, MBP Executive Vice President, Consulting | Project risk management (PRM) has for decades been recognized by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) as a project management best practice. GAO has urged federal agencies to conduct cost and schedule risk analyses to anticipate and quantify risks that can lead to cost increases and schedule delays.
Written by: Dan Johnson, CEO, and Marni Hogen, Senior Director of Health and Safety, Mortenson Construction | Safety consultant Dan Petersen, in his 2004 article for Professional Safety magazine, states, “Leadership is infinitely more important than policy. Through actions and decisions, a leader sends clear messages to the entire organization regarding which policies are important.”
Written by: Gannett Fleming’s Joe Krupansky, Principal Geologist; Matthew Morris, Vice President and Geotechnical Practice Leader; Casey Smith, Principal Geologist; and Francisco Saldana, Senior Geologic Designer | Geohazards in the engineering community generally refer to naturally occurring or human-induced geologic conditions that put people’s lives, safety, and property at risk. The most common geohazards impacting our transportation networks, water resources infrastructure, and public and private properties are collectively known as mass wasting events and include: landslides, rockslides
Written by: Megan Beam, Editor, CBO Magazine & Digital Media | In a landscape where some degree of crisis is an inevitability, the construction industry stands at the forefront: The stakes are high and the margin for error is slim. From equipment collapses to onsite accidents, the potential for crises looms large. In this interview, Heather Ripley, CEO of Ripley PR and expert in crisis management, sheds light on the significance of preparing a plan for business leaders.
Written by: Mithul Yeldandi, PMP, CCM, Director of Operations, Davila Construction, Inc. | Construction projects are complex endeavors that require careful planning, organization, and execution. The choice of construction management methodology significantly influences project outcomes, including profitability and completion time.
Written by: Lisa Kopochiniski, Freelance Writer, Editor, Project Manager, and Content Marketer | Just ask anyone in the construction industry, and they’ll tell you that Mother Nature has her own ideas. This is why disaster preparedness is more vital than ever especially if you live and work in an area prone to hurricanes, floods and flash floods.
Written by: John D’Adamo, CCM, Managing Director, MBP, and Svetlana Lyasko, Senior Project Manager, MBP | Many of us are fatigued with COVID-19-related content, but we thought it was important for us, as claims analysts, to reflect on what the pandemic has taught us about construction claims and to acknowledge that we are still learning from this event that disrupted our industry.
Written by: Matthew Summers, Head of Construction, Newfront | At this time of year, contractors must prepare for the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Heatwaves, heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and other weather phenomena can pose significant risks to construction projects, impacting timelines, safety, and financial stability. To mitigate these risks, it's crucial for contractors to review and adjust their insurance coverage. Construction company owners, accountants, and financial leaders also need to ensure their operations are adequately protected against extreme
Written by: Michael Teng, Assistant Vice President of Regional Products and Pricing, Sentry Insurance | Every aspect of a jobsite costs more today, from materials and labor to tools and equipment. As industry leaders gauge economic pressures, it’s clear businesses must manage their costs - and financial risks in 2024. It’s a year where insurance and safety should take priority. Here are economic trends to monitor, and insurance strategies to help protect this year’s bottom line.
Written by: Stephen D. Lisse, P.E., DC Clean Rivers Project Commercial Manager, McKissack and McKissack, Inc. | Risk management is essential for any organization designing and constructing complex multi-million dollar civil infrastructure projects. The DC Clean Rivers Project risk management plan uses the risk register to identify, track, and manage risks.
Written by: Zachary Phillips, Editor, Construction Dive | Construction is a hazard-filled industry. But it is also one contractors, start-ups, and tech firms continuously seek to improve by providing new practices or technologies. As part of Construction Safety Week 2023 last month, industry experts were asked to chime in on the industry’s state of safety, both the good and the not so good.
Written by: Craig Martin, Former President and CEO, Jacobs | This Executive Insight explores the importance of including worker participation and involvement in defining the elements of the safety management system (SMS) and making necessary adjustments. Worker participation enhances safety culture, improves hazard identification, and increases overall safety performance.
Written by: Greg Kershaw, Director of Brand Experience and Engagement WD-40 Company | Construction work is no easy task. Not only can the physical work challenge both the body and mind, but jobsites are often filled with hazards that can be exacerbated when crews work long hours under tight deadlines and with limited workers.
Written by: Julie Zando-Dennis, Assistant Vice President and Senior Claims Manager, Berkley Alliance Managers | Construction contractors, their brokers and agents, and their insurance providers can work together to help curb the rising costs caused by social inflation to the construction industry. Social inflation is a term used by the insurance industry to explain how and why the cost of insurer claims rise faster than the economy’s general inflation rate.
Written by: Rick Deans, Executive Vice President of Industry Engagement, InEight | When thinking about your latest capital project, many questions naturally arise. What will each of these cost in terms of schedule and budget impact? Experts would argue that the process of Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) exists to help identify, mitigate, and account for such risks.
Written by: Joseph Pooler, Content Developer, Hill International, Inc. | In industries such as construction, there is a strong correlation between quality and end-user safety. Construction project teams leverage quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes to deliver buildings and infrastructure that function as designed and pose no undue safety risk to the people who use them.
Written by: Hannah Hoeflinger, National Cyber Risk Operations Leader, and Dan Hanson, Senior Vice President, both with Marsh McLennan Agency | Over the past decade, the construction industry has become more reliant on technology, in particular to help manage a widely distributed workforce. Using laptops, tablets, and smartphones as a digital network, along with Wi-Fi use at field offices, home offices, and elsewhere have potentially opened the door to more cyber attacks.
Written by: Christopher Durso, Editor-in-Chief, Construction Executive | Every year, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) team up to assess global temperatures and climate trends.One of the results of these developments is the “urban heat island effect” - a phenomenon that directly affects construction professionals working in heavily built-up and populated areas during warmer months.
Written by: Andrew Parks, Managing Security Consultant, FoxPointe Solutions, and Marie Gavin, Manager, The Bonadio Group | The construction industry is continually assessing and adapting technology solutions in order to make better decisions, improve jobsite security, increase productivity, and reduce risk. With this increased reliance on technology comes the inevitable attention of malicious third-party actors.
Written by: Corey Sheridan, Chief Operating Officer, Affordable Contractors Insurance | Managing costs in the construction industry is a constant challenge. As insurance costs rise, many contractors opt for the minimum insurance coverage needed to meet contractual requirements and maintain their cash flow. This strategy might offer short-term financial relief, but it can expose contractors to significant risks and potential financial ruin if unexpected events occur.
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | Construction project risk is the elephant in the room; everyone knows it’s there but hesitates to acknowledge it because its focus is typically on what can go wrong — a subject not only hard to predict but also uncomfortable to deal with. While we know preventing all adverse risks is impossible, proactively reducing their occurrences and severity can make dealing with them much more manageable. That’s why construction risk assessment is so valuable.
Written by: Laura Penhale, Assistant Vice President of Surety Home Office Underwriting at IAT Insurance Group, and Tom Postol, Senior Vice President of Property and Inland Marine at IAT Insurance Group | Notwithstanding COVID-19’s onset in 2020, construction activity has been, and continues to be, robust. Still, there is reason to be cautious. Because some construction projects can take months or even years to complete, the construction industry has likely not yet felt the full impact of the pandemic and its attendant economic challenges.
Written by: Andrew Zukoski, CEO and Co-Founder, Join | In today’s world of collaborative delivery methods, traditional risk-management methods are no longer enough. Three interrelated and mutually reinforcing concepts are crucial to effective risk management on today’s collaborative projects: trust, transparency, and high decision-making velocity.
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction member | Uncertainty in projects is often conflated with risk, and the two terms are used interchangeably. This article looks at uncertainty in projects and contrasts it with risk, identifies sources of uncertainty in projects, and outlines strategies for managing project uncertainty.
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction Member | Uncertainty in projects is often conflated with risk, and the two terms are used interchangeably. All too often uncertainty is then treated in the same way as risk, or worse ignored. In large complex projects, large pools may exist that are associated with project complexity.
Written by: Rich Lynch, Senior Global Vice President, MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions | Metal, including steel, aluminum and iron, serves as a vital component of buildings and infrastructure. It provides the functional integrity required for stability and safety, keeping our facilities standing tall and strong for generations. Unfortunately, if not properly treated, metal is highly susceptible to the risk of corrosion, which can compromise the safety and strength of a building if not addressed - causing structural damage, safety risks, financial losses, and more.
Written by: Emmitt Nelson, Co-Founder, Zero Injury Institute | The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rates the construction industry as one of the most hazardous to its workers. What the industry needs is a commitment to zero injuries and accidents and the development of a safety culture that believes “all accidents can be prevented.”
Written by: Nate St. John, Product Director for Scheduling & Risk Management, InEight | The days leading up to the signing of a construction agreement are nothing short of intense. Technically speaking, today’s best risk assessment tools are built upon well-established statistical principals and utilize helpful algorithms to report out the probability of a planned outcome. In essence, confidence that your project will actually yield a planned result.
Written by: Rafael Prieto, Ph.D., PE, Chief Geotechnical Engineer, Gannett Fleming | Numerical modeling is the computer simulation of the anticipated behavior of infrastructure. It is a valuable tool for identifying and managing risk, as it may warn of undesired scenarios long before they materialize. Offering a wide range of possibilities and benefits, numerical modeling can help decision makers predict the expected behavior of a dam, its abutments, or its foundation during and after the application of specific loads, and at a fraction of the time and cost to develop a physical model.
Written by: Rick Deans, Executive Vice President of Industry Engagement, InEight | Risk abounds in our everyday life. We make decisions on how we travel, work, socialize, and even eat and sleep based on the perception of risk. Dozens, if not hundreds, of tiny decisions are made when making seemingly mundane decisions. However, when determining whether and how to build a new asset, risk takes on an entire new scale, and risk models range from the macro to the micro.
Risk Management, Workforce/Productivity/Performance
Written by: Michel Richer, Content Marketing Manager, Bridgit | The construction industry can be unpredictable and tremendously complex. Mismanagement and miscalculation can result in compromised work quality and cost companies time and money. Among all the aspects of project management, workforce risk management remains one of the most vital.
Written by: Michel Richer, Content Marketing Manager, Bridgit | The construction industry can be unpredictable and tremendously complex. Mismanagement and miscalculation can result in compromised work quality and cost companies time and money. Among all the aspects of project management, workforce risk management remains one of the most vital.
Safety
Written by: Dan Barry, Vice President of Operations, Schimenti Construction | While we typically think of an experience modification rate (EMR) as a data-driven calculation used to determine an insurance premium for construction companies, it takes a very high-touch, personal approach to successfully keep that score low. While eliminating jobsite injuries is virtually impossible, many strategies can be implemented to establish a culture of safety and help lower your EMR.
Written by: John Lack, Construction Consultant, Acuity | Completing jobs on time and to standard requires a healthy workforce, which also leads to a healthy bottom line. This article shares 10 actions that can help you create a safer business, improve jobsite safety, and mitigate on-the-job accidents.
Written by: Lena Kenny, Safety Manager, JT Magen & Co. | Innovating construction safety involves implementing new ideas, technologies, processes, and practices to reduce risks, prevent accidents, and promote a culture of safety. It is important to implement many steps to innovate our construction safety, including everything from risk assessment and management to training and education.
Written by: Jordan Graustark, Physician Assistant, Concentra | Safety interventions for the prevention of construction injuries often involve mitigating risks associated with slips, trips, falls, and machinery incidents. But not all serious construction injuries are physical in nature. One predominant injury that is more insidious and just as detrimental to the health and wellbeing of construction site employees is associated with loud noises.
Written by: Bob Dietzel, Co-founder and Principal, KMRD Partners, Inc. | Many employers in the construction industry have workplace safety committees, in which representatives from various departments meet monthly to discuss safety issues, hazards, and best practices. The purpose of these monthly meetings is to promote a culture of safety and, ultimately, reduce the frequency and severity of jobsite injuries.
Written by: Blog Editors at Shulman & Hill Law Firm | From falling equipment to collapsing buildings, construction sites are some of the most hazardous workplaces out there. Explore some of the most common injuries and hazards involved in construction site accidents and review safety precautions construction workers, managers, and site owners can take to lower the risk of accidents and injuries on the job.
Written by Jim Porter, a member of the National Academy of Construction | Injuries and safety incidents negatively impact all aspects of a project. Ask anyone who has had an injury or safety incident on one of their projects. Injuries and safety incidents negatively impact all stakeholders and aspects of a project and significantly increase the potential for project quality, cost, and schedule issues.
Written by: Philip Jacklin, Continuing Education Program Manager, Diversified Fall Protection | Every year, the same hazard reigns supreme as the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry: falls from heights. Managing the risk of falls on a jobsite is easier said than done. From one day to the next, a construction site can look completely different, and the construction process makes it difficult for workers to access consistent fall protection anchorage locations. This article will offer some methods to provide fall protection at any point in the construction
Written by: Ethan Harris, Senior Safety Manager, Brinkmann Constructors | From design-build condos to built-to-suit warehouses, one factor remains the highest priority regardless of the project type — the approach to upholding the highest level of safety. Safety exists as a core value across all areas of the construction industry, but the increased risk of serious injuries or fatalities persists. Considering this risk, it’s important for every team member —from trade partners to superintendents — to take responsibility for safety compliance.
Written by: Philip Jacklin, Continuing Education Program Manager, Diversified Fall Protection | The importance of fall protection training cannot be understated. Falls are a leading cause of injury and death for construction and general industry workers. Nearly two to three workers die every day from falling from heights, and most of those deaths occur at a height of 20 feet or less. Establishing fall protection programs with proactive measures and effective training can help prevent injury and save lives.
Written by: Troy Dahlin, Vice President, Heavy Construction Segment, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon | In construction today, the most important part of the job isn’t the project plans or even the equipment used. It’s the ability of business owners to keep their team members safe. It might seem contrarian, but companies must consider how they use new solutions to ensure safety in the context of the ongoing conversation about using technology such as drones, reality capture, and machine control on jobsites.
Written by: Alex Headley, Associate Editor, Construction Business Owner Magazine | The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has stated that female construction workers face specific health and safety issues on the jobsite that may require different personal protective equipment (PPE), gear and apparel than men in the industry require. Because of this, OSHA best practices recommend that, in addition to compliance with the OSHA regulations, whenever employers are required to purchase PPE, they should purchase these items in size ranges that are also suitable for women.
Written by: Brandi Ford, Vice President, ISN | Nearly 80% of construction jobs eliminated during the pandemic have returned, and employers are scrambling to fill open positions. But in terms of safety, expediting the hiring process may do more harm than good. Despite the urgency to fill the employment gap, safety needs to remain at the core of the hiring and onboarding process.
Written by: James Ramsey, National Safety Director, Faith Technologies, Inc. | Team member safety is on the minds of organization leaders each day. Successful companies know the importance of keeping their teams safe, no matter the type of work they do or the conditions in which they do them. Responsible analyses of safety incidents, along with careful tracking and measurement of safety indicators, are two critical parts of a strong safety program.
Written by: Carmen Capoccia, Associate Editor of Construction Business Owner Magazine & Digital Media | In addition to filling open positions, construction business owners grapple with another dilemma — injured employees missing work. The construction industry is notably high-risk; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction has the second-highest occupational fatality rate. A focus on holistic recovery and ways this approach can benefit your workforce can be important.
Written by: Scott Smith, Vice President, Director of Safety Management Services, Selective Insurance | Recent market developments and research point to a need for more effective safety training for construction workers. Here are recommendations to help identify the employees who will benefit most from focused training, the main topics you should cover, and some approaches to imparting training that sticks.
Written by: Rick Pedley, President and CEO, PK Safety | The average construction worker may encounter any number of loud noises during a shift, but just how loud is too loud? Loud noises may be commonplace in the construction industry, but business owners and managers are responsible for protecting workers from sounds that could damage their hearing.
Written by: Paula Balmori, Global Director of Security Design and Integration, Brivo | A crucial paradigm shift needs to occur in the field of architecture. The analogy is simple yet profound - just as plumbing and power are integral aspects of building design, security needs to hold a similar position. In an evolving world where threats are becoming more complex, retrofitting security measures is no longer a feasible solution. It’s time to prioritize security from the outset.
Written by: Rob Dahl, Vice President of Construction Risk and Safety, Holmes Murphy Construction | According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are roughly 150,000 injuries each year on construction sites. Many of these injuries can be avoided through more effective planning, communication, and training.
Written by: Bryan Chad Porter, Senior Product Specialist, Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas | Whether or not you continue operating through the winter months, winterizing your construction equipment is crucial for protecting your investment in those machines and the future business they represent. Use the following as a checklist for your equipment walk-arounds this winter.
Written by: Rose Morrison, Freelance Writer | Safety isn’t an option but an obligation. You’re responsible for protecting your contractors and ensuring they go home to their families unscathed. While you can’t drive down the rate of occupational accidents to zero, you have the power to moderate the risk using some strategies. Here are some ways to implement this non-negotiable onsite successfully.
Written by: Randy Dombrowski, Safety Services Manager, Sentry Insurance | To keep pace with demand, contractors may need to hire 500,000 more workers this year above their normal pace of hiring, according to Associated Builders and Contractors. This at a time when many businesses still struggle to hire skilled workers. See what the current labor market means for jobsite safety and what you can do to keep your employees and business thriving.
Written by David O’Connor, National Academy of Construction | Safety is underpinned by both good safety management systems and the creation of a positive safety culture. A significant part of safety, however, comes down to the performance of people. This article describes a set of safety leadership principles that can be used to reinforce these behaviors.
Written by: Ken Arnold, Founder and CEO, Project Engineering and Project Management Company | This article discusses the role of a strong safety culture in improving profitability in construction. Profitability depends to a large extent on “productivity,” the efficiency and effectiveness with which resources are utilized to complete projects.
Written by: Jason Hannold, Head of Construction, Senior Account Manager, Pivot Onsite Innovations | Safety has long been a bedrock of the construction industry, but it still remains a dangerous one with deaths only decreasing by 2.2% from 2020 to 2021, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. In recent years, the definition of safety in construction has evolved to encompass more than personal protective equipment and signage. Safety in construction has begun a major shift to include not just physical health, but mental health as well – and workers are driving this change.
Written by: Zack Garner, Regional Safety Director, Southern Region, McCarthy Building Cos., Inc. | Over the course of a century, the construction industry has become synonymous with the sight of workers proudly donning brightly hued hard hats. Serving as an iconic representation of the industry itself, these hard hats have come to symbolize a rite of passage for new entrants into the field of construction. However, this traditional jobsite staple is on the brink of transformation as more construction firms across the country are choosing safety helmets as superior alternatives to hard hats.
Written by: Clare Epstein, General Manager, Commercial, Vector Solutions | Rising temperatures and high humidity aren’t just uncomfortable for those outside during the summer months: They can cause serious health consequences, including death. While employers are working to find ways to combat the heat, the extreme variability in weather conditions continues to pose threats to employees. Recently, company leaders have turned to new methods and technologies to help their teams stay safe while working both indoors and outdoors.
Written by: Scott A. Corrao, President and CEO, Reflective Apparel | Supply-chain delays are often an inconvenience, but can also be an employee safety issue. What can construction business owners do to stay ahead of safety gear supply-chain delays? Consider the following five strategies to help mitigate the impact of high-visibility apparel supply-chain delays to ensure employees have proper safety attire.
Scheduling
Written by: Chris Carson, CCM, PMP, and Noah Jones | When transportation projects fall behind, it can be very difficult to regain the lost time, and even harder without increased costs. This paper walks through the resolution of a schedule recovery need for a transportation project which suffered significant production losses by analyzing the project, identifying specific opportunities for acceleration, hosting a recovery workshop, and implementing the solutions.
Written by: Rick Deans, Executive Vice President of Industry Engagement, InEight | What is the essence of cost and work breakdown structures? When we think of a cost breakdown structure (CBS) we typically think of execution budgets. In many cases, these budgets are summarized from a more detailed project plan and lose the granularity which ties back to specific construction activities.
Written by: Jen A. Miller, Reporter, Construction Dive | After two years of pandemic-related fits and starts, builders are set for a busy spring. But this spring isn’t all roses and sunshine. Supply chain constraints and rising costs, in some cases exacerbated by pent-up COVID demand, are making sourcing materials and sticking to budgets more difficult.
Written by: Michael Pink, PSP, CEO and Founder, SmartPM Technologies | The critical path method (CPM) scheduling process is not being optimally deployed within many construction organizations, and some may even say the process is “broken.” Here are five actions organizations can take to empower team members so they better understand and appreciate the CPM scheduling process.
Written by: Matthew DeSilver, PE, CCM, MBP Area Manager; Leonard Morgan, CCM, CCP, PSP, MBP Senior Project Manager; and Brian Haskins, CCM, PSP, MBP Project Manager | Most of us can’t function without a good schedule. Juggling many obligations, we often need reminders of where we need to be and when. Construction projects are not that different. We need a well-thought-out CPM schedule to keep a project on task. Over time, we have seen that this collaboration yields great results.
Written by: Michael Siburt, PE, CCM, Vice President, Project Controls Services Leader, MBP | Weight, blood pressure, cholesterol – doctors use these values to assess your overall health. Each one represents a key factor that over the years has been confirmed to be a key indicator of a person’s general state of health. Just as we have these data points to assess our health, key schedule metrics can aid in determining if a construction schedule is “healthy,” which is a strong indicator for project success.
Written by: Michael Pink, CEO and Founder, SmartPM Technologies | It’s no secret that construction projects frequently fail to meet desired objectives and timelines. According to McKinsey Global Institute, 77% of megaprojects are 40% or more behind schedule. For key project stakeholders, the primary way to minimize the risks associated with costly overruns, delays, and disputes is to fully understand the most comprehensive, informative, and useful data set in construction: the project schedule.
Written by: Niyi Ladipo, CCM, MBP Service Executive, and Tom Orr, PE, MBP Director of Optimization Strategies | Even the most well-intentioned construction projects need to change course along the way, adapting to changing circumstances as they arise. Project controls are essential guideposts for project planning. They allow the project team to identify and mitigate their risks as they establish their time, cost, and quality objectives, and then monitor their progress toward achieving these goals.
Written by: Robert S. Mercado, Partner, Marcum LLP | A contractor’s work-in-progress (WIP) schedule is used by the company’s accounting department to vet the trajectory of each construction project. When the WIP schedule is accurate and updated, contractors can foresee and possibly prevent potential issues from occurring.
Written by: Michelle Philippon, Content Strategist, Dumpsters.com | Though it’s nearly impossible to completely avoid excusable project delays (any delay caused by an unpredictable circumstance outside your control), there are things you can do to prevent inexcusable delays — that is, delays that are legally considered your responsibility or the results of someone you’re responsible for.
Written by: James Wiedemann, CPA, Director, Assurance Services Division, Marcum LLP, and Alexander Lombardi, Assurance Services Supervisor, Marcum LLP | It has been more than two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is still no sign of when the world will return to normal. The good news is contractors have the ability to protect themselves against the downsides by adopting best practices in their bidding and billing processes and building certain variables into their contracts.
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | Delays in the construction business are common for construction projects. For some projects, excessive setbacks can have a ripple effect downstream, such as increased project costs, incidental damages, missed business opportunities, or a late start for other dependent activities. This is where liquidated damages come in and it’s important to understand what they are, how they are calculated, and what you can do to mitigate their occurrence in the first place.
Written by: Shubham Gupta, Writer, Software Advice | As a construction manager, you’ve got to be a master at construction project planning to complete projects on time and within budget. Not having a construction project plan in place can lead to costly design and implementation mistakes, even regulatory flaws. But what exactly is construction planning, and what does a successful planning process look like?
Standards of Practice
Written by: David Frazier, CEO and Owner, Hardaway Construction | The construction industry is aging. Valuing the significance of promoting a culture that enhances safety, mentorship, and educational opportunities is essential to recruiting and retaining top talent to keep the industry thriving. Today’s leaders must be dedicated to listening to employees’ voices to shape the construction industry, as future leaders will be formed by a culture committed to employees’ mental and physical health, safety, professional growth, and overall workplace culture.
Written by: Shannon McNeill, Principal Environmental Planner, Gannett Fleming | Over the past two decades, I have been fortunate to participate in the planning of several large-scale infrastructure programs, from renewable energy to new major transit systems. Having worked for both a regulatory agency and as a consultant, I have seen all facets of infrastructure projects from start to finish. Based on this experience, I am often asked, “What is one of the most challenging aspects of large infrastructure projects?” My response is always the same: permits and approvals.
Sustainability
CMAA Sustainability Project Spotlight submitted by: Jeffrey Bowling, AECOM, Program Manager | This Sustainability Project Spotlight focuses on the The ABC Campus Center for the Kern Community College District (KCCD) in Bakersfield, CA. The Kern Community College District (KCCD) – Bakersfield College (BC) ABC Campus Center project stands out for its multifaceted approach to sustainability, incorporating several innovative features that collectively contribute to its environmental and social value.
Written by: HDR Insights Blog Editors | To help address the current climate emergency, a new way of thinking across the entire architecture, engineering, and construction industry is imperative. Part of the solution will require a holistic approach to design, one in which rather than doing less harm, design can positively contribute through regeneration. How do we adopt a regenerative design mindset and why is it important? HDR asked some of their leaders and here’s what they had to say.
Written by: CMAA’s PD Sustainability Subcommittee and John M. Palatiello, COFPAES Administrator | The world’s seven warmest years on record have occurred since 2014 and 10 of the warmest years have been since 2005. Resiliency has been a topic the last few years for CMAA’s PD Sustainability Subcommittee. This article includes a summary of the Biden Administration Fact Sheet on “Agency Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plans from Across Federal Government."
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction Member | An essential question is: What are the roles and responsibilities that project and program managers have with respect to global climate change? Outlining some challenges for program managers regarding climate change will provide direction and insight as to where the efforts are moving.
This Sustainability Project Spotlight focuses on the Career Pathways 2 Building at San Bernardino Valley College. San Bernardino Valley College is a public community college and is located in San Bernardino, California. Through its Career Pathways 2 facility targeting completion in 2027, San Bernardino Valley College will create a state-of-the-art educational facility with flexible laboratories, collaborative spaces for student-faculty interaction, supplemental instruction areas, and offices that promotes a safe and sustainable environment.
Written by: Jeff Link, Journalist | Around the world, infrastructure is failing. From crumbling dams and bridges to fractured railways and tunnels, many infrastructure systems originally created for the population and climate of the mid-20th century are way past their prime. There is a critical need to update infrastructure systems sustainably, accounting for the impacts of climate.
Written by the CMAA Sustainability Subcommittee: The construction management industry is at a critical juncture where integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors is imperative for sustained growth and long-term value creation. Construction firms are uniquely positioned to drive significant positive impact with a global focus on climate change action, enhancing social equity, and ensuring robust governance. This white paper shares facts you need to know about ESG programs.
Written by: Marcia Doyle, Contributing Writer, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) | At the center of any construction alternative power discussion is diesel. Diesel remains the go-to power on jobsites. But with global initiatives underway to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, it’s up to construction industry manufacturers to find ways to lessen diesel’s carbon impact.
Written by: Diane Nulton, Senior Environmental Project Manager, HDR, and Taylor Horne, Senior Transportation Environmental and Planning Lead, HDR | The U.S. environmental review process can be one of the most time-consuming parts of planning for a major infrastructure project. While important for safeguarding our communities and their future, the process can also be protracted and duplicative. Streamlining this process has been the focus of numerous efforts.
Written by: Tony Defrancesco, Vice President & Practice Director, Vertical Transportation, Gannett Fleming | Elevators might take up little space in buildings. Still, they play a significant role in a building’s energy consumption and can benefit from implementing more efficient and cost-effective systems.
Written by: Luke Jacobs, CEO and Co-Founder, Encamp | The latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show nonresidential construction work spending up nearly 12% compared to the previous year. As this spending continues to rise, so could the number of projects, broadening the scope of inspections needed and requirements in place to ensure environmental compliance. To minimize obstacles, avoid project delays, and maintain sites’ environmental compliance, the EHS sector of construction must undergo a digital transformation.
Written by: Sander Van de Rijdt, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, PlanRadar | When it comes to green building, many people think about incorporating energy-efficient features such as effective insulation and glazing, adding eco-friendly lighting, or using recycled or repurposed materials. All of those are important, but it’s also important to step back and think about the construction process itself. Above all, it’s vital to find new ways to leverage digitization and new technologies to make our work more sustainable across the entire building life cycle.
Written by: Mohamed Faizan Malek, Construction/Project Management Postgraduate Student | Embracing sustainability as a fundamental principle is imperative for fostering a more promising future. The construction industry, recognized as a significant contributor to global pollution and waste, necessitates a paradigm shift toward sustainable practices. Green buildings, characterized by their commitment to sustainable design, construction, and operations, play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse impacts associated with traditional construction methods.
Written by: William Curran, PE, Mechanical Technical Manager, Gannett Fleming, and Huzefa Irfani, AIA, Director of Architecture, Gannett Fleming | Buildings account for 75% of U.S. electricity consumption and 40% of energy overall, which contributes to 35% of greenhouse gas emissions. Considering the millions of buildings throughout the U.S. and the energy it takes to keep them ready for occupancy, it’s easy to see why buildings are the focus of legislation aimed at improving their efficiency.
Written by: Rose Morrison, Freelance Writer | The construction industry has been an environmentally destructive force. It’s a significant greenhouse gas emitter and a notorious soil, air, water, and sound polluter. Construction professionals must take meaningful steps toward sustainability to mitigate the worst effects of global warming and contribute to climate resilience.
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | Climate change has compelled a wide range of industries - from automotive and transportation to manufacturing and construction - to put more focus on going green by building sustainability into their products and practices. For construction, when you factor in the massive investment in infrastructure projects, it represents an opportunity to put those in place on a grand scale.
Written by: Dan Taylor and Olivia Montgomery, for Software Advice | The construction industry is going through big changes, and now is the time for construction managers to adapt to a growing demand for more eco-friendly building materials. If you aren’t already taking the use of sustainable materials for construction seriously, your business risks losing out to innovative builders who are meeting the changing customer demand for a healthier home and earth.
Interview with: Rob Richardon, PE, West Region Bridge Leader, HDR, and Don Nguyen, PE, Bridges & Structures Sustainability Leader, HDR | As communities are looking for ways to be more sustainable, and an influx of federal infrastructure funding that includes new sustainability requirements, now is a good time to look at bridges. From planning to concrete selection, sustainability can be incorporated into the bridge planning process.
Written by: Keith Osmun, Content Specialist, Dumpsters.com | Sustainability is an ever-increasing focus in the construction and demolition industry. As a result, recycling has become top of mind since it saves on energy, materials and workforce costs. Implementing a recycling strategy is critical in getting the best results for your jobsite. You can use two different sorting options for recycling: on-site and off-site. But is one better for you?
CMAA Sustainability Project Spotlight | This project focuses on The Otay Mesa Land Port of Entry Modernization and Expansion for the General Services Administration (GSA) in San Diego, Calif. The crossing is the busiest commercial crossing and third-busiest vehicle crossing on the Mexico-U.S. border. The modernization and expansion builds out an adjacent 9.9-acre lot adding new buildings along the port perimeter and renovates some existing facilities and is delivered via Design-Build contract.
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction member since 2011 | The industry collectively accounts for 39 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions with construction, accounting for 11 percent globally. If true greenhouse gas reduction is to be achieved, the construction industry will have to lead the way. The growing focus on ESG (environmental, social and governance) has put reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) front and center. The construction industry is at the heart of this focus.
Written by: Josh Greenfield, PE, High Performance Design Director, and Kevin Ashton, AIA, Aviation Architecture Principal, HDR, Inc. | The United Nations estimates that the global aviation industry accounts for roughly 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Most of this impact is from jet fuel emissions, but terminals and their operations are a measurable part of the picture.
Written by: Dumpsters.com Blog | A waste management plan deals with more than just waste. At its core, a waste management plan – also known as a WMP – is a record of materials removed from a jobsite and their byproducts. It lists the site materials, how much can be diverted into recycling or reused, how much is going to a landfill and where it’s going.
CMAA Sustainability Project Spotlight submitted by: Joyce Dawson, Assistant Director of Facilities Design and Construction, Anne Arundel Community College | Health and Life Sciences Building at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) is a 175,000-square-feet college instructional and lab building completed by the design team led by SmithGroup and builder team by Whiting Turner.
This Sustainability Project Spotlight focuses on the the ABC Campus Center for the Kern Community College District in Bakersfield, Calif. The ABC Campus Center project stands out for its multifaceted approach to sustainability, incorporating several innovative features that collectively contribute to its environmental and social value. Collectively, these features underscore the project's innovative approach to sustainability, blending environmental responsibility with community engagement and energy efficiency.
This Sustainability Project Spotlight focuses on the Donald Dungan Library and Norma Hertzog Community Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. The library is part of a larger project that includes the redevelopment of Lion’s Park for a large outdoor community event space, gardens, concessions kiosk, and recreational areas as well as renovation of the old library to become a new community meeting center.
This Sustainability Project Spotlight focuses on the Heartland Community College Agricultural Complex in Normal, Illinois. The 29,500-square-foot building integrates technology throughout, from the rooftop photovoltaic (solar) array to the accommodations for precision agriculture — helping educators prepare students for the high-tech agricultural jobs of tomorrow. The building design stems from intensive energy modeling, passive solar principles, and solar compartmentalization, while the site design highlights storm water management and flexibility of outdoor education and reflects the college
This Sustainability Project Spotlight focuses on the The Otay Mesa Land Port of Entry Modernization and Expansion for the General Services Administration in San Diego, Calif. The crossing is the busiest commercial crossing and third-busiest vehicle crossing on the Mexico-U.S. border. The modernization and expansion builds out an adjacent 9.9-acre lot adding new buildings along the port perimeter and renovates some existing facilities and is delivered via Design-Build contract.
This Sustainability Spotlight focuses on the San Bernardino Valley College, Technical Education Project in California. The San Bernadino Valley College is a service of the San Bernardino Community College District. This facility will replace the previous technology building that was built in 1965. The new building will transform lives and offer courses for several different careers. The project is set to open in 2025.
This Sustainability Project Spotlight focuses on the Tampa International Airport Master Plan Phase 1 and 2. The 270,000 square foot SkyCenter One building is Tampa's first LEED-certified new construction project at the platinum level. The sustainable and environmentally focused design implemented practical and measurable solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, and more.
This Sustainability Spotlight focuses on the Zero-Carbon Electric Central Utility Plant at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. This bold and forward-thinking project is central to the first and largest Carbon Neutral Airports in the Americas! Central to the scope of this project is electrification of the utilities that were predominately natural gas and steam all while keeping the world’s third busiest airport fully up and running.
This Sustainability Project Spotlight focuses on the Contra Costa County Administration Building B and Plaza, just outside San Francisco, California. The project will include demolition of the Old Administration Building at 651 Pine Street as well as the Jail at 650 Pine Street. The site will then be developed with a Satellite Administration Building and Public Plaza, continuing the county’s investment in Martinez and further enhancing the county’s campus along Pine and Escobar streets.
This Sustainability Project Spotlight focuses on the Crafton Hills College Performing Arts Center. Crafton Hills College is part of the San Bernardino Community College District and is located in Yucaipa, California. The College was looking for a top-rated, modern performing arts venue to better meet the needs of music and theater students and faculty while elevating the College’s identity in the surrounding area. The result is a design that leverages a prominent location on Campus Drive and uses indoor and outdoor teaching and learning spaces.
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction Member | Large, complex engineering and construction programs may be found in all industry sectors. Such projects range from extractive industries such as oil, gas, and mining to infrastructure programs for transportation, water, and power. Together, financial, social, and environmental outcomes define the three elements of sustainability or a program’s “triple bottom line.”
Written by: Brandi Heffner, Director, InEight | For centuries, we have been constructing everything from homes to manufacturing plants to transportation infrastructure, building on what we call traditional practices. Each decade moves forward with modernizations to these practices as our knowledge deepens and as we become aware of different resources. Building on those traditions has landed us where we are today; in a position of necessity for more sustainable construction practices.
Written by: Markkus Rovito, Freelance Writer, Redshift by Autodesk | By the time the restored Pier 70 in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood is ready to debut in the mid-2020s, it will have been more than a century since the shipyard’s waterfront was open to the public. But for the rehabilitated Building 12 — a World War II ship-hull plate shop and mold loft built in 1941 and restored as part of the Pier 70 project’s Phase 1— it was not the past century that concerned stakeholders, but rather the next 100 years.
Written by: Paula Perrin, Sr. Marketing Content Manager, InEight | Twenty years ago, it might have seemed odd to think of capital construction projects as having a symbiotic relationship with their environment. But today, using building information modeling (BIM), construction design teams are able to take a multifaceted approach to designing with that relationship in mind.
Written by: Rose Morrison, Freelance Writer | Global warming has been changing the climate — and the construction industry. Scientists consider mainstream building practices detrimental. They emit mammoth amounts of greenhouse gases, generate mountains of landfill waste, and adversely damage ecological systems. Explore how climate change impacts various stages of construction projects and how the industry copes.
CMAA Sustainability Project Spotlight submitted by: Jimmy Mitchell, Construction Manager, Skanska | CMAA has created the Sustainability Project Spotlight as a regular focus given to member projects nationwide that are building the way to a better future. Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Tech is a 40,000 square-foot multi-disciplinary University Academic Building completed by the design team led by Lord Aeck Sargent & Miller Hull Partnership and builder team led by Skanska USA Building.
Written by: Sarah Jones, live-sound editor at Live Design magazine and AEC section editor at Redshift | The degree of global warming is directly proportional to the amount of carbon dioxide that human activities add to the atmosphere. It’s a brutally simple equation: To stabilize climate change, global carbon emissions must fall to zero. The longer it takes to do that, the more the climate will change.
Written by: Sean R. Nacey, Senior Vice President and General Manager, USA Construction and Energy Solutions, Wesco | Sustainability initiatives and electrification projects are driving spend and creating significant growth across the construction industry. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will unlock hundreds of billions of dollars in funding for massive infrastructure projects across the country, much of which will be geared toward grid modernization, electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and charging, solar, and other sustainable energy initiatives.
Written by: Cheri Hanes, Head of Construction Innovation and Sustainability, AXA XL | Technology is developing at a rapid pace to address construction challenges in new ways that are complementary to traditional efforts. Collectively, these efforts will position the construction industry to manage risk better and institute more sustainable business practices at a quicker pace.
Written by: Marta Bouchard, Sustainability Strategy Lead, Autodesk Impact Team | More than 70 countries and 1,200 companies have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, according to the United Nations. The goal of net zero is to cut carbon emissions to curb climate change to protect the planet and future generations.
Written by: Joe Speicher, Vice President of ESG and Impact, Autodesk | When it comes to the increasingly severe effects of climate change, planet earth will do just fine if humanity does nothing to limit carbon emissions. But, people are feeling the impacts of climate change, mourning the loss of species, and protesting in the face of injustice. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing is one way to ensure a sustainable future for people and the planet.
Written by: Michael Gustafson, Industry Strategy Manager for Structural Engineering, Autodesk | Low-carbon development is a holistic approach to design and construction that comprises evolving, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly practices used to build a better future. As technology evolves and climate change reinforces the urgency of sustainable solutions, low-carbon development isn’t just the future, it’s the present.
Written by: Bryan Williams, Portfolio Manager, Trimble | Sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern. Construction businesses are under growing pressure to minimize environmental impact, comply with regulations, and meet market demands — all while managing rising costs and economic uncertainty. In addition to helping preserve the environment for future generations, implementing sustainable practices can lead to cost savings, improved marketability, and compliance with increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.
CMAA Sustainability Project Spotlight | This spotlight focuses on the Zero-Carbon Electric Central Utility Plant (ECUP) at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW). This bold and forward-thinking project is central to the first and largest Carbon Neutral Airports in the Americas! The new ECUP will transition DFW to 100% zero-emission renewable electricity for heating and significantly reduce ozone precursor emissions, carbon, emissions, water use, and natural gas consumption.
Technology
Written by: Mariusz Wiechec, Director, HKA Global, LLC | An anticipated rise in infrastructure construction forecasted in early 2022 has not been as robust as the industry hoped, and construction officials are cautious about what 2023 will bring. Ongoing supply chain issues, spikes in the costs of construction materials, labor shortages across all trades, and the threat of inflation have dampened the optimism expressed last year.
Written by: Romy Maunz, Business Director, Software, Building Solutions, Hexagon Geosystems | While construction remains the largest industry in the global economy, accounting for 13% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), the annual productivity growth has been relatively flat. The profitability is low, with around a 3-5% earnings before interest and taxes margin, with 98% of all megaprojects running over budget and over schedule.
Written by: Gregg Wartgow, Freelance Writer, Editor and Public Relations, Communications, and Marketing Professional | The vision is there. Wouldn’t it be great if the entire jobsite — the general contractor, subs, designers, owners, equipment vendors, and material suppliers — were all working in sync with the data that shifts with each condition change, progress report, change order, telematics warning, and machine inspection?
Written by: Rahul Shah, Global Director, Built Environment, BSI | Seeking answers on how to construct smarter and greener buildings or improve water efficiency in homes and offices, those who create our buildings and construction projects are entering a new era of learning as they turn their attention to the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). The possible applications of AI for the construction industry could be transformative across design, procurement, construction, operation, and decommissioning.
Written by: Richard Friedman, Founder and President, Friedman & Partners | Few issues have dominated national news the way that artificial intelligence has in 2023. The watershed moment was the release of ChatGPT, a transformative word processing tool that uses AI to quickly answer questions posed to it. Almost immediately, people and businesses found myriad ways to use the tool to save time when developing written content and performing other tasks.
Written by: Elizabeth Rosselle, Freelance Journalist, Copywriter, and Designer | Machines that are programmed to perform like humans have become more mainstream than ever, and they’re revolutionizing how people do business. AI has already pervaded industries like retail, health care, and manufacturing; now construction is beginning to follow suit.
Written by: Steven Uecke, PE, Structural Engineer and CEO, SuperDroid Robots | Reality capture has been a game changer for the construction industry because it allows general contractors to monitor and share progress with clients and the design team, better coordinate schedules with trade partners, streamline the RFI process, and provide better quality control through the build phase of a construction project.
Written by: Andre Paden, Advanced Work Packaging Subject Matter Expert, InEight | In today’s fast-paced and demanding construction industry, effective project execution and communication between office-based teams and users are paramount. Users, often stationed at construction jobsites, face unique challenges that require specialized tools to streamline their workflows and enhance productivity. Construction execution software tools have emerged as indispensable solutions to bridge the gap between the jobsite and the office.
Written by: Andre Paden, Advanced Work Packaging Subject Matter Expert, InEight | In today’s fast-paced and demanding construction industry, effective project execution and communication between office-based teams and users are paramount. Users, often stationed at construction jobsites, face unique challenges that require specialized tools to streamline their workflows and enhance productivity.
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction member since 2011 | Across industries, digital transformation is changing the supply chain more than any other functional area. It is driving efficiency and resiliency to disruption. The supply chain is transitioning to a "thinking" supply chain, one broadly and tightly connected to all data sources.
Written by: Justin Dorsey, CCM, PMP, Project Executive/Preconstruction Manager, OCMI, Inc. | Opportunity can really come from anywhere. When Justin Dorsey, CCM, PMP, Project Executive/Preconstruction Manager, O’Connor Construction Management, Inc., got his first drone (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) he never expected it to become important to his professional life.
Written by: InEight Behind the Build Blog Editors | A digital twin is a virtual exact copy of a physical object. But it’s more than just a digital representation of a real-world project. Such a replica provides new ways to think about and manage projects (and assets) at a very fundamental level. Digital twins are gaining traction among construction companies that have implemented building information modeling (BIM) — the “cousin” of the digital twin — and want to understand how different options and changes will impact asset performance over time. But its value goes beyond even working in
Written by: Rick Deans, Executive Vice President of Industry Engagement, InEight | Industry professionals have accepted the importance of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and accounting programs to run the financial side of their businesses. However, when managing capital construction projects on the jobsite, the timeliness of information is paramount to making good decisions.
Written by: Nicolas Mangon, Vice President of AEC, Business Strategy and Marketing, Autodesk | Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) is a digital industry in which 15 revisions can happen in minutes. And owners are playing a pivotal role in driving industry-wide transformation - a data-driven industry powered by platforms, machine learning, and automation.
Written by: Nick Grandy, Construction and Real Estate Senior Analyst, RSM US LLP | Last year, businesses across industries grappled with new challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Seemingly overnight, construction companies were forced to adapt to an unpredictable reality, navigating state and local ordinances for stay-at-home orders and interpreting government classifications for what were considered essential businesses. These challenges pushed contractors to look for solutions outside of their normal toolbox, with many companies engaging in digital transformation.
Written by: Maanav Mahindru, Operational Product Leader, Shadow Ventures | The construction industry faces several challenges hindering its productivity and growth. Those in the construction industry must first understand critical challenges to successfully adopt important new technologies. Fortunately, many companies and startups are now focused on addressing such issues to enable the built industry to catch up to other, more digitized industries.
Written by: Evelyn Long, Founder, Editor-in-Chief, Renovated.com | Virtual reality (VR) technology has significantly progressed in various industries because it transforms how people perform tasks and deliver experiences. By creating immersive, computer-generated environments, VR allows users to interact with digital worlds as if they were real. This technology has practical applications in healthcare, education, construction, and beyond.
Written by: InEight Behind the Build Blog | Construction is experiencing its own information age. With technology adoption on the uptick, there’s more data than ever being collected from the jobsite. And there’s been a corresponding need in understanding how to apply that data throughout the project life cycle. As connected analytics continues to take hold in the industry, several trends have emerged that point to its relevance and value.
Written by: InEight Industry Insights Blog | Construction software adoption has been on a gradual upswing over the last few years. As tempting as it might be to dive right in and enjoy every capability your chosen construction software has to offer, there are certain pitfalls to that approach that you’ll want to avoid.
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | The ability to make informed, actionable decisions based on up-to-date project data can be the difference between a successful capital project and a costly failure. For contractors, owners, and engineers, that means having the right information at the right time and in the appropriate format.
Written by: Nick Fortuna for Constructor Magazine | The list includes one of the biggest construction companies in France, a prominent North American homebuilder, and a group of Asian-based construction engineering companies. If your business isn’t among them, be thankful because those companies were among the 93 construction firms to have suffered a publicly documented ransomware attack in 2020 or 2021.
Written by: Chris Shodd, Chief Revenue Officer, ASCEND | Geofencing is one of the benefits of a telematics platform. Until recently, the primary objective of geofencing has been a preventative measure to discourage the unauthorized use of vehicles and tracking assets. But now, there’s an enhanced solution to geofencing: project geofencing.
Written by: Mike Merrill, Co-Founder and COO, WorkMax by AboutTime Technologies | If construction business owners had the power to accurately predict how projects will actually run, the correct project bids to make and how to avoid major project risks, wouldn’t they jump at that chance? Fortunately, it’s possible.
Written by: Donna Laquidara-Carr, Ph.D., Industry Insights Research Director, Dodge Data & Analytics | In the past few years, there has been an explosion in the types of technology available to contractors on-site. The potential to improve productivity and increase budget and schedule certainty are among the appealing benefits that these technologies have the potential to offer.
Written by: Andre Paden, Advanced Work Packaging Subject Matter Expert, InEight | As owners and operators in construction deal with the complex natures of their ventures, data integrity remains critical to ensure streamlined operations and good decision-making. Similar to charting the open ocean, success depends on preparedness and having the right tools and methods in place.
Written by: Umer Lone, Senior Solutions Engineer, InEight | Numerous types of data are captured from a construction site each day. Quantity executed, visual evidence of work, safety and quality issues, work issues, etc. are just a few. Yet one of the critical details they all share every day is time capture of resources — both human and equipment. Accurate time records of labor and equipment are one of the important functions of construction management. What follows are some best practices for digitalizing your methods for field time capture.
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, Chairman & CEO, Strategic Program Management LLC | AI is not just a defining theme across all sectors of society. It likely represents a major inflection point in how the architecture, design, engineering, and construction industries work and the nature of the work they do.
Written by: Laura Stagner, Dennis Ryan, Sergio Aranda, and Marty Turner (CMAA Emerging Technologies Committee Initiative) | Data is essential to life. Data shapes our understanding and helps us make decisions. Data helps us convey our ideas. We have relied on data throughout human history. Now, this dependence is deeper than ever.
Written by: InEight Behind the Build Blog Editors | Construction companies have been faced with escalating demands over the last few years that have compelled them to search for viable solutions. They’re now tasked with managing capital projects that have become more complicated. That level of connection comes with an end-to-end construction technology solution; in other words, an integrated platform.
Written by: Tom Webb, VP of Strategic Initiatives & Customer Relations, HCSS | Good communication between the field and office is essential to keeping a project on time and on budget. A few ways that technology built for heavy construction can help improve field-to-office communications are discussed here.
Written by: Builder Blog by RedTeam | Efficient project management is crucial in the construction industry, where multiple stakeholders, complex tasks, and strict timelines are the norm. To meet these challenges head-on, construction professionals are increasingly turning to cloud-based construction management software. Let’s explore the five key advantages of using cloud-based software in construction management.
Written by: Tamika Bass, Cybersecurity Director, Gannett Fleming | In today’s ever-changing digital world, we continuously protect ourselves against cyber threats and look for ways to increase our security posture to preserve business continuity. Cybersecurity impacts all industries, and the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is just as vulnerable. This blog presents ways to implement enterprise risk management processes.
Written by: William Delong, Guest Contributor, Software Advice | Planning for complex issues is something every construction company has to do for a project. However, even the most adept general contractors can run into unavoidable difficulties that throw off project planning. Let’s talk about what big data is and what it means in the construction industry.
Written by: Troy Warr, Senior Software Engineer, Computer Presentation Systems | Construction businesses are on the hunt for solutions as consumer demands and newly passed legislation become increasingly more complex. Although no single silver bullet solution exists, there are many methods inching the industry toward greater efficiency.
Written by: Laurenzo Overee, Guest Contributor to Software Advice | The modern construction workforce has become increasingly remote, shifting toward a location-agnostic setting. While remote work has its advantages in terms of accessibility and convenience, your business will need the right tools for optimized communication for teams deployed across jobsites.
Written by: InEight Industry Insights Blog Editors | In the lead-up to any infrastructure construction project, there is wide acknowledgment that many such aging structures have safety issues. Those safety concerns generally center around the impact on the public and the surroundings. As such projects move from the bidding, and planning stages to the execution stage over months, and years, the focus naturally shifts to construction safety.
Written by: David Sombrio, Business Development Manager, SmartCompliance | Despite its simple appearance, the financial equation of “revenue - expenses = profit” is so complex, there are few who truly understand it. Robotic process automation can decrease overhead labor costs by improving efficiency, productivity, and automating menial tasks that do not require a trained employee.
Written by: Aaron Kleingartner, Product and Dealer Marketing Manager, Doosan Infracore North America | For some contractors, technological advancements in heavy construction equipment can be a welcome sight. From enhanced cameras to grade control systems, some contractors want to explore the new machine options and embrace them. No matter which side of the fence you fall on, it’s important to know all your options.
Written by: Jim Campbell, Vice President of Construction Sales, AvidXchange, Inc. | Despite significant demand for building from both post-pandemic backlogs and new opportunities spurred by federal funding, it’s tough for many firms to take on new work. Let’s examine how AI-driven software and solutions hold the potential to fulfill their commitment by helping construction firms create efficiencies to save time and money and to better manage the persistent labor challenges that threaten their ability to grow.
Written by: Nathan Patton, Product Marketing Manager, Construction Tech, Trimble | Filling the labor gap is going to come down to technology, both as a way to attract a new generation of workers and to get work done safely and efficiently with a smaller staff. The 2024 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook from Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) found that 30% of firms will make an initial investment in artificial intelligence (19%) or increase their investment (11%). But what does that really mean to the construction industry?
Written by: Raffi Holzer, CEO and Co-Founder, Avvir | The pandemic has battered the construction workforce on all fronts. It accelerated the rate of Baby Boomer retirements while sparking a Great Resignation among younger workers who might otherwise fill the ranks. To weather this labor shortage, the construction industry must find a way to do more with less. Automation and robotics technology offers a path forward.
Written by: Scott Lewis, President and CEO, Winning Technologies Group of Companies | Being a small business owner is challenging: You must manage the business processes to identify and solve real business growth issues in a fast-paced, high-stress work environment. But if you’re honest with yourself, many areas of business must be managed simultaneously, and you likely have limited time and employees to help you manage it all. Directly related to your financial success is the ability to develop and implement work processes that, through automation, can be proactively managed.
Written by: Jim Quanci, Sr. Director, Autodesk | Back when Y2K was a major concern in the digital realm, it might’ve sounded like a far-off prophecy that people could one day work together on a project, from their own computers, from opposite sides of the world, simultaneously. But that time is here. Welcome to the age of cloud collaboration.
Written by: Robyn Griggs Lawrence for Construction Dive | Contractors are beginning to centralize and automate their supply chain processes. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the industry’s soft underbelly when it comes to materials procurement and management, but the next step — utilizing blockchain and artificial intelligence to track and predict material flow — is still several years away.
Written by: Theo Agelopoulos, Vice President of AEC Design Business, Autodesk | Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms face myriad challenges, including a skilled-labor shortage, low margins, policy complexity, and unpredictability in securing building materials. The industry is snapping into action: Investing in new ways of working driven by technology has more than doubled in the past decade. Although many software, hardware, and cloud-based tools will contribute to this shift, ultimately the biggest change will be digital project delivery.
Written by: InEight Behind the Build Blog Editors | Today’s sophisticated capital projects must make heavy use of real-time data and advanced technologies to deliver on agreed-upon quality, cost, and schedule outcomes. The digital twin, a real-time 3D virtual representation of an asset used to analyze and predetermine project behavior over time, is a natural fit.
Written by: Christopher Ward, Associate Managing Director, K2 Integrity | Detecting and preventing fraud is a vital part of any construction project, but it is also a challenging one, as fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated and elusive, and traditional fraud detection methods, which rely on manual audits, random checks, and whistleblowers, are often insufficient. This is where generative AI can make a difference.
Written by: Matthew Thibault, Associate Editor, Construction Dive | The director of the virtual planning and construction group at North Reading, Massachusetts-based Columbia Construction, had her work cut out for her. Ahead of her was a life sciences project that called for 60,000 feet of linear process piping – over 11 miles worth – that had to be installed on a quick time frame. 2D drawings just weren’t cutting it. So, she turned to as-built, reality capture technology.
Written by: Emily Newton, Editor-in-Chief, Revolutionized Magazine | Commercial construction projects generate a lot of waste. Managing this debris is crucial to minimizing the industry’s environmental impact, but it’s often a time-consuming and error-prone process. Robotic waste sorting provides a better alternative.
Written by: Brian Nuzio, Partner, Marcum LLP | Technology and construction are converging to shape a future characterized by innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Cutting-edge technologies are being integrated into every stage of the construction process and revolutionizing the industry in several ways. Specifically, as it relates to accounting, construction technology can be useful to identify ways to save and control costs.
Written by: Saar Yoskovitz, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Augury | The construction and manufacturing industries stand on the brink of a technological revolution, but achieving that revolution will require a full embrace of artificial intelligence. AI advancements offer unparalleled opportunities to tackle critical industry challenges, such as labor shortages and the need to upskill the workforce in construction manufacturing.
Written by: Bryan Williams, Segment Manager, Field Technology Group, Trimble | We as an industry have reached a tipping point when it comes to technology and its value across the construction workflow and beyond. In years past, construction and survey firms have invested in a tool or technique to improve a task with great success. But today’s technology-immersed environment dictates a broader perspective that requires a look beyond task-oriented improvements.
Written by: Andrew Conrad, Senior Content Writer, Software Advice | Imagine a construction business leader who is struggling to get the best return on your technology investment - a construction team that doesn’t know how many required materials are available for a construction project or when a dependent task will be completed. In this article, we’ll look at some steps you can take to improve safety, communication, and accuracy by bolstering your connected construction technology.
Written by: Holly Hughes-Barnes, Content Marketing Writer for Construction Technology | Cloud-based preconstruction technology is becoming increasingly important for commercial general contractors (GCs) and construction managers (CMs). Why? Because owners are shifting away from traditional Design-Bid-Build delivery methods and bringing GCs and CMs into the construction process earlier than ever before. Here’s how you can elevate your preconstruction services and meet heightened expectations.
Written by: David Lukić, Information Privacy, Security, and Compliance Consultant, idstrong.com | Construction work is conceptualized by many as an active line of work, far removed from the standard 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. desk job. However, most people do not consider how much information is stored digitally. As a result, people underestimate the wealth of information that might be desirable to hackers.
Written by: Jennifer Stiansen, Director of Marketing Americas, Access Segment Oshkosh Corporation | Personal protective equipment (PPE) is going to look radically different for construction workers in the years ahead. Picture a future where wearable technology in construction is as essential as hard hats, hi-visibility vests, and steel-toed boots.
Written by: Dave Morelli, Head of Customer Success, OpenSpace | From helping alleviate labor shortages, to creating a proof of site status, to improving productivity, technology can have a positive impact on construction companies. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when implementing new technologies at your company.
Written by: Jeevan Kalanithi , Co-Founder and CEO, OpenSpace | The massive shift from working in offices to working in homes has been happening for some time as technology has advanced. What’s surprising is that this trend has deeply affected the real-world industry of construction too—and it looks like this trend is here to stay.
Written by: Laurent Charpentier, CEO, Yooz | It seems most people nowadays are eager to discover new technologies that can enhance their lives - for work and play - and this enthusiasm is particularly prevalent among younger workers who are excited about the potential of artificial intelligence. However, the construction industry is habitually slow in adopting technology, and this lack of eagerness has made it increasingly challenging to attract that young talent.
Written by: Mike Merrill, Co-Founder, Workmax by AboutTime Technologies | The upward mobility of construction companies and their projects weigh in the balance of thousands of intertwined decisions. Without streamlined processes, however, they have the potential to increase inefficiencies, errors, delays, and costs across a company’s project portfolio. Here’s why employing a mobile workforce solution is critical for construction companies.
Written by: Collin Couey, Senior Content Writer, Software Advice | In any construction project, the client is aware that an estimate is not the final number; it’s a roundabout figure. But if your estimate is way off the mark, the client’s project budget will go for a toss and so will your credibility as a contractor or builder.
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, member of the National Academy of Construction | Broader, more systemic opportunities for innovation will be focused on in this article. The same processes and thought patterns, however, will also deliver meaningful and important incremental innovations, some of which can be quite valuable. The hope is to view the universe of ideas and potential solutions more broadly upon completion of the reading the paper.
Written by: Erin Rotz, Head of Inland Marine & Builders Risk, The Hartford, and Toby Cushing, Head of Construction for Middle & Large Commercial, The Hartford | The construction industry faces significant risk management hurdles from on-the-job injuries and physical damage to their own work and to third parties, caused by human error and natural disasters. These risks are going to be especially concerning as the number or construction projects increase, causing strain on owners and construction staffing, and project managers and safety managers that may be stretched thin.
Written by: Aaron Kleingartner for Construction Business Owner | In recent years, telematics systems have advanced and now offer even more benefits than earlier versions. If you aren’t already taking advantage of these systems, you may be surprised to learn how much information is available to help you better manage your fleet.
Written by: Traci VanDalsem, Vice President of Client Experience, RedTeam | Contractors can’t afford slowdowns or inefficiencies during a project. Construction management (CM) software allows for constant communication, documentation, and collaboration, ensuring the project stays on track and on budget. CM software assists the general contractor in all aspects of project review, minimizing risk by creating built-in workflows to ensure no details are missed.
Written by: Andrew Silver, Managing Director, Oberon Securities | The construction trades lag behind other sectors in adoption of digital technologies. With a lack of skilled labor continuing to be an impediment to growth and profitability in the construction industry, technological developments could have significant implications for successful adopters.
Written by: Collin Couey, Senior Content Writer, Software Advice | It can be hard to know the right time to invest in software for your business, especially if you don’t think the return on investment can justify the cost. If you’re a small construction business owner who is buying software for the first time, and you want to understand what you need to consider so you can find the best software for your business, you’ve come to the right place.
Written by: Steven Burke, Senior Director of Sustainability, Suffolk | In the rapidly changing built world, the use of data and new technologies are promising to revolutionize the way buildings are designed and built. Specifically, artificial intelligence (AI) is showing incredible potential and could be a game changer by helping to streamline design, planning, and construction processes and ultimately delivering cost savings for real estate developers and owners.
Written by: Rahul Kejriwal, CEO, Bricsys, part of Hexagon | The construction industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, with economic uncertainty and fluctuating demand exerting pressure on budgets and resources. As we come to terms with a difficult economic forecast in the coming months, it is more important than ever for leaders and managers to ensure that every dollar spent delivers maximum return on investment (ROI), including information technology (IT) investments.
Written by: Matt Hardison, Account Manager, Riskcast | With some of the slimmest profit margins across different industries, an occasional oversight could lead to bad news for construction companies. It can be as easy as a rounding error here, a missed invoice there, or even an accidental overpayment. How do these mistakes happen?
Written by: Guillaume Le Gouic, Senior Vice President, Power Systems, Schneider Electric | The U.S. construction industry is facing a tech revolution that’s upending the roles of skilled workers. Many traditional contractors are struggling to embrace the new technologies customers increasingly demand, while the industry struggles to attract young professionals.
Written by: Karthik Venkatasubramanian, Global Vice President, Data Strategy and Development, Oracle Construction and Engineering | Today’s construction projects generate massive amounts of data. Typically, construction firms use this data to assess what has happened on a project, answering questions such as whether the project is on budget or if the project is on schedule. While looking at this retroactive view of a project can be somewhat helpful in providing indicators that can help identify and fix problems, it does not unlock the full potential of the rich data sets available.
Written by: Sean Lein, PE, Senior Engineer, MBP | As the world increasingly embraces technological advancements, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in building commissioning has emerged as a game-changer, especially in maintaining energy efficiency. These intelligent systems can continuously monitor, analyze, and adjust various parameters to ensure optimal performance, which can lead to reduced energy consumption, cost savings, and a smaller environmental footprint.
Written by: A.D. Thompson for Constructor Magazine | Why do you think it has taken this long for construction to adopt technological advances?” It’s been a sample question, in various iterations, on this topic, for the past several years. The sources never balk. They answer. And the “blame” generally falls on the construction side. On its older, less tech-savvy demographic. On its resistance to changing “the way they’ve always done things.” This year, however, things were different.
Written by: Deborah R. Huso, Creative Director and Founding Partner, Write Well Media | In the construction industry, building information modeling (BIM) plays a central role in leveraging data from both building models and company processes to dramatically improve decision-making capabilities, establish more efficient workflows, and reduce design and building errors and cost overruns.
Written by: Val Ziavras, Engineer, Technical Services, NFPA | The construction industry is becoming increasingly technological. Think of the evolution from drafting tables to CAD, or the introduction of cloud computing, 3D printing, drones, and wearable technology. Despite the clear benefits, there are still challenges when it comes to adopting digital transformation in the construction sector.
Written by: John Stebbins, Senior Program Manager, Anser Advisory, part of Accenture | Over the past two decades, BIM has solidified its place in the building industry by using technology to facilitate BIM-based contract documents (CDs), model coordination, and clash detection. BIM is rapidly evolving into a long-term, management-intensive process throughout the entire building lifecycle.
Written by: Krishna Yalamanchili, PE, Manager, Power Services, Gannett Fleming | In an industry where change is the only constant, staying ahead of technological advancements can seem overwhelming. However, keeping in step with evolving technology offers big benefits, such as increased efficiency and strengthened resilience, particularly in the utility industry. While traditional 2D design methods were once sufficient for substation design, as we embrace technological progress and the growing complexity of infrastructure projects, digital transformation for all components of utility system
Written by: Peter Rifken, Fellow Solutions Consultant, Quickbase | As we look back on 2023, for a lot of businesses across every industry, it was the year of artificial intelligence (AI). Here we take a closer look at the areas where AI can make a difference in streamlining project management, bridging the gaps between field and the office, and boosting productivity by reducing unnecessary overhead.
Written by: Bart Ronan, CEO, Trux | Many construction business owners are now looking at how they can incorporate new software as a service (SaaS) solutions for greater efficiency. The key to successful technology implementation is understanding the needs of your business and carefully evaluating solutions that can meet your current demands and scale with you.
Written by: Greg Norris, Director of Marketing Communications, B2W Software | “Slow” and “clunky” are adjectives Jeff Sparkowich used to describe estimating with spreadsheets. The estimator at New Hampshire dismantling and sitework contractor S.J. Cantwell says switching to specialized software cut his estimating time in half and increased estimating accuracy by 30%.
Written by: Mitchell Rose, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Corporate Segment, Billtrust | The construction industry has been built on longstanding buyer and supplier relationships formed over years — in some cases, spanning generations — which, in many ways, have become the lifeblood of the industry. However, in today’s complex environment, it’s crucial that construction business owners don’t let this tradition keep them from doing what it takes to succeed.
Written by: Peter C. Sheridan, Chair, Glaser Weil’s Construction Law Practice Group | Mark Twain said that “good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions.” Aesop warns “be careful what you wish for….” But is there a good decision to be made now to employ robots on your next project?
Written by: InEight Blog | The following is a helpful checklist of seven of the more critical capabilities you’ll want to have for your best project outcomes. Though some may seem like no-brainers at first as they’re fairly common in most contract software, you’ll want to pay close attention to all seven of them when you’re working with large capital projects.
Written by: Jason Dunnam, Vice President of Construction, EMJ Construction | I get it when construction workers worry about how they’ll make a living in the future, and whether machines will take their jobs. Regardless of where you stand on this topic, one thing is for certain: The commercial construction industry is quickly moving to the next stage of AI development. It may not be as catastrophic as some people believe.
Written by: César Flores-Rodríguez, Chief Division Officer of Planning & Design, Nemetschek Group | The architecture, engineering, construction, and operations industry has experienced tremendous transformations over the past decade, and advances made in digital-twin technology is part of that. A digital twin in the AEC/O industry is a virtual replica of all associated physical buildings, technologies, systems, equipment, and sensors.
Written by: Samantha Rookey, Solution Engineer, InEight, Inc. | Change is hard. This is something that most people, no matter their field of expertise, can agree upon. Giving up a common practice or a familiar way of working is not taken lightly or given up easily. But lately, it seems like resistance to change has been magnified even further in the construction industry as upgraded and new technology floods the market.
Written by: Jeff Quantrill, Head of PMO for EMEA with InEight | While the concept of “smart cities” may not be particularly new, the capability to deliver at scale and in a way that truly impacts citizens and communities has only been with us for a few years. Let’s look at how addition and multiplication can lead to real power and where today’s building information modeling (BIM) can play an important part.
Written by: Aaron Henderson, Director of Enterprise Sales, Stack Construction Technologies | In construction, each project comes with its own set of challenges, but with careful planning and management, many disruptions can be avoided. There are many stakeholders involved in construction projects, and each role depends on the others for success, so anticipating issues is essential to both sides of the bidding process. Most importantly, financial risk can be avoided in the preconstruction phase with a solid process and effective tools.
Written by: Prasoon Shrivastava, Founder and CEO, Zepth | The construction industry is seeing a massive boom in technological advancements. Over the coming months and years, the construction industry will continue to see a rise in technologies such as project management tools, data analysis, BIM, and robotics, as well as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. Each new technology that the industry adopts provides unquestionable benefits, from safety to efficiency to quality control.
Written by: Mike Perozek, Technology Sales and Customer Success Leader, Aclaimant | Over the past several years, the pace of digital transformation in construction has accelerated sharply. Indeed, digital transformation in construction is overdue.While there are a variety of reasons why construction productivity has lagged other industries, technology adoption is a big one.
Written by: Sergio Aranda and Marty Turner (CMAA Emerging Technologies Committee Initiative) | Television programming abounds with commercials promoting the virtues of Business Intelligence (BI). You have all seen the ads telling of “a new way to work.” Sounds great, but were you left wondering if Business Intelligence was really needed in the world of construction management or if the promises of mining Big Data had any useful applications in helping you run your project, your region, or your business operations?
Written by: A.D. Thompson for Constructor Magazine | On the jobsite, some of the best tech talks mostly to each other — drones that track progress on builds, and bulldozer blades that move with GPS-based coordinates. They operate on one platform. They share information with each other and key human team members. And all of it moves the construction industry down the field toward optimal efficiency.
Bob Prieto, FCMAA, Chairman & CEO, Strategic Program Management LLC | The engineering and construction (E&C) industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements. Many of these advancements have been developed, are well-documented, and have been successfully adopted in other industries. Early adoption in the E&C industry has largely occurred when owners required a particular technology to be adopted. Despite development in analogous applications in other industries, the E&C industry lags others in technology deployment and innovation.
Written by: Raymond Volpatt, President, Volpatt Construction | Safety is a number one priority, and the team is always exploring new ways to drive home OSHA compliance while ensuring the safest workplace possible. As an industry, however, there is still a lot of work to do when it comes to using technology and data to prevent work-related injuries.
Written by: RedTeam Builder Blog Editors | Are you looking for a way to streamline your construction management processes in the field? With jobsite management software, you can do just that. Explore the benefits of using software for the jobsite, key considerations when choosing one, and how it can improve efficiency.
Written by: InEight Blog Editors | As our industry continues its adoption of technology to improve project management, advanced technologies such as augmented reality are also seeing an uptick in serious investment. In fact, while this investment may have been in a decades-long infancy in the construction sphere, it’s now in the middle of a full-on growth spurt, following in the footsteps of, and even enhancing its increasingly popular cousin, building information modeling (BIM).
Written by: Frank Weiss, Senior Director of New Products, BIM, and innovation at Oracle Construction and Engineering | The engineering and construction sector increasingly has incorporated Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a crucial component of project delivery. As such, it’s important for organizations to comply with BIM standards and certifications during the software selection and procurement, both to help mitigate project risk and to save time and money.
Written by: Mike Haley, Vice President, Autodesk | Design is quickly evolving, thanks in part to technologies like generative design and generative AI. As trust in AI-based processes increases, the benefits follow: better iterations to choose from, faster time from design to production, and better outcomes. In the coming decade, generative design and generative AI will help analyze, automate, and augment design work, leaving humans to do what they do best: create.
Written by: Paul Buckley, Senior Technical Advisor, Anser Advisory | Technology is one of the topics discussed in CMAA’s Professional Construction Management (PCM) Course, of which I am an instructor. In previous years, the course focused primarily on Building Information Modeling (BIM), but now focuses on the overall transition to technology in the construction management industry, the role of construction managers (CMs), and the use of technology in each project phase.
Written by: Mike Paul, Managing Director of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa operations, InEight | Lately, the topic of project controls software arises whenever I attend a conference, trade show, or interactive webinar with stakeholders from the construction sector. One question is consistent: How quickly can they can be live in the platform?
Written by: Joel Honeyman, Vice President of Global Innovation, Doosan Bobcat North America | It’s no secret that emerging technologies have improved the compact equipment industry. But what’s next? Ultimately, business owners and contractors will have a variety of choices for which types of solutions they incorporate into their operations, and at what time they do so.
Written by: Garrett Miller, CCM, Executive Director of Construction and Program Management, Huckabee, Inc. | The construction industry today is dealing with numerous challenges that hinder its efficiency and productivity. Among these challenges are persistent manpower shortages, increasing project complexity due to design and code compliance, and frequent delays leading to significant cost overruns. AI offers various tools to tackle specific problems in the construction industry, making its early adoption essential for overcoming current challenges and ensuring future success.
Written by: Rob Bryant, Executive Vice President, InEight | In today’s digital-first market, data has quickly become more important than even dollars. Data informs decisions, helps us be more productive and efficient, and shapes how we spend our money. Without good data, stakeholders are grasping in the dark — and in an increasingly complex and demanding environment, that’s not just frustrating, but dangerous.
Written by: Monica Martinez, Project Manager, Skanska USA Building | Revolutionary technologies allow construction firms to improve process and operational strategies, and there is no shortage of revolutionary tech in today’s construction market. Amid game-changers such as 360-degree cameras, laser scanning, BIM coordination, VR, AI, and even more, thermal imaging stands out as a versatile tool with multifaceted applications.
Written by: Rachel Blair Winkler, Vice President and Category General Manager, Trimble Viewpoint | In order to retain current clients and employees and attract the next generation of talent, the industry must be open and interested in incorporating technology into business workflows, which is why connected, cloud-based suites of construction management software are increasingly adopted by contractors.
Written by: Collin Couey, Senior Content Writer, Software Advice | Businesses in the construction industry are increasingly embracing software to boost the efficiency of their operations, which, in turn, allows them to take on more jobs and increase their profits. Software tools such as construction management and project management solutions benefit your construction firm in three ways.
Written by: Miranda O’Bryan, Guest Contributor to Software Advice | In construction, there’s a lot to juggle. Whether you’re on the hunt for construction management or project management solutions to keep you organized and efficient, your construction business can benefit from software tools in three ways: increased productivity, better project supervision, and improved customer experience.
Written by: Karuna Ammireddy, Senior Director of Research and Development, Autodesk Construction Solutions | Construction firms have increasingly been breaking free of the “way it’s always been done” mentality by embracing new technology. And technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning bring unique opportunities to the construction industry.
Written by: Mike Merrill, Co-Founder & COO, WorkMax by AboutTime Technologies | Job costing can make or break a construction company’s profitability. To stay competitive, build client trust, and safeguard a company’s bottom line, decision makers must identify the precise costs of labor, materials, and overhead. The key to calculating the true cost of projects is timely and accurate data.
Written by: Toby Cox, Freelance Writer, Software Advice | If you’re a small construction business owner, perhaps you struggle to manage and monitor remote sites. You might have even considered investing in drone technology to help with this, but you want to make sure it will pay off before you invest.
Written by: InEight Blog Writers | When it comes to digitalization in construction, we often hear of it being divided into two perspectives: those who are proactive in their transition to tech-based tools and practices, and those who outright fear or are resistant to change of any kind, regardless of the benefits. But it’s not quite so black and white. There’s a gray area along this digital change management continuum where you’ll find two other scenarios.
Written by: InEight Behind the Build Blog Editors | When it comes to digitalization in construction, we often hear of it being divided into two perspectives: those who are proactive in their transition to tech-based tools and practices, and those who outright fear or are resistant to change of any kind, regardless of the benefits. But it’s not quite so black and white.
Written by: Ron May, Retired Executive, DTE Energy, and a Member of NAC | This article is written from a perspective of the connection of current events in social activity stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the phenomena of large-scale retirements. How these two intersect is explored in order to further push the construction industry toward innovation. The higher cost of labor, the shortage of skilled trades, supply chain disruptions, and safety concerns make the search for new methods and tools urgently important.
Written by: Navigant Construction Forum | Technology has transformed the world radically over the last decades. Computers, the internet, the internet of things (“IoT”), solar and wind power generation, and much more have made substantive changes in our personal and professional lives, as well as in the overall economy. Likewise, there have been a number of technology changes impacting construction.
Written by: Eric Malouff, CEO and Founder, TimeSuite Software | Software selection can be a daunting task, whether it’s for accounting, project management, scheduling, estimating, timecard capture, contact management, or another process. Software becomes part of your infrastructure. Business is about doing better than the competition. Quality, efficiency, customer service, and other processes are impacted by software.
Written by: Aaron Cohen, Estimate Project Director, InEight | How can companies successfully grow their businesses without being limited to the few experts within the company who possess most of a firm’s institutional knowledge? I believe success will ultimately require a paradigm shift in what we expect from the people we attract and hire into the ranks of our companies.
Written by: Zach Mortice, Architectural Journalist, Redshift by Autodesk | Artificial Intelligence (AI) in architecture is becoming a pervasive, powerful tool — it’s also a technology that finds itself at an awkward, intermediate stage of development. AI can solve simple, practical problems, like how to arrange a floor plan, with unmatched speed and variation.
Written by: Rory San Miguel, CEO and Co-Founder, Propeller Aero | Worksites are very complex, and many factors go into creating a safe space. Following suit, innovative operators are looking at advanced technologies to boost onsite safety, including drone data visualization, which involves flying a drone over a site to capture a highly accurate 3D model of current conditions in close to real time. Using drones can’t solve every problem, but it can help not only protect workers but also encourage new ones to join your team.
Written by: Jon Fingland, General Manager, Collaboration Solutions, Trimble Buildings’ General Contractor/Construction | It’s no secret that the digital transformation in construction is already underway. In fact, it’s estimated that full-scale digitization in nonresidential construction could lead to annual cost savings of $700 billion to $1.2 trillion within the next 10 years.
Written by: Ryan Bender, Junior Product Owner, Stack Construction Technologies | Artificial intelligence (AI) is leading the conversation across the construction industry. As contractors seek new ways to improve efficiency and productivity in estimating, they’re turning to automated processes that eliminate the need for time-consuming, manual work.
Written by: Joe Bousquin, Senior Editor, Construction Dive | Ask ChatGPT to write a design-bid-build contract for a 600-unit, mixed-use project in San Jose, California, and it will spit one out for you. In response to a prompt from Construction Dive, OpenAI’s generative artificial intelligence bot produced a document that included a scope of work, payment terms, a clause for termination, and sections on indemnification, insurance, and change orders, among other terms of legal art specific to construction. But that doesn't mean you should use it on your next project.
Written by: Natalie Takacs, Product Manager for Connected Analytics reporting products, InEight | The world seems to turn faster around us every day. As a result, many construction companies are aggressively seeking ways to gain better efficiencies in an effort to save time and money. One way of accomplishing these goals is by adopting an integrated construction platform.
Written by: Dale Dutton, Virtual Design and Construction Product Engagement and Project Delivery, InEight | As a construction professional, you know there are certain steps to close-out and turnover of a project, from a project team to an operations team. Many challenges can make turnover a grueling event, for you as an owner and for your contractor. Requiring a digital twin at turnover can help.
Written by: Chris Wood, Writer, Construction Dive | Henning Roedel thinks questions about artificial intelligence (AI) taking away jobs in construction miss the point. “We don’t think about how to reduce our staff size, because we have enough backlog and work ahead of us that we need more people,” said Roedel, Robotics Lead for the Innovation Team at Redwood City, California-based DPR Construction. “You need to flip the displacement question around because we currently don’t have enough people in our industry to meet the construction needs of society as it is.”
Written by: Carolyn Crist, Freelance Journalist for HR Dive | Robotics in the workplace may be able to reduce injuries and improve safety across a variety of industries, according to a recent report from the National Safety Council. Overall, U.S. workplace fatality rates haven’t changed much in the past three decades, despite efforts to reduce injury and death. However, newer technologies may be able to help.
Transportation
Written by: Iraj Ghaemi, Vice President of National Transportation, Suffolk, and former member of the CMAA Board of Directors | Aviation is a resilient industry, and demand for travel appears to be moving in a positive direction. As we look to the future of American airports, contractors must rethink the way they build and design to meet today’s new realities and expectations.
Written by: Dr. Shane Boone, Senior Vice President, BDI, and Ricky Morgan, President, FlawTech America | Mountains of rubble replacing neighborhood homes and large pools of standing water left over from waist-high flooding characterize the landscape of communities following devastating hurricanes. After standing water recedes and debris is cleared, an initial step of emergency workers undertaking hurricane-recovery efforts is to assess and open critical infrastructure.
Written by: Leda Christopher, AIA, Assistant Project Manager, Cumming Group | As a transportation professional deeply involved in San Francisco’s transit developments, I’m excited to help those attending CMAA2024 in San Francisco, or those just visiting, navigate the city with ease. San Francisco is renowned for its unique blend of historic charm and cutting-edge innovation, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its diverse transportation options.
Interview with: Gail Lewis, Principal Consultant, HDR Advisory Services Group | P3 partnerships work well when private sector technology and innovation combine with public sector incentives to deliver much needed infrastructure improvements on time, within budget, and with quality at the forefront. As public entities examine and apply this approach, many see more and more situations where it makes sense.
Written by: Michael Roberts, Structural Engineer, as part of the HDR Experts Talk interview series | Parametric bridge design is becoming more advanced and is as profoundly different from traditional design as CAD is from drafting with ink on vellum. It forms the critical groundwork needed to support digital design’s transition to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Written by: Tyler Mlakar, University of Arkansas School of Law | Arkansas provides the outdoor enthusiast with a gamut of recreational opportunities. Unfortunately, climate change has the potential to upend all of it. Climate change is a by-product of greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, which are produced by a number of human activities such as energy production, construction, transportation, and agriculture. Highway construction adds significantly to this carbon footprint, as it accounts for approximately 13% of the construction industry’s CO2 emissions in the United States.
Written by: Bart Ronan, CEO, Trux | With the passage of the historic infrastructure bill, $1.2 trillion will now be leveraged for much-needed improvements nationwide. While specifics are still being debated on how states will fund which projects, it’s an opportunity for the industry to reflect: What valuable lessons can we learn from major infrastructure projects over the last century?
Vertical Construction
Written by: Bob Prieto, National Academy of Construction member | Modularization and preassembly are construction techniques in which all or part of sections or facilities are prefabricated or assembled in one location and then transported to the site. Stick-built is a term that refers to a facility being constructed totally at the project site. Modularization and preassembly are one strategy often employed as part of LEAP.
Written by: Zach Mortice, Architectural Journalist | Steel is among the most versatile structural systems, used in many large commercial, institutional, industrial, public, and residential buildings. It’s especially useful for sports stadiums, factories, large-scale agricultural buildings, and warehouses—any building type that requires rugged, durable construction over a large square footage.
Water/Wastewater
Written by: Randy Bowersox, PE, Hydropower Market Executive, Gannett Fleming | There are many forms of energy, each with its advantages and disadvantages. From water power to solar energy, every option has nuances related to installation, maintenance, and life cycle cost. Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is energy harnessed by moving water.
Written by: Dr. Carolina Venegas Martinez, Senior Strategy Manager, Water Industry, Autodesk | “California Water Wars” might sound like a new reality show for 2023, but in fact, this conflict took place more than 100 years ago, when William Mulholland built the California aqueduct and diverted water from the Owens Valley straight to Los Angeles, leaving the eastern region of the state barren. The unscrupulous tactics — which inspired the 1974 film masterpiece Chinatown — shined a harsh light on the ongoing need for better water management.
Workforce/Productivity/Performance
Written by: Kyle Schmoyer, Contributing Writer, and Kris Corbett, Director, both with Atlas Injury Prevention Solutions | There is a stigma attached to mental health in the United States. Misrepresentation in entertainment and the media has created a general misunderstanding, fear, and negative perception of those battling mental health issues. As a result, those affected are often afraid to tell even their closest friends and family.
Written by: Paul Robinson, Founder, ConstructReach | Several years ago, the construction industry was faced with a looming concern: the overwhelming number of workers set to retire over the next decade. A study conducted in 2019 determined that 41% of the construction workforce at the time was expected to retire by 2031. This concern has shifted from a future thought to today’s reality, as a large portion of retirement-age workers have begun to leave their jobs.
Written by: Jarin Schmidt, Chief Experience Officer, Credly | Attracting new workers, while also retaining the talent already within an organization, is top-of-mind for the construction industry, as well as nearly every other industry across sectors. The most recent numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show 384,000 job openings and 327,000 separations in the construction sector in January of 2022. In Q4 last year, 62% of contractors reported high levels of difficulty finding skilled workers. That’s 20 points higher than a year before.
Written by: Samantha Stephenson, Training Program Manager, Arcoro | Over the past decade, the construction industry has expanded its workforce by tapping into new segments of workers to find much needed talent. Despite the progress, minority groups remain underrepresented in the industry. This is where the work of traditional diversity programs has mostly focused. Overcoming issues related to gender, race, and ethnicity continues to be a priority, but there’s more work to be done.
Written by: Lauren Lazar, Director of Program Management, Pivot Onsite Innovations | While there’s been growing investment in infrastructure and construction jobs in recent years, a labor shortage continues to plague the construction industry. An estimated 546,000 additional workers are needed on top of the normal pace for hiring to meet the demand for construction labor in 2023, according to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | A career path is a long-term plan that includes a series of stops or milestones along one’s career. The stops include jobs, experiences, and learning. A career path is simply a diagram that shows the progression from engineer to business development and the job experiences and learning required at each milestone to succeed.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | A mid-sized construction management firm invested a good deal of resources in preparing their up-and-coming Project Managers (PMs) to pass their exams and certifications. Eighteen individuals were in the “up-and-coming” group. A curriculum, monthly meetings, annual conferences, mentorships, and site visits were part of the three-year process invested in these individuals. At the end of the three years…more than half left the company.
Written by: Keyan Zandy, Chief Operating Officer, Skiles Group | The construction industry is quickly evolving — technologies develop, delivery methods transform and the pace with which we are expected to work is rapidly increasing. The skill set superintendents needed to be successful a decade ago is very different today.
Written by: Mary Salmonsen, Reporter, Construction Dive | A residential building group has released a list of ideas for combating construction’s long-running labor shortage, including hiring more women, providing more education and training for minority groups, and changing perceptions of careers in construction.
Written by: Zachary Phillips, Associate Editor, Construction Dive | Many don't remember a time when there wasn’t a “Help Wanted” sign on most jobsites.Today, the issue is widespread: 92% of contractors have reported difficulty finding construction workers and of those, 42% said they have turned down work because of it, according to the most recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index.
Written by: Joseph W. (Joe) Martinelli, Charter Member, National Academy of Construction | This article defines the Continuous Performance Improvement Processes (CPIPs) and is complemented by a series of articles that provide flowcharts for each of the various processes employed as part of a Plan-Do-Check-Act approach.
Written by: Grant Robbins, Co-Founder and CMO, Billy | The commercial construction industry must rely on skilled labor to survive. Skilled labor, however, is hard to come by. In fact, many construction firms report projects being delayed because of shortages in the workforce. Part of the problem is training. Few companies have the time, resources, or opportunities to train new construction workers.
Written by: Brent Darnell, Owner and President, Brent Darnell International | The following is based on an article by Dr. Jane Bozarth. She did a thorough review of the current research and articles (a study of data) to find out what works and what doesn’t regarding diversity and inclusion (D&I) training. Her measure of the effectiveness of D&I training was simple: Did the training efforts increase minority and women participation in the company?
Written by: Brent Darnell, Owner and President, Brent Darnell International | Of the women coming into the AEC industry, many leave within five to eight years. According to Harvard Business Review research in 2008, the main reasons women leave engineering are “hostile, macho cultures, isolation, mysterious career paths, systems linking reward to risk, and extreme work pressures.” Clearly, the profession is not attractive to many young women choosing college majors.
Written by: Dennis Milsten, CCM, Director of Federal Programs, SIRIS | Embarking on a career in the built environment presents individuals with a spectrum of opportunities, and the decision between becoming a Certified Construction Manager® (CCM®) or a Professional Engineer (PE) involves careful consideration of personal inclinations, career goals, and the desired impact on the construction industry.
Donna Laquidara-Carr, Ph.D., Industry Insights Research Director, Dodge Data & Analytics | The construction industry struggles with one of the highest suicide rates of any profession in the U.S., leading to a shift in how companies approach the mental health of their workers. New data from Dodge Construction Network’s Civil Quarterly reveals that civil contractors are beginning to take the issues of mental health, company culture, and substance use seriously. However, the industry will still need to put more in place to fully address this issue.
Written by: Bob Prieto, FCMAA, National Academy of Construction Member | Productivity is a measure of efficiency in completing a task. As it is measured, there must be some assurance that what is getting done are the essential elements of a project, those activities along its critical path. While industry practice is often a measurement of overall project productivity, true productivity is associated with activities along the critical path and in complex projects, near critical path activities.
Written by: Amanda Hahn, CMO, HireVue | The demand for qualified workers in the construction industry is at an all-time high. The United States is more than three million homes short of the demand from would-be homebuyers and there’s ample opportunity for government contracting with the passing of the Infrastructure Bill this year. To address the labor shortage, companies in the construction industry need to rethink how they hire.
Written by: Donald Meeker, President, Summit Safety | Old Man Winter is right around the corner and with him comes dropping temperatures and frigid winds. Any contractor who is called upon to press on in the face of adverse winter conditions should know the importance of listening to your body when it’s trying to communicate to you that it is cold.
Written by: Maggie Murphy, Managing Editor, Construction Executive | Six-hundred fifty thousand. That’s the number of skilled trades workers the construction industry needs to hire just to keep up with the current backlog. This exclusive interview sheds light on what Gen Z wants in a career, how and where to reach the incoming workforce, and what proactive steps construction companies can take today to secure the skilled workforce they’ll need to complete tomorrow’s projects.
Written by: Rose Morrison, Freelance Writer | The world is more dependent on the construction industry than ever. The problem is the industry is only as productive as the size of its workforce. Despite offering abundant career opportunities and having a rosy job outlook, the construction sector is losing more people than it attracts. This labor shortage has plagued design-build firms and general contractors for a while. What’s going on? What can policymakers do to rebuild the construction talent pool?
Written by: Jenna Williams, CCM, Regional Director – Western Region, Office of Design and Construction, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plays a critical role in providing comprehensive healthcare, benefits, and support to millions of veterans across the United States. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of any organization striving to create a supportive and welcoming environment for its employees and clients. Within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), these principles are especially critical given the diverse
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | If 2022 is the year you start to focus on developing the future-leaders of your organization through professional development, here are some recommendations for the order in which you should invest.
Written by: Masai Lawson, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition & Inclusion, Gannett Fleming | Have you ever been excluded from something? Marginalization results from discrimination and occurs when a person or group is denied or less able to access opportunities, spaces, or services. Not being included can be crushing and inhibiting on a personal level. Still, marginalization in the workplace can negatively impact company culture and lead to long-term employee engagement and retention issues.
Written by: Lauren Weinbaum, President and Founder, Weinbaum Management Group | Today’s workforce is more complex than ever. For the first time in history, the workforce consists of employees from four very different age groups: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. With these groups, it’s possible to have a more than 50-year age gap between employees. The construction industry — like many other industries — is no stranger to this multigenerational workforce.
Written by: Matt Verderamo, Consultant, Well Built Construction Consulting | One of the great things about construction is that it is an apprenticeship- and mentorship-based industry. The people with the experience take the next generation under their wing and show them the ropes. But it’s also common for someone in their 20s, 30s, or 40s to run a jobsite, department, or company, while the most experienced people are in a key support role. So, if you fall into that 20s-to-40s bucket, it’s really important that you understand how to navigate relationships with your older, more experienced co
Written by: Gregg M. Schoppman, Consultant, FMI Corporation | Ask any construction leader what they think the most common reason for employee flight is and you will hear a common refrain: money. Between being amid an employee-driven market and within an industry that historically has landed in the lower tiers of attractiveness among younger entry-level workers, it is easy to see how leaders might garner this impression.
Written by: Brian Poage, Senior Solution Sales Manager, Raken | As one of the oldest and most established trades, the construction industry employs a large and diverse workforce. You can find contractors from nearly any age group on the jobsite. While construction companies greatly benefit from the different skills and experiences a multigenerational staff brings to the table, it can be difficult to effectively meet their unique needs and expectations.
Written by: Marge Hart, Vice President of Product Management, Newforma | Reports about the underrepresentation of women in the construction industry are all too familiar. Only a small percentage of jobs in construction are held by women. There may be misconceptions about the number and kinds of opportunities available for women in construction technology.
Written by: Brent Darnell, Owner and President, Brent Darnell International | With the emergence from the pandemic and a continuing crisis with workforce development on every level, the old issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion is reaching a tipping point. I would also add the concept of belonging to this list. It’s high time that we create a culture where folks are clamoring to be a part of this amazing industry.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, total job openings in the construction industry are the highest they have been since 2001. If you are a construction industry leader, it behooves you to plan for these vacancies today so that your business is not negatively (or permanently) impacted. One way to be proactive is to look for leadership aptitude in the new-hires you are interviewing today.
Written by: Kimmie Guthrie, Director of Training, ThompsonGas | Employees’ desire for a more robust work experience continues to increase post-pandemic. As employees are looking to future-proof their careers, they’re seeking opportunities to build deeper connections with others, be part of the bigger vision, and maintain autonomy while mastering new skills and developing their passions. As companies strive to remain competitive, investing in continuous learning and giving employees a chance to grow through stretch assignments has emerged as a game-changing strategy.
Written by: Jill Tietjen, member of the National Academy of Construction since 2022 | You can be successful in your life and career. These steps will help propel you: just do it, believe in yourself and your ideas, communicate, value each person and their ideas, have high expectations, love and serve others, and remember to say thank you.
Written by: Laurie Cure, Founder and CEO, Innovative Connections | Over the past five years, labor shortages have continued to put pressure on the construction industry as employers seek to recruit and retain high-quality talent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the overall growth in the labor market for construction is expected to grow around 4% in the next decade, there were still more than 440,000 job openings reported early last year in the industry, the highest in recorded history.
Written by: Zachary Phillips, Editor, Construction Dive | It’s no surprise that in-person construction continued through the pandemic. Nevertheless, the pandemic did provide a wake-up call, or at least an opportunity, for contractors to think differently about their offices, project planning, and time management. That new mindset is likely to continue in the post-pandemic world, as many U.S. builders have already adapted different schedules, new technology and hiring practices in line with a hybrid work model.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | You’ve heard it enough in the last few years: The newest generation to enter the workforce (Gen Z; defined by Pew Research Center as those born between 1997 - 2012) is upon us and they have their own way of thinking and doing things. The good news is, this generation is motivated, driven, creative, pragmatic, tech-savvy, innovative, and entrepreneurial-minded.
Written by: Phil Ogilby, CEO, Stack Construction Technologies | Employees are the backbone of every company, no matter what industry they are in. In the construction industry, recruiting is more important now than ever before. That’s where technology begins to play a major role in the modern workforce. With the workforce changing and skewing toward younger generations, the desire for technology could provide the basis for an individual’s interest in joining your company.
Written by: Adam E. Richards, Partner, Berger Singerman | South Florida, and in particular, Miami-Dade County, has experienced a construction boom in the last decade that rivals that of any other big city nationally. The explosion of development has not slowed down and may actually be picking up, not only in terms of units but in terms of scope as well.
Written by: Greg Belpomme, Construction Partner, Heron Wolf | Engaging with a majority of construction companies across the U.S. reveals a common theme - the perpetual need for skilled professionals. From the long-standing need for estimators to licensed professional engineers amid a surge in design-build projects to project managers well-versed in state building regulations, the demand for specialized talent is palpable.
Written by: John Manzella, Speaker, Author, Columnist, The Manzella Report | If you can’t find construction workers, you’re not alone. At each keynote speech I give, I ask the audience to raise their hands if it’s difficult to hire new employees and then retain them. Just about everyone raises their hand. What can companies do to attract more workers and retain them longer? Here are nine strategies.
Written by: A.D. Thompson for Constructor Magazine | For most of the history of the construction industry, says Cal Beyer, the topic of mental health has been taboo. Addressing things like depression and substance misuse were nonstarters. These days, however, things are trending positive. Companies across the spectrum have been stepping up to address and de-stigmatize mental health among construction workers, addressing not only the industry’s high rates of suicide — but its contributing factors.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | The first 90 days of the onboarding process are critical because that is often the time period in which the new hire chooses to stay or cut their losses and leave. Given the amount of time and effort you and your organization put into recruiting, interviewing, vetting, and hiring new employees, it’s a huge loss. It’s wise to put in a little bit extra effort to ensure that the new hire’s first 90 days go smoothly.
Written by: Cal Beyer, Vice President of Workforce Risk and Worker Wellbeing, CSDZ | After leading hundreds of live and virtual presentations and group conversations on mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention in the workplace, several recurring barriers have been identified that limit leaders and organizations from addressing these topics.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | Spring seems to be the season for performance appraisals. For decades now employees have been afraid of them and managers dread doing them. The problem is: most performance appraisals look backwards. If you structure the conversation to look forward you create a mutually gratifying conversation for both leader and employee.
Written by: Rose Morrison, Freelance Writer | Being a construction project manager today is a roller coaster, especially if your company is suffering from the labor shortage affecting the nation. It can be disheartening because construction work is always needed, and there is something for everyone. Since you can’t force people to enter a vital and rewarding industry, it’s essential to focus on what you can control. Here’s what to know about the labor shortage, managing projects with fewer workers, and how to attract new ones.
In 2022, CMAA convened a diverse panel of 14 program and construction management leaders to discuss workforce recruitment and retention to overcome the current and ongoing talent shortage. The group concluded that if the industry creates a greater understanding of program and construction management and its impact on communities, more defined, diverse, and attractive career paths, and a more supportive, equitable, and performance-based work culture, it will have positive effects on both attracting and retaining talent.
In 2023, CMAA hosted two symposia to review the lessons learned from the 2022 “Prologue” discussion on the talent shortage in the program and construction management industry, examine the industry’s progress, and provide additional recommendations. The symposia were collaborative discussions that focused on two of the Prologue’s main themes: “Workforce Development” and “Inclusive Work Environments.”
Written by: Shane McKenzie, Director-Veterans Program, and Sean Perseo, Ambassador-Outreach Programs, Sunbelt Rentals | Reentering civilian life after serving in the military can be extremely difficult for veterans, especially when it comes to finding meaningful, long-term employment. The goal is to align the knowledge, skills, and abilities developed during military service to work in the most significant way.
Written by: Dennis Milsten, CCM, Director of Federal Programs, SIRIS | The term “construction professional” typically refers to occupations requiring a college degree or certification, including engineers, architects, and construction managers. This traditional division has historically undervalued the expertise of tradespeople, contributing to a skewed understanding of the workforce. Given today’s highly segmented and specialized construction industry, it is important to recognize that many tradespeople possess skills and professionalism equal to their counterparts in supervisory or design
Written by: Tony DiSilvestro, Founder, Ynot Enterprises | 2023 was the year of the labor shortage for the construction industry, caused and continued by a multitude of factors, including early retirements and low levels of younger generation workers who possess the skills to fill the employment gaps. That’s why implementing a systemized, ongoing training process is crucial in 2024.
Written by: Brent Darnell, Owner and President, Brent Darnell International | The construction industry has always been stressful, but according to a recent global study compiled by the International Metal Worker’s Federation, stress and burnout are on the rise around the world. Our workers are being asked to do more with less. The physical, emotional, and mental demands are tremendous. What can be done?
Written by: Jen A. Miller for Construction Dive | As the construction industry continues to trudge through a historic and long-standing labor shortage, contractors are trying to find qualified job candidates every way they can. But relying on traditional methods, especially when it comes to technology for identifying potential employees, can fall flat.
Written by: Michel Richer, Content Marketing Manager, Bridgit | The skilled labor shortage in construction has been top of mind for the industry since the Great Recession, but the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and the upcoming slew of retiring baby boomers has contractors’ concerns at an all-time high. There are, however, technological and software solutions that can help contractors.
Written by: Brett Addis, Director, Moss Adams | The current construction industry outlook indicates that challenges with workforce supply and demand will continue well into the future. Businesses can help weather these ongoing challenges by gaining a clear understanding of critical issues and strategies on top of current recruitment and retention efforts that can position them for ongoing success.
Written by: Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer, Compass Datacenters | The most powerful form of mentorship is bidirectional, where senior and junior colleagues come together to provide valuable counsel to one another through their differing perspectives, complementary skills, and collective insights. In this scenario, the young professional benefits from hard-earned insights and advice, while the experienced professional benefits from new perspectives that help strengthen problem-solving, strategizing, communication, and leadership.
As part of its commitment to developing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce, CMAA conducted two salary surveys of emailable CMAA members, credential holders, and non-members in May 2018 and December 2021-January 2022. The purpose of this research was to gather compensation and benefits information among those employed full-time in the construction industry. This document summarizes some significant differences between the results from each study which CMAA believes will be of interest to the industry.
Written by: Chad Halvorson, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Advisor, When I Work | According to a recent survey of managers in construction and similar industries, more than a third of construction managers said technology, like smartphones and tablets, would help speed up the onboarding process. But a mere 16% of construction companies are using this technology currently.
Written by: Susan Stewart, CCM, Senior Project Manager, Parsons | The COVID-19 pandemic changed our world dramatically on a lot of levels, and we’re still adjusting. The rules tend to blur, sometimes week to week. How do you plan for your future when there are so many factors out of your control in the world and in society?
Written by: Zachary Phillips, Editor, Construction Dive | Construction needs to find more workers, and there are no easy-to-fill jobs in the industry. The number of workers in construction has failed to meet the high demand. Fewer new workers have joined the industry, and retention has remained low as experienced workers retire.
Written by: Rachel E. O’Connell, Assistant Editor, Construction Executive | By the end of 2021, the construction industry had 430,000 unfilled positions — and the situation isn’t looking any better for the foreseeable future. Construction Executive talked to leaders across the industry about the challenges of the talent shortage and how construction can evolve to overcome them.
Written by: Tim Taylor, PE, Ph.D., Director of Research, National Center for Construction Education and Research | We need more of the right people for the construction industry to keep pace with project demand. Statistics show that for every four people leaving the industry, only one enters. But keeping up is not just about numbers.
Written by: Aaron Calhoon, Director of Operations, Mortenson Denver | We have all seen the stats: The industry needs hundreds of thousands more craft workers to meet demand in the next year alone. One company has been working for a number of years on refining strategies for recruiting, training, and keeping a thriving craft workforce. The result is a 90% overall retention rate and a more diversified workforce than the industry average.
Written by: Nemanja Simic, Content Writer, Bridgit | The labor shortage in construction is nothing new. The pandemic amplified the impact, but contractors have been seeing fewer and fewer recruits even before the housing crisis in 2008. Being proactive and planning your workforce months or years in advance can prevent these problems completely and arm contractors with the foresight to handle constraints before they arise.
Written by: Scott Minto, Business Development Executive, Aerotek | The construction industry has been experiencing labor shortages for some time, but as we enter 2022, the industry is finding obstacles and challenges like never before in hiring and retaining a skilled workforce. As contractors gear up for another year of accelerated growth, 74% of construction firms plan to hire.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor |There has been a lot of chatter in the popular press lately about “upskilling” and “reskilling” your employees for the future. Upskilling involves giving your employees capabilities they didn’t have when they first came to work for you or first filled a role. Reskilling is often necessary because a job becomes obsolete due to advances in technology.
Written by: Masai Lawson, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition and Inclusion, Gannett Fleming | Intersectionality is a concept coined by author, professor, scholar, and civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, which describes how various characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, sexual orientation, age, and disability intersect and impact the experiences of marginalized people and groups.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | The purpose of this article is to clear up a common misconception I hear when speaking with CEOs, COOs, or HR folks in these firms: There is a significant difference between coaching and mentoring. Both approaches can contribute to your employees’ professional development, but not in the same way.
Written by: Dr. Nanette Miner, Leadership Development and Workplace-Learning Strategy Consultant, The Training Doctor | There has been a lot of chatter in both the trade and popular press about how U.S. workers must be reskilled in order for the U.S. to remain competitive in the rapidly changing future.
Written by: Richard Walker, CEO, XL Construction | The future of our industry is in a state of flux. From an increased demand for talent to more focus on cost competitiveness, disruptions are afoot. While analyzing your business model and tightening operating procedures are important, it is even more important to focus on one critical asset: your people.
Written by: Lori J. Drake, Payment Professionals Community Manager, Levelset | While the number of women working in construction has remained consistent for nearly two decades, a recent survey of over 500 women in the industry reveals a largely positive experience. Women represent just 11% of the construction workforce, which means that around 1 million women are working in the industry as of 2021.
Written by: Donna Bahena, Director of Corporate Marketing, Engel Burman | The increasing presence of women in the construction industry is driving change and positively impacting the businesses for which they work. Their influence on the industry will extend far beyond the current day as they are paving the way for future generations of young women to seriously consider a career in construction.
Written by: Ken Simonson, Chief Economist, AGC of America | Contractors are struggling to fill openings, even though many firms have smaller workforces than a year ago, so say respondents to a recent workforce survey. One-third of the more than 2,100 respondents reported their headcount was lower than one year earlier.