Construction companies would do well to consider new technology and make use of novel training approaches as field work is getting more sophisticated by the minute. The reason? Streamlining and trending apps are pushing processes toward unknown conclusions.
Frontline team engagement is another factor to keep in mind. The frontline has been dealt a critical blow, with more and more people looking for other occupations… courtesy of hybrid work models.
Overall employee experience is poor, with many issues piling up. The first obstacle to solve is frontline management.
As it were, practices in this department fall short of workers’ expectations, and they’re not being spoiled.
The fact that frontline managers lack field experience has been well documented; it’s upon businesses to provide supplemental learning to help the managers change the circumstances.
The next obstacle is workplace digitalization.
Cutting-Edge Tech Is a Double-Edged Sword
Well, it should be obvious that while construction businesses can benefit greatly from process streamlining and digitalization, the scope of the undertaking can be overwhelming for both workers and managers.
With apps purporting to be able to solve anything from accurate job estimations to handling materials, the difficulties of integration become all the more obvious.
Which Software Solutions to Consider?
Picking the right solutions is, as ever, the most difficult step… difficult it may be, but it is crucial nevertheless.
The main goal to keep in mind here is that no matter how helpful certain apps may appear to be, if they’re too complicated to use, ditch them with a clear conscience.
Not to generalize overmuch, we’ll mention a couple of examples: templates for shift handovers, e-tracking software for your construction team, safety training apps, field service automation, inventory management, and predictive analytics may be worth considering.
Predictive Analytics
Starting with one of the most promising trends here on purpose. Predictive analytics uses statistical and modeling techniques to predict future outcomes, which puts it on a whole different level compared to some other alternatives.
Field service procedures have witnessed particular benefits, as data mining, automated machine learning algorithms, deep learning, and AI are quite effective at creating predictive models for even the most demanding of construction processes.
The three predictive analytics techniques are:
- Predictive models
- Descriptive models
- Decision models
All three can make a huge difference in everyday operations for construction businesses, saving time and money in the process.
Safety Training Apps
Construction businesses must prevent workspace injuries at all costs. On top of legal requirements, organizations should be aware of their responsibility and incorporate training programs to help their workers prevent all risks.
Risks and many and multi-faceted, and may include:
- Physical hazards (slips and falls)
- Biological hazards (mold, fungi, insects, animals, bacteria, viruses, poisonous plants, blood, and bodily fluids)
- Chemical hazards (acids, solvents, paints, cleaning products, vapors, acetylene, helium, propane, various gases, flammable materials, pesticides…)
- Ergonomic hazards (improper posture, sitting, heavy lifting…)
Because there are many topics to cover, it’s important to provide concise training as to avoid information overload. Typically, microlearning may serve the purpose, but there are other ideas as well.
Consider the following topics:
- Tool and equipment safety
- Gear and safety measures
- Ground checks (spills and objects that can cause tripping)
- Mechanical assistance for heavy objects
- Emergency exits best practices (keep them accessible and unobstructed)
- Location of first aid kits
- Signage for identifying hazardous areas and materials
- First aid personnel (who to go to in case of an injury)
Thankfully, there are many pre-made learning apps available.
Field Service Automation Apps
Field service automation (FSA) apps can make a huge difference for construction businesses. The first benefit they offer is processed streamlining, which is directly affecting work quality and efficient prioritization.
FSA helps technicians keep track of complex procedures and processes while simultaneously providing clients with necessary updates. Lastly, FSA also keeps track of the workers, job equipment, job orders, checklists, communication, inventory management, collaboration, and workflow routing.
Due to the complexity of each of these apiece, FSA breaks down administrative tasks into smaller tasks.
Real-Time Delivery Tracking
Finally, construction businesses simply need to pay proper attention to real-time delivery tracking. Customers are becoming more demanding with each passing day, thanks to virtualization being omnipresent.
To be fair, shipping is not the most predictable of processes, so businesses can learn a lot about contractors with the help of these apps.
We suggest you move on to additional apps after having considered these basic ones, as the deployment of too many tools at once will only serve to make the workspace hectic. In other words, plan software implementation ahead.
