The construction industry generates a wealth of data. Every bid submitted and every project completed generates data that can help inform future decisions or guide operational direction.
Yet recent research shows that the vast majority of that data is wasted, potentially due to a lack of data-focused tech talent.
Leaders who invest in construction technology integration and hire the personnel to support that can edge ahead of their competitors. Let’s take a look.
Understanding the Construction Data Gap
Construction data helps manage project timelines, budgets, and the quality of finished builds. Data on supply chain challenges, for example, can help constructors determine when to transfer resources from one site to another or when to order ahead of time.
Yet there is a gap between data creation and data utilization. Reports suggest that:
- Construction leaders spend nearly 12 hours a week searching for relevant data.
- As much as 62% of construction data collected isn’t implemented into the decision-making process.
- Firms considered data leaders enjoy a 50% increase in average profit growth rate, but only 20% of construction firms are data leaders.
Research from Deloitte states that data leaders can stand out from the competition via “Data talent that is cultivated and directed across the organization through training relevant to their roles.”
The Role of Technologists in Construction
Technologists can help firms develop construction data solutions. They may analyze existing data, looking for patterns in the most successful bids to suggest improvements. Data managers can eliminate data siloes, updating legacy systems to improve communication and collaboration.
Construction data analytics is a rapidly evolving field. Data analysts assess historical data and current conditions, leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to make informed predictions about project timelines, personnel requirements, resource allocations, and other relevant factors.
The right data experts can help construction firms assess multiple projects and project stages at once, adopting a more agile approach to bidding, client management, and project completion.
Benefits of Integrating Technologists into Construction Teams
Effective construction data management can lead to increased profitability. Decisions made via real-time data insights are more likely to increase operational efficiency and reduce project risks.
Use cases for construction data include:
- Prescriptive analytics: Data-based tools that prescribe different actions to take in multiple situations, such as how to respond to material shortages or construction worker absence.
- Predictive analytics: The analysis of historical data to create forecasts and predictions, such as the ideal time for equipment maintenance or when to bid for certain projects.
- Risk management: Make worksites safer with thorough risk assessments that incorporate data from previous projects.
The right data-skilled personnel can help construction firms work more efficiently and more safely, impressing clients and improving their reputations.
Strategies for Recruiting Technologists in Construction
Adjusting your construction hiring strategy to include technologists requires adaptability and an understanding of the right skill sets and qualifications. Work with specialized recruitment specialists to craft compelling job descriptions that appeal to technologists.
Consider building partnerships with educational institutions to create effective, long-term talent pipelines. And, of course, offer competitive compensation packages while ensuring you can provide meaningful career development opportunities.
Overcoming Challenges in Hiring Technologists
Embracing construction digital transformation is essential, but it’s not without challenges. Construction tech recruiting specialists may have to address cultural differences between traditional construction teams and technologists. Site personnel and managers may not understand the need for tech specialists. Holistic organizational education on the importance of construction data can help here.
Similarly, it can be challenging to ensure that there are open channels of communication between tech personnel and those more closely involved in the practical side of projects. Integrating technologists directly into existing teams can promote better collaboration.
Construction firms also need to consider ways to ensure existing and future tech experts stay upskilled. Regular training and support are essential to keep up with rapidly advancing technology, but also to support effective integration by transforming data specialists into construction tech experts.
Construction Technology Implementation is the Future of Success
From construction data tech specialists to cybersecurity experts, technologists are essential hires for future-forward firms. As construction technology adoption advances, so must hiring practices. Work with talent solutions partners with the experience and knowledge to connect you with candidates who match your company culture and vision — and can help you overcome the ongoing construction talent shortages.
Connect with MRINetwork to find out more.
Connect with MRINetwork