2016 JB Construction Technology Report Released

If the Eiffel Tower was constructed without BIM, and the Great Pyramids rose without 3D holographs, then surely there isn’t an actual need to use mobile devices and ever-changing software to build an office building, right?

jbk-construction-technology-report-2016-1Mechanical contractors are not alone in the construction industry in continuing to regard the addition of technology as an expense instead of a value-add. But by not challenging their own point of view, or creating a strategy to incorporate technology, contractors leave themselves vulnerable to ones who will.

JB Technology, the technology-reporting partner of the MCAA and several other organizations, recently released The 5th Annual Construction Technology Report, taking on the goal of surveying, analyzing and reporting on technology usage across the construction industry.

Although the first four years of the survey focused on general contractors’ use of technology, 2016’s survey included a healthy portion of MCAA members, reflecting more of the mechanical contractors’ points of view.

Some of the highlights include:

  • Information Technology (IT) employees positions are low on the hiring list for companies under 100 employees and $50 million in annual sales;
  • Companies reported increased spending in 2015, but backed off in 2016;
  • One of the frustrations throughout the industry is the lack of software compatibility;
  • The industry continues to rely heavily on spreadsheets and manual workflows instead of technology;
  • The value of BIM continues to only be seen as useful as a “large, complex project” tool;
  • Companies need a technology “champion” more than monetary resources to create an innovative company.

 

With the report describing the real struggles of contractors trying to use technology in the field – security concerns, difficulty in determining ROI, incompatibilities – it’s easy to write off progressing in this area, or to call a lack of financial resources the culprit in the ability to invest. But JB Knowledge counters that with this message:

“The most innovative companies in construction don’t necessarily have the biggest budgets, the most experienced IT staff, nor the best solutions – they may be a five-person shop with just one technology champion, who is making all the difference.” [emphasis added]

 

JB Technology offers the full report free of charge on its website: jbknowledge.com. You do not need to be an MCAA member to download the report.