Feeling “Stuck” with Construction Technology

The construction industry has a problem—a technology problem. We see the symptoms in our work every day. The impact is even more acute when companies decide to “just live” with their ConTech issues.

Technology isn’t working for them. It hasn’t worked. In fact, it seems like tech initiatives are making things worse. One step forward, two steps back. And your team? They’re spending more and more time wrestling with the technology—without seeing the improvements they hoped for.

The ConTech Quagmire. Damned if you do. Doomed if you don’t.

I’m Chris Ovens, the CEO and founder of Aedo. I’ve been up close and personal with this ConTech quagmire for a decade. During that time, I’ve made as many messes as we’ve helped clean up—lots of first-hand learning with sharp edges.

Construction Technology “Plan B”

Why are so many construction teams struggling with technology? And more importantly—what can be done about it?

There is a saying: If you are going through hell, keep going.

I’m writing today to share with you our thinking on a different approach. We’ve developed a method to help construction companies through this technology quagmire—a playbook for business improvement that we call “harnessing data.”

It requires looking at the technology problem differently. And it requires the leadership and conviction to “keep going.”

You can’t solve a technology problem with more technology.

It seems obvious when it’s right in front of you. You can’t solve a problem with the same thinking that created it. Too much focus and emphasis on technology outcomes, and you easily lose sight of the real objective: improving the business.

With this understanding, we’re not out pursuing the industry’s next “silver bullet” technology offering.

Instead, we team up with trailblazing construction leaders, extending their teams with on-demand data expertise and leading initiatives that truly move the needle.

It’s about having the vision, clarity, and specificity to improve the business. Then investing in the technology and data (that you likely already have) to make these improvements a reality.

If you’re not improving your business, what are you doing?

Over the past eight weeks, we’ve been sharing client stories—“Tales from the Trails”—with a small group of “Aedo Insiders.” These stories reflect the Aedo approach to harnessing data:

1. Identify problems worth solving

2. Develop the plan to get from here to there (aka the TrailMap™)

3. Decide, execute, and assess the results.

Rinse and repeat.

In a year, you’ve stacked a half-dozen business improvements, built momentum, and are benefiting from improved results.

In three years, you have a transformed business.