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EPISODE 432: Is your construction process as efficient as it could be?
In this week’s episode, Wyatt Jenkins, Chief Product Officer at Procore, shares insights into how Procore is revolutionizing the construction industry with its latest innovations and what to expect at Groundbreak 2024.
With deep roots in construction, Wyatt brings a personal touch to the discussion, highlighting Procore’s commitment to creating safer, more productive job sites through cutting-edge technology, like AI and automation tools such as Co-Pilot.
We also dive into Procore’s new labor, equipment, and materials management system, along with the company’s groundbreaking advancements in construction safety.
Ready to take a peek at the future of construction technology?
Tune in now–you won’t want to miss this!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Meet Wyatt Jenkins of Procore (01:21)
A look back on Procore Groundbreak 2023 and its impact (05:08)
AI in construction and Procore’s Co-Pilot feature (10:33)
Procore’s labor, equipment, and materials management solution (19:00)
The next-generation user experience (23:21)
Long-term vision for AI and its impact on the industry (27:08)
Addressing safety in construction using IoT and computer vision (29:13)
How AI and automation will change construction software interaction (33:27)
Groundbreak 2024 highlights and expectations(49:32)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
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Follow Wyatt Jenkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wyattjenkins/
Secure your spot for Groundbreak 2024 here: https://www.procore.com/groundbreak
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The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
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EPISODE 431: Have you ever wondered if robots are quietly replacing jobs across industries like construction, shipping, manufacturing, or even tech?
In this week’s special episode of The ConTech Crew, we team up with our friends at The Construction Dorks Podcast for a deep dive into the shrinking SaaS market and the rise of automation.
Industry experts Jonathan Marsh, Trent Leinenbach, and Travis Voss discuss why companies are reconsidering their software strategies, whether robots should be taxed for taking jobs, if automation costs more than it creates, and more.
Curious about the future of work and how companies navigate these technological advancements? Listen in to hear more!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
The decline in SaaS subscriptions (02:10)
Evolution of software deployment (04:16)
How US manufacturers could benefit from a robot tax (14:00)
Robots vs machines: what’s the difference? (18:10)
The bigger impact of losing jobs to robots (20:05)
The 3-day US dock worker’s strike (25:01)
Balancing automation and workforce upskilling (28:30)
The truth about automation (35:51)
Episode wrap-up (37:51)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
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Follow Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe/
Follow Trent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-466018177/
Follow Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/
Check out Construction Dorks for more information: https://www.constructiondorks.com/
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The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
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Eksik bölüm mü var?
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EPISODE 430: Are you looking to design a software solution that perfectly fits your construction business needs?
In this week’s episode, we dive into how EllisDon, a Canadian-based construction leader, has quietly developed its own digital tools to streamline operations and maximize efficiency.
To give us an in-depth look at how EllisDon does it, we’re joined today by Samantha Erlich, Director of Product, and Kersti Nurka, UX Manager, who both represent the software development arm of EllisDon Corporation.
Today, they share their journey of developing in-house technology, from the early days of accounting software to today’s sophisticated project management tool, Gate Three.
Samantha and Kersti explain how they balance design, development, and user feedback to create intuitive and effective solutions.
We also explore EllisDon’s expansion into offering digital services to other construction companies, plus their plans to revolutionize the industry.
Let’s jump right into it!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Meet Samantha Erlich and Kersti Nurka of EllisDon (01:57)
How EllisDon started investing in tech solutions (05:51)
The crucial role of an in-house UX developer (10:37)
EllisDon’s software development process (15:26)
The Design Sprints concept explained (21:28)
Upskilling tech developers to understand construction (24:02)
Skillsets required to build a fully integrated construction tool (26:25)
How QAs are done for construction software (29:54)
Justifying EllisDon’s big investment in tech development (34:06)
The future of the power of data (39:31)
Episode wrap-up (45:18)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
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Follow Samantha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-erlich-229b5954/
Follow Kersti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kersti-nurka-008021b0/
Visit EllisDon for more information: https://www.ellisdon.com/
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
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EPISODE 429: Have you ever been knee-deep in a project, only to discover you’ve missed a crucial building code? It’s frustrating and costly, right?
What if you could avoid those mistakes with just a few clicks?
Meet Scott Reynolds, co-founder & CEO of UpCodes, who’s leading a revolution in construction by providing open access to building codes through an online platform.
In this episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Scott to discuss the critical role building codes play in construction and how the Pro Codes Act–a bill that could privatize access to codes–threatens this.
Scott explains how limited access to these codes could impact not just the construction industry but the rest of society. He also dives into how some organizations are profiting from these codes, why the Pro Codes Act could hinder innovation, how to leverage AI technology for code compliance, and more.
Want to learn how codes affect your work and what you can do to protect it from its threat?
Tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
What is UpCodes and how it all started (01:37)
Challenges faced by architects in understanding building codes (03:09)
Differences in codes between the U.S. and Hong Kong (04:45)
How are GCs and trades interacting with UpCodes (06:24)
The legal battle for free and open access to building codes (08:55)
How other organizations are making money off building codes (12:22)
The Pro Codes Act and its implications for the industry (17:34)
Utilizing AI technology in code compliance (20:38)
How limited access to codes can hinder innovation (24:40)
Keep up with Scott and his work at UpCodes (40:45)
Construction technology news of the week (41:22)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
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Follow Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-reynolds/
Check out UpCodes to learn more: https://up.codes/
Help keep the law free by opposing the Pro Codes Act: https://up.codes/pro-codes-act
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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️Denver Mayor Mike Johnston claims city exceeded goal to reduce permitting time by 30%
https://denvergazette.com/news/denver-mayor-cut-permitting-time/article_2d3c8c8e-448c-11ef-a66e-1720a606608d.html
➡️GreenLite Raises $28.5 Million Series A to Streamline Construction
Permitting with Tech-Driven Solutions
https://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2024/09/22/greenlite-raises-28-5-million-series-a-to-streamline-construction-permitting-with-tech-driven-solutions/
➡️Amazon's return-to-office mandate could boost downtown Seattle's recovery
https://queenannenews.com/news/2024/sep/24/amazons-return-to-office-mandate-could-boost-downtown-seattles-recovery/
➡️Amazon’s new office-only work policy is sure to backfire
https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/4885672-amazon-return-office-controversy/
➡️PwC tells UK staff it will monitor office attendance
https://www.ft.com/content/11ccedba-f120-4dd2-a98f-19e8b59d7764
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The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
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EPISODE 428: Ever dreamed of ditching the headaches of managing your construction crew to focus on what you do best–building? Today’s guest has the perfect solution to your problem.
In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Lou Perez, a former pro snowboarder turned tech entrepreneur.
Lou shares his story of transitioning from pro snowboarding to carpentry and ultimately co-founding Lumber, an AI-powered workforce management platform built specifically for the construction industry.
With features like automated time tracking, payroll, and scheduling, Lumber removes the tedious manual processes that can slow your business down.
Find out more how you can leverage Lumber to transform your construction operations into a well-oiled machine.
Let’s jump right in!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
From pro snowboarding to carpentry (01:32)
Lou’s construction tech journey and the creation of Lumber (07:05)
How Lumber solves time tracking and payroll issues (10:02)
AI-driven scheduling and compliance management (16:19)
The power of consultative sales and customer-centric strategies (21:25)
How Lumber is helping solve labor shortages (24:43)
Connect with Lou and Lumber (31:59)
Construction technology news of the week (33:19)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
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Follow Lou Perez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loujperez23/
Subscribe to the Builder Upper Show: https://www.lumberfi.com/the-builder-upper-show
Visit Lumber’s website for more information: https://www.lumberfi.com/
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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️Boosting Contractor Profits Through Better Coordination on Construction Sites
https://www.constructionowners.com/news/boosting-contractor-profits-through-better-coordination-on-construction-sites
➡️Hype responsibly: Why ‘AI washing’ can get companies in trouble
https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2024/09/04/ai-washing-trouble
➡️Tony Robbins | 5 Things All Great Leaders Do
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tony-robbins-5-things-all-great-leaders-do-tony-robbins-txrsc/
➡️New Website for construction news
https://www.constructionowners.com/
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The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
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EPISODE 427: Digital twin has become a buzzword–but what does it really mean?
In this episode, my co-host, Tannis Liviniuk, and I sit down with Dylan Underhill, a BIM and VDC consultant at Trillium Advisory Group, to break down the concept of digital twins.
Today, we’ll explore how digital twins function more as a workflow and methodology, the best strategies in building a digital twin, and the challenges of bridging the generational gap in construction–especially when it comes to adopting new technology.
Plus, we cover common myths around digital twinning, the impact of AI, and more.
Ready to see how digital twins can transform your next construction project?
Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Dylan Underhill‘s journey into construction (02:31)
The link between video gaming and a career in construction (05:55)
Key people who shaped Dylan’s career (08:43)
The unconventional career opportunities in construction (11:22)
Connecting BIM and VDC to the built word (15:02)
What is a digital twin? (24:23)
How to make a digital twin process work (29:38)
Digital twin in construction and asset management (34:26)
Who benefits the most from digital twin (38:44)
Challenges of implementing digital twinning (43:41)
Impact of AI on digital twinning (46:05)
Digital twin myths debunked (49:01)
Construction technology news of the week (50:56)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
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Connect with Dylan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanunderhill/
Visit Trillium Advisory Group for more information: https://www.trilliumgroup.io/
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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️Construction Tech Providers May Be Overlooking Their Most Important Users
https://www.geoweeknews.com/blogs/construction-technology-ai-artificial-intelligence-workers-bluebeam
➡️AI and ROI: An Either/Or Scenario?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-roi-eitheror-scenario-robert-ioanna-w7gge/
➡️2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey: Living and working with purpose in a transforming world
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/at/Documents/presse/at-deloitte-global-gen-z-millennial-survey-gesamte-studie.pdf
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The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
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EPISODE 426: Research shows that 13% of a construction professional’s workday is spent looking for information that they need to do their jobs. Let that sink in. But is technology alone the answer to this crisis?
In this week’s special episode, live from The ECC Future Leaders Conference, I’m joined by industry experts Tannis Liviniuk and Nathan Wood to discuss the ongoing challenges in construction communication and collaboration.
We’ll dive into how construction teams are often bogged down by using too many platforms, leading to inefficiencies and data loss.
We also tackle the importance of culture and process alignment, why owners need to understand their tech stack, the most impactful technologies to date, and more.
Don’t miss out–tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Project collaboration and communication defined (02:09)
Challenges of using multiple communication systems (07:10)
Most impactful and widely-adopted tech to date (14:39)
How to fix communication and collaboration issues (17:47)
Addressing labor shortages in construction (19:43)
Why owners and leaders need to understand their tech stack (27:40)
The future of contracts (33:38)
Importance of flexible tech ecosystems (39:55)
Standardization in construction tech (44:29)
Episode wrap-up (50:12)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
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Follow Tannis Liviniuk on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannisliviniuk/
Follow Nathan Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/
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The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
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EPISODE 425: Whether it’s misplaced cards or redundant training, managing construction credentials can feel like a full-time job–but not anymore with BuilderFax.
In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Christi Pilutik, CEO of BuilderFax, to talk about her mission to change how craft workers manage their credentials and career growth.
With a solid background in HR and construction consulting, Christi shares her insights on the current state of the industry’s workforce and how BuilderFax, an all-in-one credential management platform, provides career growth solutions to the industry.
If you’re looking to learn how to improve craft workers’ experience and help them take control of their careers, this episode is a must-listen.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Christi Pilutik’s construction journey (01:30)
How BuilderFax is transforming construction (05:36)
Career development made easier (11:40)
How BuilderFax verifies user profiles and credentials (14:59)
Standardizing credentialing across the industry (22:08)
Professionalizing construction careers (25:08)
Improving construction safety using BuilderFax (33:59)
Keep up with Christi and BuilderFax (37:52)
Construction technology news of the week (39:28)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
—
Follow Christi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christipilutik/
Visit BuilderFax for more information: https://builderfax.com/
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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️Integrated Data Ecosystems Could Transform the Construction Industry
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/08/16/integrated-data-ecosystems-could-transform-the-construction-industry/
➡️National Public Data Admits Hackers Stole Social Security Numbers in Massive Breach Reportedly Affecting Nearly All Americans
https://nypost.com/2024/08/19/business/national-public-data-admits-hackers-stole-social-security-numbers/
➡️Why the Construction Industry Must Climb Out of Its Productivity Rut—and Why it Hasn’t Yet.
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/delivering-on-construction-productivity-is-no-longer-optional
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The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
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EPISODE 424: Mental health in construction isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. But how do we empower the industry, especially its leaders, to talk about it openly?
In this week’s Pause for the Cause episode with co-host Rob McKinney, we interview Paul Lawson, Risk Management Coordinator and Lead Mental Health Advocate at Mid-City Electric/Technologies, to explore his unique path from ministry to construction.
Paul shares how his background as a pastor and two-time cancer survivor motivated him to address the growing need for mental health advocacy in the industry.
Today, you’ll learn about the Blueprints for Well-Being initiative, the importance of proactive mental health programs, and how vulnerability can transform a challenging workplace culture like construction.
Ready to bring this life-saving approach to your workplace?
Tune in now to learn more!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Meet Paul Lawson (02:42)
From pastor and cancer survivor to well-being advocate (06:29)
Building an army of well-being advocates in construction (18:23)
Launching Builders Exchange’s Blueprints for Well-Being program (25:13)
Importance of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (33:07)
Start with a why and lead with vulnerability (39:07)
Advice for companies looking to start mental health programs (44:12)
Keep up with Paul and his works (46:08)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
—
Reach out to Paul by emailing him at: [email protected]
Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paullawsonhelps/
Visit Mid-City Electric/technologies for more information: https://www.midcityelectric.com/
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The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
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EPISODE 423: How ready is your construction business for the future? If you haven’t thought about AI and automation yet, you could be missing out on something big!
In this week’s episode of The ConTech Crew, my co-host Travis Voss and I sit down with Aaron Hilger, CEO of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and Carol Duncan, President of General Sheet Metal and SMACNA, to discuss the evolving landscape of the construction industry.
This conversation dives into the importance of adopting new technologies like AI and automation in construction to stay competitive, manage labor shortages, and improve efficiency.
We explore how industry associations like SMACNA can play a pivotal role in mentoring and collaboration, the significance of peer learning, and more.
Curious how you can future-proof your business?
Tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
What is SMACNA and its impact on the industry (03:17)
AI’s potential to revolutionize construction operations (10:01)
Leveraging technology to address labor shortage issue (19:30)
How SMACNA supports small to mid-sized businesses (26:21)
What it’s like planning the SMACNA convention (29:14)
Why contractors learn best from their peers (32:01)
What sets SMACNA events apart (36:30)
SMACNA’s impact on contractor members (38:15)
Succession planning and employee ownership (ESOP) (46:10)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
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Follow Aaron Hilger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhilger/
Follow Carol Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-duncan-31630710/
Follow Travis Voss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/
Visit SMACNA for more information: https://www.smacna.org/
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
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EPISODE 422: How reliant are digital technologies in improving construction safety?
In this week’s episode of The ConTech Crew, my co-host Rob McKinney and I sit down with Gabe Guetta, CEO and co-founder of SALUS, a young SaaS company specializing in construction safety.
Gabe spent 15 years in construction, dealing with the challenges and stigmas that come with it. But when a near-miss job site incident occured, he realized there was a critical gap in how safety was managed in the industry.
Today, he’s here to share what that critical gap is, the evolution of safety practices in the industry, how to gain buy-in, especially from field workers, and why adapting technology that matches real-world construction workflows is key to success.
Listen now to see how technology is driving a safer, smarter construction job site.
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Gabe’s construction journey (03:44)
How a near-miss incident led to a safety solution (06:50)
The complexity of safety in construction (09:02)
Getting field-level workers to adopt safety technologies (11:16)
Adapting tech to real-world construction workflows (23:13)
Companies using SALUS safety solutions (32:34)
Breaking barriers and anchoring safety with why (37:34)
Overcoming stigma in construction safety (48:13)
Construction technology news of the week (50:15)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
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Follow Gabe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabeguetta/
Check out SALUS Safety for more information: https://salussafety.io/
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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️ 3D-printing firm achieves world's first with next-gen construction technology
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/3d-printing-firm-achieves-worlds-010000501.html
➡️ Inflation, rising costs, difficulties accessing finance. How construction SME’s can overcome challenges
https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/digital-construction-news/construction-technology-news/inflation-rising-costs-difficulties-accessing-finance-construction-smes-overcome-challenges/141701/
➡️ RockYou2024 leak of 10 billion passwords could present major threats
https://www.itbrew.com/stories/2024/07/12/password-leak-exposes-10-billion-passwords
➡️ New initiative seeks innovations to streamline NYC’s building process
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/new-york-city-building-construction-lab/720900/
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
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EPISODE 421: Do you ever wonder why construction accounting is so challenging?
I did, too, and so did this week’s guest, who has not only lived through these challenges but also developed innovative solutions to tackle construction’s accounting and profitability issues.
Meet Chris Lee. Chris is an entrepreneur who transitioned from IT to construction and then to tech innovation–solving some of the most challenging problems in this industry.
He’s the mind behind Esticom, a cloud-based estimating and project management software, and now CrewCost, an easy-to-use accounting software built for construction.
Today, Chris is here to share the unique challenges of construction accounting and why the industry should use specialized accounting software instead of a standard one.
We also explore Chris’s unique entrepreneurial journey, the development and eventual acquisition of his software Esticom by Procore, and the role of cloud technology in transforming construction management.
Tune in now and learn how specialized software can transform the construction industry.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
How Chris Lee got into construction (02:11)
From contracting business to construction tech (05:49)
How Chris’s Esticom got acquired by Procore (12:02)
What it’s like working with Procore (15:14)
Why construction should stop using generic accounting software (23:16)
Difference between standard accounting and construction accounting (26:25)
Profitability, cash flow, and billing challenges in construction (30:00)
Keep up with Chris (39:43)
Construction technology news of the week (40:16)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
—
Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clee512/
Check out CrewCost for more information: https://crewcost.com/
—
See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️ Quanta Services Climbs 7% on $1.5 Billion Cupertino Electric Acquisition
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/quanta-services-climbs-7-on-1-5-billion-cupertino-electric-acquisition-50407bbc?mod=mergers-and-acquisitions
➡️ A tech ethicist on how AI worsens ills caused by social media
https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2024/05/29/a-tech-ethicist-on-how-ai-worsens-ills-caused-by-social-media
➡️ New Registration Bomb Email Attack Distracts Victims of Financial Fraud (Just personally experienced with a client)
https://blackcloak.io/new-registration-bomb-email-attack-distracts-victims-of-financial-fraud/
➡️ Microsoft-CrowdStrike Outage Hits Airports, Banks and Hospitals, Causing IT Nightmare
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/microsoft-global-outage-explained-911-lines-down-flights-grounded-and-more/
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
-
EPISODE 420: How do general contractors (GCs) spend most of their time?
A recent study conducted on job sites reveals that GCs spend only 8% of their time in the field. The rest is consumed by tasks such as documenting discrepancies (16%), searching for the right information (15%), and meeting preparation (13%).
Why are we wasting so much of these skilled professional’s time doing paperwork?
Enter Trunk Tools–a platform designed to optimize workflows, enhance collaboration, and achieve a high level of efficiency.
In this week’s episode of The ConTech Crew, my co-host, Rob McKinney, and I are thrilled to speak with the incredible Dr. Sarah Buchner, CEO and founder of Trunk Tools.
Sarah’s journey is truly inspiring, from her beginnings as a young carpenter in Austria to becoming a leading figure in construction technology.
With a PhD in AI from Stanford and over a decade of experience in AI, she brings deep expertise in AI and data management, demonstrating how AI (or, as she calls it, IA–Intelligence Augmentation) can transform the construction industry by structuring unstructured data.
Curious how AI can simplify your next project?
Tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
From carpentry to construction tech (01:32)
The real role of education (05:52)
PhD in AI and its impact (10:19)
The mindset shift needed in construction (14:36)
AI’s role in structuring data (18:52)
Biggest problems facing contractors (20:19)
Reducing rework with AI (22:35)
Trusting technology in construction (24:23)
Creating data visuals (34:27)
What the future looks like for Trunk Tools (39:22)
Construction technology news of the week (43:19)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
—
Follow Dr. Sarah Buchner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-buchner/
Visit Trunk Tools for more information: https://trunktools.com/
—
See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️ Technologies That Rapidly Transform Construction Will Change Jobsites
https://www.enr.com/articles/58192-technologies-that-rapidly-transform-construction-will-change-jobsites
➡️ Technology That Can Prevent Worker Injuries: NSC
https://www.ehstoday.com/safety-technology/article/55094140/technology-that-can-prevent-worker-injuries-nsc
➡️ Meet the AI-powered robots that Big Tech thinks can solve a global labor shortage
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/08/why-amazon-tesla-and-microsoft-are-investing-in-ai-powered-robots.html
➡️Contech backer launches second, $100M fund
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/ironspring-ventures-contech-fund-investment/720583/
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
-
EPISODE 419: Have you ever faced costly errors in your construction projects? Imagine if you could prevent them before they even happen.
In this week’s episode, Nathan Wood and I sit down with Shir Abecasis, an Israeli military intelligence and cybersecurity expert turned CEO of FIRMUS.
FIRMUS is an AI-driven pre-construction tool that analyzes PDF construction drawings and identifies potential design-related risks and errors at various project development stages.
Today, Shir discusses how FIRMUS is transforming construction risk management with its AI technology, the challenges her team has overcome in developing an innovative AI solution, and the future of AI in construction.
Curious to know more?
Tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Shir’s transition from cybersecurity to construction (02:11)
What is FIRMUS and how it works (06:14)
Importance of pre-construction (09:00)
Building trust in AI technology (13:13)
The Leapfrog Effect of AI in construction (19:20)
What the future looks like for FIRMUS (23:19)
The reality of using data and AI technology (26:49)
Construction technology news of the week (37:07)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
—
Connect with Shir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shir-a-303088138/
Visit FIRMUS for more information: https://firmus.ai/
—
See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️‘Carbon-Free’ Cement Is Now A Step Closer
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lauriewinkless/2024/05/31/carbon-free-cement-is-now-a-step-closer/
➡️America’s Top GreenTech Companies 2024
https://www.brimstone.com/
➡️Construction Technology: Imagine It Just Worked… Seriously!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/construction-technology-imagine-just-worked-seriously-chris-ovens-baqvc/
➡️Corning shares pop 12% as AI boom drives stronger-than-expected demand for equipment
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/08/corning-stock-up-12percent-as-ai-boom-drives-stronger-than-expected-demand.html
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
-
EPISODE 418: How can the construction industry become safer and more efficient?
When we talk about construction safety, the strict implementation of hard hats on job sites is the first thing that comes to mind. However, what’s happening under that hard hat is equally important.
In this week’s episode, my co-host Rob McKinney and I sit down with Sebastien de Ghellinck, founder and CEO of SkillSignal, to uncover the future of construction safety and well-being.
Sebastien, along with his co-founder Vivian, started SkillSignal–an all-in-one safety and compliance mobile platform that digitizes all your critical daily construction processes.
With a deep background in both construction and finance, Sebastien shares invaluable insights into creating safer job sites through innovative digital tools. He discusses the importance of combining physical safety measures with mental well-being strategies on job sites.
We also talk about the role of AI in making these sites safer, the Personal Protective Mindset (PPM) concept and its impact on safety, the challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers in construction, and more.
Tune in now and discover how you can make your job sites safer and more efficient!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Sebastien’s ode to his grandfather (01:34)
From finance to construction (06:35)
Benefits in digitizing construction workflows (11:35)
Combining physical safety with well-being (15:14)
How do we make construction appealing (23:06)
Breaking construction barriers with technology (29:24)
Why prioritize employee well-being (33:41)
Challenges in digitizing workflows (36:52)
Construction technology news of the week (40:26)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
Listen to our interview with Cal Beyer: https://thecontechcrew.com/416-its-time-to-talk-about-the-opioid-crisis-mental-health-in-construction-cal-beyer
—
Follow Sebastien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdeghell/
Sebastien’s collaboration with Princeton University: https://wellbeing.construction/
Visit SkillSignal for more information: https://www.skillsignal.com/
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
-
EPISODE 417: We often view technology as a quick-fix solution, but it isn’t.
Take AI, for example.
Many companies rush to innovate and release AI-driven products to gain market advantage.
However, this often overlooks the ethical and practical issues that should’ve been addressed first. This is exactly what our guest will unpack today.
Meet Ritwik Batabyal. Ritwik is the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Mastek, a global IT company specializing in cloud and data migrations.
With over 30 years of experience, Ritwik shares his insights on the evolution of AI and data modernization. He discusses the importance of addressing ethical issues such as biases in AI algorithms and data privacy.
Additionally, we talk about the role of leaders in implementing AI, how to navigate job loss fears and task automation, and more.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Meet Ritwik Batabyal from Mastek (00:46)
The evolution of AI and data modernization (08:21)
Exposing the ethical roadblocks and biases in AI (17:11)
The battle for privacy and accountability (22:12)
Navigating job loss fears and trust in an AI-driven construction (25:02)
The future of jobs and tasks automation (28:32)
Leaderships’s role in AI integration (35:23)
Keep up with Ritwik (42:05)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
—
Follow Ritwik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritwikbatabyal/
Visit Mastek’s website for more information: https://www.mastek.com/
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
-
EPISODE 416: The construction industry has the highest rate of overdose deaths among major sectors. Yet, there’s still a stigma in tackling this opioid crisis. Thankfully, this week’s guest and his team have done the groundwork for creating healthier and safer construction job sites.
To shed light on these critical issues, join me and my co-host, Nathan Wood, as we interview Cal Beyer, Senior Director of the SAFE Project.
Today, we’ll talk about the pressing issues of mental health, suicide prevention, and substance use disorders in construction.
This conversation highlights the progress made in holistic health approaches that connect physical, mental, and emotional well-being to create safer and more productive workplaces.
We talk about the pivotal role of Naloxone on job sites, the impact of peer-to-peer support networks in addressing substance abuse in the workplace, and more.
Don’t miss this special Pause for the Cause episode.
Tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Cal’s journey and impact in the construction industry (02:17)
From human risk management to partnering with SAFE Project (05:10)
The correlation between substance abuse and mental health (09:25)
Importance of peer-to-peer support networks (11:23)
The role of self-care in workplace productivity (19:13)
Work-life balance vs. work-life harmony (25:01)
SAFE Project’s comprehensive approach (28:21)
The impact of addressing substance abuse in the workplace (40:26)
Keep up with Cal and his works (48:41)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
Watch Episode 412 with Eitan Vesely: https://thecontechcrew.com/412-how-ai-and-data-analytics-can-help-manage-work-stress-eitan-vesely
—
Follow Cal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinbeyer/
Check out the SAFE Project for more: https://www.safeproject.us/
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
-
EPISODE 415: Have you ever wondered why some construction projects take so long and cost so much?
Join me as I sit down with the incredible Maria Davidson, CEO and founder of Kojo, a construction technology platform built for trade contractors to manage procurement, tools, and warehouse support.
Today, Maria and I talk about the critical role of materials management in construction delays and cost overruns. She shares how her company’s platform can streamline materials management for a transparent and more efficient process. Plus, we also discuss overcoming resistance to technology in the trades and the importance of data-driven solutions.
Curious to know more?
Let’s jump in!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Maria Davidson’s transition to construction tech (00:39)
Focusing on trades rather than general contractors (02:34)
Debunking myths about trades’ resistance to technology (07:15)
Impact of materials management on project timelines (12:53)
The importance of integrating workflows in construction (18:20)
Why having a strong tech implementation strategy is crucial (24:55)
Solving the 3 biggest problems in construction (30:17)
Warehouse management and inventory tracking (36:33)
Advantage of having accessible data (42:48)
What’s next for Kojo? (52:49)
Construction technology news of the week (57:23)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
—
Follow Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-rioumine-davidson-801a1058/
Check out Kojo for more information: https://www.usekojo.com/
—
See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️ WELL building standard hits 5B-square-foot milestone | Facilities Dive
https://www.facilitiesdive.com/news/international-well-building-institute-standard-adoption-milestone-iaq/709511/
➡️ Tutor Perini sees shift to owner financing on megaprojects | Construction Dive
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/tutor-perini-owner-financing-megaprojects-earnings/714511/
➡️ The largest commercial construction starts of April 2024
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/april-largest-commercial-construction-starts/717146/
➡️ Google using AI to Deprioritize AI generated Content
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/katie-zeppieri-1b58983b_googlealgorithm-seotips-brandingtips-activity-7201620621535961089-Mzx1/
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
-
EPISODE 414: With today’s information right at our fingertips, a huge portion of the construction industry is still heavily reliant on siloed data. Could this be the hidden productivity killer costing the industry millions of dollars?
In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Bob Salaj, Director of Customer Advisory Team at Quickbase, to explore the intersection of Lean principles and digital transformation in construction.
With his extensive experience across various industries, Bob shares his journey and how he discovered the power of low-code/no-code software solutions.
We talk about the importance of democratizing data and standardizing processes to reduce inefficiencies and improve decision-making in the industry.
Curious to know more?
Tune in now and learn how construction companies can leverage Lean techniques and digital tools to improve productivity and efficiency.
Let’s jump right in!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Meet Bob Salaj (01:59)
Challenges coming to construction from manufacturing (04:17)
Importance of standardization in construction (06:13)
Democratizing data and improving accessibility (11:03)
Poka-yoke and Gemba walk explained (12:40)
Identifying inefficiencies through Gemba walks (17:50)
The “gray work” concept in construction (21:16)
Impact of digital workflows on productivity (30:38)
Construction technology news of the week (47:25)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
—
Follow Bob Salaj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-salaj-4585a79b/
The Gray Work Index: https://www.quickbase.com/blog/gray-work-index-2024
Check out Quickbase for more information: https://www.quickbase.com/
—
See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️ Breaking the Silence: LLMs Docode Enigmatic World of Animal Language
https://analyticsindiamag.com/breaking-the-silence-llms-docode-animal-language/
➡️ Lendlease to exit international construction, development
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/lendlease-exits-international-construction-strategy/717201/
➡️ Why technology has not transformed building
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8vzzjqyz5qo
➡️ Integrated Workflows: A Must In The Digital Transformation Of The AEC Industry- Salla Eckhardt
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/integrated-workflows-must-digital-transformation-aec-salla-eckhardt-5ywyc/
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
-
EPISODE 413: The construction industry has been using prefabrication for years, but there’s always been a bit of a disconnect.
Typically, prefabrication doesn’t start until the bid is awarded to the fabricators. But what if there’s a way to speed up the process while building a sustainable future?
In this week’s episode, Nathan Wood and I speak with Michael Gustafson, vice president of strategy and business development at Qnect.
As a structural engineer with extensive experience working with big names in the construction tech world like Trimble and Autodesk, Michael saw an opportunity to improve the steel design workflow with Qnect.
Qnect offers both software and services for optimizing steel designs, aiming to remove inefficiencies and reduce material and process waste.
Today, Michael talks about how integrating AI in construction can automate repetitive tasks and boost productivity. He also shares insights into the global engineering practices and the growing trend of prefabrication, particularly in structural steel, to reduce uncertainties and speed up project delivery, what Qnect brings to the table, and more.
Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Michael’s transition to the construction tech world (02:25)
The importance of steel in construction (04:22)
Qnect’s core mission and goals (07:46)
How Qnect is helping detailers (12:37)
Role of AI in enhancing construction processes (14:02)
Benefits of using Qnect for owners (22:49)
Balancing cost and carbon ion construction design (27:00)
What’s next for Qnect? (29:54)
Keep up with Michael (36:32)
Construction technology news of the week (37:07)
Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew
—
Follow Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gustafson-2047786/
Visit Qnect for more information: https://www.qnect.com/
—
See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️ Microsoft Build 2024: everything announced
https://www.theverge.com/24161636/microsoft-build-2024-ai-copilot-windows-teams-edge
➡️ The Gray Work Index: Our Productivity Gap in 2024
https://www.quickbase.com/blog/gray-work-index-2024
➡️Trimble acquires payments, compliance platform Flashtract
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/trimble-acquires-flashtract-contech/716106/
➡️ Private equity's unlikely champion for giving workers a leg up with employee ownership
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/private-equitys-unlikely-champion-for-giving-workers-a-leg-up-with-employee-ownership-60-minutes-transcript/
—
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
- Daha fazla göster
