Construction site management and site logistics platforms can improve the planning, coordination, and execution of construction site activities. These technologies include software applications for project scheduling, material tracking, equipment management, and labor allocation.
We learned about three such platforms—site logistics/management companies PLOT, Fieldwire, and SiteMax Systems—during BuiltWorlds' June 19 analyst call. Each solution has its own strengths and unique capabilities, but they all aim at increasing productivity by streamlining on-site operations, reducing jobsite-related costs, and enhancing collaboration between the office and the field. Below we share key takeaways from the presentations and discussion.
Removing Adoption Hurdles
- Enhanced Flexibility and Integration: Modern site logistics platforms offer features like password-less login, seamless integrations with tools like Procore and Autodesk, and easy invitations via phone numbers and emails. These features ensure that data can be efficiently collected and shared even with users who aren't necessarily registered on the platform, supporting flexible and efficient site management.
- PLOT Founder and CEO Chris Callen noted that the problem of adoption was a starting principle for the company. As a solution provider, Callen explained, “You have to have a balancing act of flexibility versus automation” to get users bought into the platform in order to see its value.
- Incremental Digital Transformation: Adopting these platforms doesn't require a complete overhaul of existing processes. Companies can take small, manageable steps, gradually moving from paper-based systems to digital solutions and eventually to advanced visualizations. This approach makes the transition smoother and highlights clear value propositions at each stage, facilitating broader acceptance and optimization of the technology.
- Fieldwire Product Manager Colleen Cahill stresses the importance of meeting people where they are at in order to maximize adoption potential. But solution providers are cognizant of their users' varied experiences when onboarding. Cahill notes, “You’re not jumping from a paper 2D plan to a 3D model, you’re going from paper plans to digital plans then working the way up to using more advanced visualizations when ready.”
- Customization and Broad Accessibility: The platforms are designed to be highly customizable, allowing companies to tailor the solutions to their specific needs and readiness levels. They also ensure compatibility with various devices, addressing the diverse technological capabilities within the industry. By accommodating different levels of technological advancement, the platforms promote widespread adoption and integration, supported by experienced professionals and strong leadership.
- SiteMax Systems President James Faulkner notes that enabling high-achieving adopters with new technology really comes down to the culture and leadership. Faulkner emphasizes that those who "lead their teams by showing people the work ethic of doing things well and learning things on the job” tend to have better adoption outcomes.
The Future of Site Management Platforms
- Enhanced Integration and Intelligence: Experts highlight the growing trend of connecting different platforms to aggregate and analyze data, enabling more intelligent and accurate recommendations for users. The best platforms are focusing on seamless integration, adding significant value by providing users with data-driven insights that enhance decision-making and project efficiency.
- Callen notes that there is a lot of value in connecting different platforms that exist, and sees companies “starting to do more and more intelligence around connecting platforms to help suggest and feed our users with data to be populated.” Cahill also noted she sees a strong desire to consolidate, stating “there is a lot of interest from users for dedicated point solutions, but they want them to talk to one another.”
- AI-Driven Advancements: The integration of artificial intelligence is expected to become a foundational element in site logistics and management over the next decade. AI will underpin various functions, offering predictive analytics, automated workflows, and smart recommendations that can significantly improve project outcomes and operational efficiency.
- On the emergence of AI in the construction tech industry, Callen predicts “AI will be layered under everything we do for the next ten years” and will play a role in supporting the users’ input.
- Consolidation and Advanced Technology Adoption: There is a strong industry desire to consolidate platforms and ensure seamless communication between different applications. This includes integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D adoption, and reality capture technologies into jobsite management. Embracing these new technologies, rather than fearing them, will be crucial for future growth and innovation in the AEC industry.
- Faulkner stressed the importance of leading the industry with innovations. "We need to embrace new technologies and move it forward quicker” to see future progress within construction logistics, he said.
BuiltWorlds members can access the call recording in the analyst call library.
Discussion
Be the first to leave a comment.
You must be a member of the BuiltWorlds community to join the discussion.