Technology Is a Tool, Not a Solution!

When it comes to running a construction business, it’s easy for contractors to look at technology to provide immediate solutions. That’s what drives so many to rush out and buy that latest greatest gadget without truly considering how they will benefit from and effectively utilize their fancy new purchase. But here is the hard truth: Technology does not solve problems; it’s merely a tool that can leverage a company’s strengths.

Therefore, the decision to implement new technology should not be taken lightly. It should be approached with a goal in mind and the ability to see how technology can help to achieve that goal. Contractors that react thoughtfully and creatively when technological change presents itself will gain a much greater advantage over a company that relies on technology alone to solve its problems.

Chosen wisely, technology can and should seamlessly integrate with a business to increase productivity, efficiency and profits. The best way to use technology can be concluded that not only do successful organizations think differently about technology than mediocre companies, but they tend to become pioneers in the application of carefully selected technologies.

So how does this relate to contractors and their business? For small and medium size companies using technology as an accelerator is even more relevant because they may not be able to afford to make bad technology investments. Contractors can take several steps to ensure they use technology to what they already do well.

• Identify who you are. Everyone may be singing the virtues about the latest and greatest technological advancement, yet it could possibly hold no value for some companies. In order to know that, construction business owners must define who they are, what their company does best and what long term goals they have. The most important question should be: Does the technology directly integrate with what drives the company, what we do best or our core values?
• Identify where you are. Every business is at a certain threshold in its use of technology. The challenge is for a contractor to identify where it is and where it wants to be. Having identified its core strengths as a company, the next step is to identify the products that will accelerate long term growth in some instances technology may be there already, but the company is not fully utilizing it or has not adequately trained its employees. The key is to accept the fact that this is an evolving process; there is always room for improvement. And there is nothing wrong with being behind in technology, as long as there’s a plan to move ahead and invest in the technologies that can benefit a business.
• Identify technology accelerators. Companies that can clearly define who they are and what they do will have a much easier time choosing the technologies that will give them an even greater advantage over their competitors. And once these companies grasp how the selected technology fits with their strengths, they often become pioneers in the application of technology—“Using them in ways that no one ever thought possible”.
• Accepting change. With the numerous years I have been in this business, have seen once great companies that didn’t accept the integration of technological change into their business; fall to the side, and were left behind to eventually disappear. Technology is neither the solution to all of our problems or to blame for all of our problems. But with the right planning and thoughtful consideration, it can be used to supplement a company’s strengths. The trick is to identify the strengths, and then carefully select new technologies for a perfect fit.