DESIGN-BUILD GENERAL CONTRACTING CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 36 YORK MILLS RD, SUITE 302 | TORONTO, ON 416.849.9000 | WWW.WALSHGROUP.COM TTC Pioneer Village Subway Station - Toronto, ON To be fair, I haven’t met an industry practitioner that isn’t devoted to productivity improvements on their sites. What separates the great constructors from the pack, however, is the proactive way they plan their projects before they arrive onsite. The industry’s best also consistently challenge the status quo, without which productivity improvements would be impossible. The last of the seven McKinsey suggestions may be easy to do but extremely difficult to do well. Infusing technology and innovation is a process with a lot of moving parts. It may be particularly difficult for baby boomers, myself included, who are typically not quick studies when it comes to evaluating new innovations or technologies and are more likely to view the R&D cost as an expense rather than a much-needed investment. Simply put, it’s our attitude that has to change. In the interest of clarity, let me elaborate. Innovation in construction includes improvements in processes, services and products, and research proves that companies that adapt and embrace technological change are destined to prosper. It’s ultimately about thinking outside the box and being familiar with all the tools at our disposal. Easy to say. Hard to do. Prefabrication and 3D BIM modelling are concepts we understand but some of the other technologies shaping our industry are less familiar. Examples include cost and schedule modelling with 5D Macro-BIM, integrated mobile technology and robotic automation to name a few of the new technologies already on our doorstep. Add to that virtual and augmented reality, wearable technology, machine learning, predictive analytics and product innovations like self-healing concrete and 3D printed building components and it all becomes pretty intimidating. Certainly scares the hell out of me. So what do we do about it? The way I see it, you need to evolve as contractors to prosper and, by extension, so do we. We aren’t technology and innovation experts of course, but we know some people who are and we need to source technologists who can impart practical information about processes, services and products that you can actually use and that will ultimately give you the competitive advantage you need to survive. And remember, once a new technology runs over you, if you’re not part of the steamroller, you’re part of the road. So stay tuned. We are here to help. Respectfully, John G. Mollenhauer TCA President & CEO 8 | Builders' Digest Quarter 4 2018