b'technologies. These new participantsallowing remote access to stay in controlof labour shortages and productivity, in the market are quickly turning intoof projects and to collaborate with teamand get in front of their competition. He competitors of domestic companies thatmembers on-the-go. also paid tribute to TCA for their hard are lagging behind in productivity becausework in pushing the needle in this area: of technology. Companies can also pre-bid on projectsI congratulate the TCA Board for their and build relationships with designerscommitment to providing members Casaletto stressed that technologyand owners early in the process. Generalwith technology tools that will make is vitally important in addressingcontractors can obtain integrated bidthem more competitive in the changing the challenges of labour shortages,management and pre-qualification add- construction space in Canada.productivity improvements and foreignons to manage and invite subcontractors.competition. He noted, In five years time,For more information on the TCA/technology will change the constructionIn his closing, Casaletto explainedConstructConnect Plans Room contact industry in Canada whether its membersthat with the surge in technology forKlaire Flores at (416) 847-9156 or like it or not. The Canadian constructionthe construction sector it is somewhatkflores@tcaconnect.com, or Andrew Guo sector is among the least digitizedof a race to see who will digitize theirat (416) 499-4000 ext. 4223 orindustries in the country. TCA memberscompanies first, sort out the challengesaguo@tcaconnect.comneed to get ahead of this challenge.TCA PUSHThe TCA/ConstructConnect Plans Room is one example of how TCA is pushing the agenda for change. The plans room is not just a tool for the bid process. As Casaletto explained, it is a network in the preconstruction space where a wide range of services are available to companies working in that space. It literally digitizes the entire construction process. It is also the largest such network in North America, with more than a million companies at present, and is set to expand into other markets.Using the network, companies are able to promote themselves to general contractors, contractors and others involved in the bid and project process. Once a project is underway, all people and companies involved with the project can use the network to communicate, exchange drawings and share other information at the speed of business in the 21st century. Another feature involves assistance from the network with bids that suit a companys market segment. As a participant in the network, a company provides a profile of the projects they are typically seeking. The network then sends project bids that meet that profile directly to them. In essence, the network filters out and forwards bid projects that should be a high priority. It is also fully integratable with other partners in the construction space.Other features of the network include the ability to follow companies of interest, built-in workflow management and collaboration tools with task lists, a bid calendar, project assignment, and takeoff integration to maximize productivity. The network also has mobile apps for both iOS and Android, BUILDERSDIGEST Quarter 1 202029'