Inside Skanska USA's Strategy to Modernize Construction with Tech
Construction and technology—two fields that once seemed worlds apart—are rapidly converging. Nowadays, construction firms are increasingly keen to incorporate technological solutions to meet growing demands and surmount labor shortages. Skanska USA, a stalwart in the industry, is trailblazing this transformation by systematically adopting and scaling technology across its myriad projects. According to Geo Week News, their strategic framework offers a powerful model for innovation within the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) space.
Breaking the Old Stereotypes
In years gone by, the construction industry bore the brunt of criticism for being slow to adopt new technologies. However, times have changed, and so have perceptions, largely thanks to industry frontrunners like Skanska USA. Conversations with key players reveal a fresh narrative emerging, where construction firms are no longer seen as ‘technological laggards’ but rather as enthusiastic innovators.
An Eight-Step Path to Technological Integration
The heart of Skanska USA’s success lies in its meticulously crafted eight-step procedure. This framework begins at the grassroots level: identifying problems that can be solved with technological tools. From then on, it moves through stages like vendor research, contracting, and evaluation, to ultimately recommending broader scaling following a successful pilot program. This orchestrated pathway ensures that every technological integration is both purposeful and impactful.
The Catalyst of Innovation: People on the Ground
Technology is not just about buying the latest gadgets; it’s about empowering people to be solution finders. Skanska USA’s procedure promotes this empowerment by encouraging teams on the ground to be the catalyst for innovation. As Skanska’s Vice President of Emerging Technology Mike Zeppieri puts it, these workers are now integral to finding and building beneficial relationships with tech vendors.
The Balancing Act in Technological Adoption
However, the journey to integrating new technology isn’t a straight line—it’s a complex balancing act. Skanska’s leaders emphasize the need to find symphonic harmony between compliance, local requirements, and innovative freedom. They aim to cultivate a ‘yes’ culture rather than wielding the phrase “Department of No,” as Geo Week News details.
The Partnerships that Propel Success
Skanska’s path also involves fostering partnerships that go beyond mere vendor-client relationships. As O’Connell shared, successful partnerships grow only when both parties are committed to working through challenges together. By piloting various options, Skanska ensures that the selected partners can address their specific needs effectively, thereby smoothing out the journey from adoption to scaling.
Data-Driven Decisions at the Heart of Scaling
Ultimately, scaling up technology after a successful pilot is the crux of achieving organization-wide innovation. Skanska emphasizes the importance of drawing from lessons learned and using honest assessments to determine whether a new tool can genuinely deliver value across numerous teams and projects.
In an industry as intricate as construction, such methodological rigor stands as a testament to Skanska USA’s forward-thinking strategy. By navigating the intricacies of technology implementation skillfully, Skanska ensures it remains a leader in construction innovation, ready for whatever challenges the future may hold.
