5 Technology Trends Construction Contractors Can't Afford To Ignore
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The document outlines five key technology trends in the construction industry that contractors should focus on, including mobile technology for connectivity, efficient document sharing, cybersecurity measures, the importance of social media, and the concept of a virtual CIO. It emphasizes the benefits of mobile technology in enhancing productivity and the necessity for robust security practices due to rising hacking incidents. The document also highlights the potential benefits of social media for marketing and reputation management, alongside guidance on choosing the right platforms for engagement.
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5 Technology Trends Construction Contractors Can't Afford To Ignore
- 1. 5 Technology Trends Construction Contractors Can’t Afford To Ignore
- 2. Bill Walter, MCP, MCSE, PMP Principal with Gross Mendelsohn’s Technology Solutions Group
- 3. What We’ll Cover 1. How to use mobile technology to keep workers connected. 2. Document sharing and collaboration with workflows and picture attachments. 3. Security measures to minimize threats like hacks, viruses, and data loss. 4. Why your business cannot afford to bypass social media. 5. The concept of a “virtual CIO” – what is it and do you need one?
- 4. Watch the full seminar by following this link: http://bit.ly/construction-tech-trends
- 6. 14% of Maryland construction contractors are concerned about field/mobile access to email, project management systems, electronic files, timesheets, etc. -2017 Maryland Construction Industry Survey Mobile (14%)
- 7. Does your business take advantage of mobile technology (electronic timesheets, email communication between onsite jobs and office, etc.)? -2017 Maryland Construction Industry Survey
- 8. Does your business take advantage of mobile technology (electronic timesheets, email communication between onsite jobs and office, etc.)? -2017 Maryland Construction Industry Survey 124 out of 159 answered yes 78%
- 9. Does your business take advantage of mobile technology (electronic timesheets, email communication between onsite jobs and office, etc.)? -2017 Maryland Construction Industry Survey 35 out of 159 answered no 124 out of 159 answered yes 22% 78%
- 10. If we know mobile technology can make our construction businesses more efficient, WHYSO RELUCTANT?
- 12. BYOD: Bring Your Own Device • Allows access to the network even when not in the office • Doesn’t necessarily make you vulnerable if you do it right • People already own these devices – cost benefit
- 13. What Can Mobile Do? What Would You Do With Mobile Devices?
- 14. What Can Mobile Do? Get Real Time Data for Reports
- 15. What Can Mobile Do? Instantly Submit and Analyze Timesheets
- 16. What Can Mobile Do? Track and Send Emails About Current Projects or Jobs
- 17. What Can Mobile Do? Monitor, Manage and Track Equipment
- 18. What Can Mobile Do? What Else Do You Think It Can Do?
- 19. Here’s How ElectriCon* Used Mobile to Advance Their Business… *Name has been changed to protect the identity of the organization.
- 20. ElectriCon’s Mobile Setup ElectriCon needed a way to print essential documents on- the-go.
- 21. We set up a wi-fi enabled printer accessible from a briefcase. ElectriCon’s Mobile Setup ElectriCon needed a way to print essential documents on- the-go.
- 22. Now, they can print change orders from their mobile project manager station. We set up a wi-fi enabled printer accessible from a briefcase. ElectriCon’s Mobile Setup ElectriCon needed a way to print essential documents on- the-go.
- 23. INSIDE SECRET: Even if a device is mobile, it CAN be secure!
- 25. What are your most time consuming workflows? What documents do you wish you could instantly share?
- 26. Proposals Change Orders 3 Common Workflows That Can Be More Efficient from Document Sharing Review/Signoff Required Documents Punch Lists Field Logs
- 27. Document Sharing and Collaboration Access to real-time information •More accurate and efficient •Staff Accountability
- 28. Document Sharing and Collaboration Access to real-time information More accurate and efficient •Staff Accountability
- 29. Document Sharing and Collaboration Access to real-time information More accurate and efficient Staff Accountability
- 30. Your Document Sharing Setup Should… 1. Have a user-friendly interface for employees. 2. Be integrated into your other systems so you can collect essential data.
- 31. Your Document Sharing Setup Should… 1. Have a user-friendly interface for employees. 2. Be integrated into your other systems so you can collect essential data.
- 32. The #1 concern for Maryland construction contractors is automated integrations between software tools like estimating, bid log, scheduling, accounting, service, etc. in 2017. -2017 Maryland Construction Industry Survey
- 33. How Can Document Sharing Solutions Integrate Into Construction Workflows?
- 34. Project pictures with geolocation and time stamps
- 35. Create quick change orders with signatures
- 36. Mobile stations for printing essential documents on-the-go
- 38. For many companies, it’s not a matter of if they’ll get hacked, but when. I doubt my construction company will ever get hacked. It seems too unlikely.
- 39. 31 out of 159 Maryland construction contractors were hacked in 2017…so far. -2017 Maryland Construction Industry Survey
- 40. “This year, we record the highest average total cost of data breach at $7.35 million.” “In 2013, the average cost of a data breach was only $5.40 million.”
- 41. “Malicious or criminal attacks continue to be the primary cause of data breach.” “52% of incidents involved a malicious or criminal attack, 24% of incidents were caused by negligent employees, and another 24% were caused by system glitches, including both IT and business process failures.”
- 42. Not only is it expensive to deal with a security breach…
- 43. You risk losing your essential data and client files to malicious entities.
- 44. You risk losing your essential data and client files to malicious entities. In many cases, after paying ransomware fees to a hacker who encrypted your files, you will still lose your data. The only way to prevent a loss of essential data is to make sure your backup files are functioning correctly and are up-to-date.
- 45. A security breach can cost you your credibility and reputation.
- 46. A security breach can cost you your credibility and reputation.
- 47. Just ask Builders, Inc.* about their security breach… *Name has been changed to protect the identity of the organization.
- 48. The Hack At Builders, Inc. Builders, Inc. gets a call from “Microsoft” saying they need to fix a computer issue.
- 49. The Hack At Builders, Inc. Builders, Inc. gets a call from “Microsoft” saying they need to fix a computer issue. After going to the link provided by “Microsoft,” the computer slowed significantly.
- 50. The Hack At Builders, Inc. Builders, Inc. gets a call from “Microsoft” saying they need to fix a computer issue. After going to the link provided by “Microsoft,” the computer slowed significantly. They needed to act fast! They unplugged the computer while we scanned their network for malicious activity.
- 51. INSIDE SECRET: Your employees are a huge threat to your security
- 52. Avoiding A Breach • Your chance of being a victim of a hack increases when you ignore basic security practices. • The #1 defense you have against a hack is to educate yourself and your employees on safe computer habits.
- 54. Nearly two out of every ten contractors say their business doesn’t use social media and has no plans to start. -2017 Maryland Construction Industry Survey
- 55. Here’s Why This Number Is Alarming…
- 56. Facebook (23%) Twitter (12%) LinkedIn (31%) Instagram (3%) YouTube (5%) My company doesn't use social media and has no plans to start My company doesn't use social media, but would like to start Maryland contractors reported using the following social media platforms: My company doesn't use social media and has no plans to start (9%) My company doesn't use social media, but would like to start (17%)
- 57. 4 Reasons Why Companies Ignore Social Media
- 58. It takes time to manage a social account
- 59. It seems risky to put yourself out there publicly
- 60. It’s always possible to get a bad review
- 61. It could be worthless if social media goes “out of style”
- 62. 4 Ways Companies Can Seriously Benefit From Social Media
- 63. You can supplement your one-on-one networking with online word of mouth
- 64. A positive online presence builds your company’s reputation
- 65. Building a solid reputation online can attract better quality employees
- 66. Showcasing your community involvement makes your company even more likeable
- 67. Check out how these construction companies promote their business online…
- 68. Some are posting pictures or videos to showcase the jobs they’ve completed.
- 70. 43% of Maryland contactors say they don’t think online reviews impact whether a customer will do business with that company. -2017 Maryland Construction Industry Survey We disagree.
- 71. INSIDE SECRET: A bad review doesn’t have to destroy your reputation.
- 72. Here’s what you need to know about reviews
- 73. #1: There is a way to handle a bad review without compromising your reputation
- 74. #1: There is a way to handle a bad review without compromising your reputation
- 75. #2: Reviews can build a strong reputation and establish trust
- 76. #2: Reviews can build a strong reputation and establish trust
- 77. Best Practices For Building A Social Media Presence
- 78. 1. Identify your target demographic Select the platform that reaches the target demographic Before setting up an account, find the right social media account for your company 2.
- 79. 2.8 billion people use social media
- 80. Use these demographics to find your first platform Facebook • Slightly more women than men • Best for reaching ages 18-49 LinkedIn • Slightly more men than women • 45% of people who earn $75k+ are using LinkedIn Twitter • Mostly oversaturated • Predominantly male • Mostly 18-20 year olds Instagram • Fastest growing • Mostly female • 90% of users are under 35 YouTube • Video based • Reaches more 35-49 year olds than any cable network in the U.S.
- 81. Choosing A Platform 1. Pick one platform to get started and do it well Explore Angie’s List and Yelp to start building your online reviews 2.
- 82. 1. Assign a person to manage the account Monitor and engage. Be active by posting at least weekly Acknowledge and respond to both good and bad reviews Managing Your Social Account(s) 2. 3.
- 83. What is Virtual CIO? Trend #5
- 84. Virtual CIO • Definition • What do you get • Benefits • Rent construction equipment vs. virtual CIO Signing up for Virtual CIO is essentially hiring an outside IT agent who assesses your needs and figures out the right networking set up for you
- 85. 111111111111 Why Use A Virtual CIO?
- 86. 111111111111 #1 goal of a Virtual CIO is to understand your business’ needs.
- 87. 111111111111 They’re experienced in creating long- term technology goals.
- 88. 111111111111 They’re ready to offer advice on essential decisions, such as whether you’re ready to purchase or sign a monthly subscription for technology equipment and software.
- 89. 111111111111 They help you from the planning and strategy stages to the implementation and maintenance stages.
- 90. Do You Need Virtual CIO?
- 91. Contact Our Team Bill Walter, MCP, MCSE, PMP [email protected] 443.610.7413 Claim your free 2017 Maryland Construction Industry Survey results here: http://bit.ly/ 2017-results