With so much building and modernizing to be accomplished around the country, it is anticipated that the construction industry will remain busy, so for contractors working to push their businesses forward, predictions about interoperability and the leveraging of technology for improved safety come as really good news.
Interoperability?
The race to digitize construction businesses has left many contractors with head scratching challenges, since tech products have not generally been easy to integrate. When one system does not talk to another, we’re left back where we started—reliant on spreadsheets. For all those pushing forward to digitize contractor businesses, it will come as welcome news that interoperability is on its way. As Chris Peppler, a leader at Trimble, predicts, interoperability will ease the tech integration stresses that contractors have been challenged by:
While contractors are continuing to rapidly adopt new technology, the solutions they choose don’t always integrate well with other technology solutions within a contractor’s tech stack. Luckily that’s changing as tech vendors seek to make their data interoperable via a connected data environment and adoption of open API standards, which means that the information from different systems is accessible in one place and can be exchanged between systems. Trimble and other construction technology vendors have made many advancements in this area due to the value it provides for today’s contractors. In fact, according to a recent Trimble survey, 59% said that technology integration will be one of the biggest themes in 2025, and 25% said it was one of the biggest challenges they’re currently facing today.
Technology To Improve Safety
Worker safety and well-being is of course vital for employees—and ultimately, to sustainable, and thriving businesses. Thus, it’s also good news to hear Khrystyna Bezborodova, a Trimble product manager, predict that during the year ahead big strides will be made to apply technology for improved safety on construction sites:
The benefits of cutting-edge technology for jobsite safety will become more evident in 2025. Field-focused solutions – layout tools, laser scanners, mobile mapping systems and drones – are becoming more affordable and versatile, with greatly simplified data management capabilities. From the reality capture data from these sensors, advancing software capabilities will extract actionable information to reduce the time site crews spend physically capturing data, reducing the need for employees on active roadways and jobsites….Drone use will grow because it is an ideal tool to survey jobsites for physical and environmental hazards before a project starts and to inspect structures in a safe and efficient way. Knowing the exact location of heavy equipment, material movement or structural instability reduces the chance of an accident. In addition, getting safety information and incident reporting off of paper and into a digital format increases dissemination and allows reporting that can minimize incidents.
Shifting Away From Manual Processes
One position that is becoming increasingly important for contractor businesses in the push forward is project coordinator. Though not a new role, technology has clearly shifted the possibilities of what can be accomplished in a well-filled administrative role, especially as competition for labor continues to be intense. Expect a project coordinator salary to be between $54k and $80k. If that seems out of reach, weigh it against the cost of scheduling challenges, miscommunications, disputes, and other inefficiencies that typically prevent businesses from growing. Efficient, effective project coordination, which adroitly leverages technology, contributes to successful project completion.The reverse can cause project delays, liquidated damages or even lead to owners considering termination.
Ultimately, as Construction Business Owner reminds us: “The companies that make even small moves away from manual processes stand to gain a competitive edge. They will be able to do things faster, use fewer manual resources, and make more strategic and informed decisions.” Colonial Surety Company offers a pragmatic first step toward big results: take control over your bids and bonds. Once qualified for The Partnership Account® for Contractors, you are in the driver’s seat and can:
- issue your own bonds in minutes with our power of attorney
- adjust bids
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Let’s Get You Headed To A Great Start In 2025:
This video highlights the benefits of The Partnership Account® for Contractors, and will give you a good feel for how it all works—easily and efficiently.
Founded in 1930, Colonial Surety Company is a leading direct seller and writer of surety bonds and insurance products across the USA. Colonial is rated “A Excellent” by A.M. Best Company and U.S. Treasury listed.