The rise of asset-centric technology is drastically changing the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Pushed by client demands for responsive technology solutions that provide project feedback on the fly, savvy AEC firms are quickly embracing and adopting new technology to keep them on top of their competitive game.
Getting started on the road to new technology implementation may at first seem like a daunting affair. From choosing the best option suited to your firm and clients, to internal onboarding time, converting to new software requires a thoughtful analysis to ensure you make the best long-term choice for your firm.
Here are four quick steps to help set you on your way:
Determine Your Needs
Before exploring the options available, first begin by determining the technology needs of your firm. Conduct an internal audit with your staff to pinpoint the performance criteria of your desired technology. Include in the discussion a review of your current legacy technology and gather feedback on what’s working and, more importantly, the pain points experienced by your team and any perceived opportunities to improve efficiency, add functionality and/or reduce cost. Every workflow and business process should be reviewed and considered from the perspective of “how things should be done” versus “this is how we do things.”
Interview Your Clients & Contractors
Next, invite feedback from your clients and field contractors to gain insight on their needs and any key performance indicators. For your clients, being able to capture real-time project performance is likely very important. Field staff may be looking for mobile solutions that provide greater ease on capturing in-field data, analysis and reporting. Taking the time to receive candid feedback from your key stakeholders is vital to making sure your software will work for the needs of your entire project team from concept to delivery.
Investigate Options
With the key performance indicators identified by your internal and external stakeholders in hand, it’s now time to begin researching your software options. Search for technologies that focus on providing asset-centric solutions that meet both the needs of your clients and your firm. Look for solutions that are market proven with successful results, relevant case studies and strong customer references.
Product Demonstration and Due Diligence
The best-in-class options will offer on-line videos and comprehensive product demonstrations that give you a chance to test run the software before committing to implementation. Invite your staff, clients and field contractors to participate in the demo to ensure you’re adopting the technology that best suits the full needs of everyone involved.
Adopting new technology should be a straightforward, rewarding and exciting exercise. Using the four steps above will give you a head start on selecting the technology that’s best for your firm and ensuring buy-ins at all levels of the company, with the potential for huge gains in productivity, efficiency and competitive edge.
Top image credit: www.BillionPhotos.com/Shutterstock
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