Episode Overview
There is a disconnect between flashy software and field usability, says construction technologist and The ConTech Crew podcast host Jeff Sample.
Technology in the trades is relatively new, and while the past decade has brought some quality solutions into the construction arena, they aren’t always being put to the right use.
Sample wants companies to marry good solutions with the right innovations.
“If [the tech] isn’t helping the field, if it's not making us safer, more efficient and focused on the work, [then] it's not worth doing,” Sample says.
His mantra is “show me, don’t tell me. ”
Sample wants to see the gap bridged between the job site and back office. That includes mapping processes before buying tools, and trusting technology before buying the next shiny object.
A first step in creating connectivity is honest conversation about issues and problems, he says. It’s valuable intel to learn that a problem currently doesn’t have a solution.
“No is just as acceptable as yes,” Sample says. “In fact, getting there very quickly helps [everybody] look for the right solution.”
Unfortunately, this isn’t the way construction sites have been managed for many years. Inefficiencies have caused slowdowns that have led to dings to the bottom line, Sample says.
“Leadership was accustomed to keeping processes really tight to the chest,” he says.
“Don't tell me about the bits and bites – just tell me about the outcomes,” was the old way of thinking, Sample recalls.
It’s time for leaders to break out of that way of thinking, he says, to not worry about competitors hearing about solutions, and to share data that allows a rising tide to lift all ships.
Jeff Sample recently joined ServiceTitan’s Jackie Aubel on the “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast, which included Sample’s thoughts on:
[4:22] Why early construction software failed in the field
[13:09] How to vet software: “Show me, don’t tell me”
[31:54] Why IT leaders need to learn to “speak business”
[41:22] Building tech with field outcomes in mind
[47:10] Not chasing shiny news objects and concentrating on data
To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or anywhere you get podcasts.
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