DECEMBER - JANUARYCONSTRUCTIONTECHREVIEW.COM19if projects wait for technology to be aligned with the project delivery cycle, it creates a gap between our expectations and software solution potential. On time project delivery requires software to be developed prior to construction industry investing in the solution, as opposed to software industry's overinflated expectation that we are willing to buy in to their future development. The next problem is the humongous inflow of cash into construction industry startups that look mainly toward creating the next best-in-class software solutions, thus very often shifting everyone's focus from the principles of efficient project delivery. Could you tell us how your leadership traits had an impact in taking projects and aligning them with the latest technologies today?I had a bit of an unorthodox path toward becoming AEC industry professional. I started my career on the manufacturing side in shipbuilding industry, worked as a registered architect and transitioned into construction while acquiring a relatively strong information technology background along the way. The diverse background helped me to foster creative pragmatism and gave me an insight across the wide spectrum of technology uses in a range of industries.Based on this experience, I believe in two paradigms around which construction design revolves, the data gathering and the information analysis. One of the most innovative solutions we deployed during the past couple of years was the introduction of machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions in project delivery cycle. The benefits of this technology were brought to light with our job-site safety analysis and the overall understanding how can we further improve on our already impressive safety culture. We were the first US corporation in AEC market, which was approved by FAA to facilitate drone enabled data gathering and analysis toward better visibility into our projects. We are pushing the boundaries toward monitoring progress of construction in real time by using machine learning based predictive engines to anticipate either slowdowns or deficiencies in project delivery before they become job-site reality.Such approach empowers our executives and all project stakeholders to get a deep insight about all the projects in almost real time which ultimately has a positive impact on resources planning and the financial bottom line. Where do you see the construction arena given its dynamic nature moving ahead in the coming years?Design is an inseparable part of project delivery, and it represents all that our client aspires to get at the end of this process. From my perspective I see a stronger shift toward more integrated project delivery approach. The level of integration and better control over a procurement cycle is what will drive this industry forward. This means the consolidation of processes, recognizing gained efficiencies, smart allocation of resources and better understanding in their availability. These will be managed by greater utilization of Big data and the selective implementation of robotics and automation in our processes. The bottom line is that the bright future for construction industry needs to be matched with investment geared toward transitioning to more integrated industry and adoption of proven cross industry trends. What advice would you give various industry leaders in the construction arena in adopting technological trends and moving ahead for better business outcomes?My advice would be to be a good listener and strive to learn from experience of those that understand the pain points of this industry. Manufacturing and information technology industries can inform our views toward creating the new and more productive business models, and match those with investments and implementation of processes. Only in this way we will be able to reap the benefits of such transformation. Stay away from temporary patches and point solutions that are voided of integration points the ability of disrupting industry in a way that will provide the lasting value. For startups in construction, besides information technology, I believe there is a great value associated with process re-engineering toward rethinking the way we plan and execute our projects. Currently, the pain point in adopting the right technology is the dichotomy between pace of the software industry and traditional construction project delivery
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