One Constant in Our Industry: Technology is Ever-Changing


T


hirty to 40 years ago, the definition of


a technologically- savvy contractor was completely different than it is today. In the 1980s, if a construction company could


print estimates and accounting reports on green-bar paper, use a computer to create meeting minutes versus using a typewriter, and contact employees with pagers when they were out of range of the two-way radios, they were considered technologi- cally advanced. Today, our technology is defined by countless pieces of hardware, software, applications, and equipment both in the office and out in the field. Our companies invest a tremendous amount of time and money in managing and staying relevant with today’s technology. Te ultimate goal with any technology


is to increase productivity, work leaner (especially with our workforce shortage), and improve safety and quality while remaining competitive and saving money. Sounds simple – but with new technology being created every day, having a struc- tured process for deciding when to take on a new form of technology is a must.


Here are some suggestions:  Form a group of experts from within your company that will ultimately be effected with the specific technology that will be evaluated.


 Define the topic/issue/technology to be evaluated (i.e.: what new accounting software should we purchase?).


 Agree to the criteria that will be evaluated.


 Do your research including reaching out to your network of AGC relationships.


 Document your findings and your final decision. Keep this final document handy. I


know from experience, during the imple- www.AGC-CA.org


mentation process the question of “why are we making this change” will come up. It is helpful to be able to refer back and reconfirm the decision you made to move forward with when adopting a new form of technology. Another important resource for


keeping pace with today’s technology in construction is this year’s AGC of California and CFMA Sacramento Tech Forum on September 28th


at


Te Falls Event Center in Elk Grove. Join contractors, software providers and IT professionals for an event that brings together discussion, learning, networking, and showcases the latest in industry innovation through rapid-fire demonstrations. Before wrapping up I want to mention


a few other items: First, I want to congratulate Tom


Holsman for receiving the AGC of America Executive Leadership Council’s Meritorious Service Award and Mike Navin for being Named CFO of the Year for small associations by the Sacramento Business Journal. Congratulations, and well-deserved! Next, I would like to thank the


Executive Committee, standing state committee chairs and the past presi- dents that attended this year’s strategic planning. Te time and effort to our strategic planning sets the direction for the future of our association and guides the staff in their day to day activities. Te commitment of our members and staff allows us to be “Te Voice of the Construction Industry.” Finally, Carey and I are looking


forward to this year’s AGC of California Annual Conference at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa October 11-13, 2017 followed by the Awards Banquet on October 14. Check-out the schedule of events – there are a few new events this year. We look forward to seeing you there!


Mike Mencarini 2017 AGC of California President


Published bi-monthly for members of the Associated General Contractors of California


3095 Beacon Boulevard West Sacramento, CA 95691 (916) 371-2422 www.agc-ca.org


Publisher


Al Rickard Association Vision (703) 402-9713 arickard@assocvision.com www.associationvision.com


Editor


Carol A. Eaton Eaton Communications (707) 789-9520 eatonc@comcast.net


Graphic Designer/Production


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Correspondence


Address editorial and circulation correspondence to: California Constructor, AGC of California, 3095 Beacon Blvd., West Sacramento, CA 95691 (916) 371-2422 or call Carol Eaton at (707) 789-9520 or eatonc@comcast.net.


Copyright 2017


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