ABC’s 2022 Tech Report Features Real-World Journeys in Construction Innovation

Associated Builders and Contractors released its second annual construction technology report comprised of case studies that spotlight specific technologies and innovation best practices that ABC member contractors are utilizing to strengthen their value proposition. The report also features safety technology survey data from ABC contractors.

Some technologies and innovative practices by ABC contractors found in the 2022 Tech Report include:

Robotics: Thanks to a suite of robotic solutions, HITT Contracting, Falls Church, Virginia, and its subcontractor drilled 262 anchors in four hours, ultimately resulting in a pace that allowed a 10-day task to be completed in just four days with no safety incidents.

Drones: Harkins Builders, Columbia, Maryland, enhanced its drone program to be an all-encompassing application of hardware, software and processes to help the project teams deliver the project safely, easily, rapidly and cost-effectively.

Analytics software: Using data software to drive decisions, Gaylor Electric developed a “hindsight report” analyzing data to create the recipe for a successful project by measuring metrics like travel time, purchasing and work breakdown structure.

Project bidding software: Nexen Construction, Julian, Pennsylvania, went from 378 bids in 2020 to 921 bids in 2021 when bidding software was fully implemented.

Total human health app: Working with mental health professionals, The Cianbro Cos., Pittsfield, Maine, have created a construction industry-specific set of virtual tools to enhance mindfulness and mental well-being.

Safety QR codes and data sheets: Embracing safety and health as a core value, T.W. Frierson, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, provided hardhat stickers to every employee-owner so they could access specific guidance for chemical products they are working with.

Other technologies discussed in the report include reality capture, emerging glass and window systems, safety monitoring, payroll and timesheet software, analytics dashboards, Building Information Modeling, project management tools, equipment management tools and more.

The 2022 Tech Report is made possible by the ABC Tech Alliance, a consortium of firms that create construction technology and innovative solutions for ABC contractor members, the majority of which primarily perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors. The 2022-23 Tech Alliance members are Arcoro, Autodesk Inc., BuildOps, Field Control Analytics, KPA, OpenSpace, Procore, Safesite, Safety Evolution, Sage, Smartapp.com, SmartBuild, SubHQ and Tenna.

ABC continues to invest in helping its members select high-quality construction technology available to them through its Tech Alliance, Tech Marketplace and Safety Tech Guide. Visit abc.org/techreport to read the case studies.