The mix of digital infrastructure and construction infrastructure spend will put more sectors of workers back to work. Construction and technology.
The challenge right now is the readiness of the construction industry to meet the needs of infrastructure during this time. Historically, construction is lagging when it comes to technology adoption. This has caused some companies to find themselves behind the 8-ball when it comes to being prepared in areas like construction technology and corporate digital infrastructure. These two types of technology can be used to support remote workers, improve communications, and allow the business to be more agile to answer bids for infrastructure projects.
A terrible virus is ravaging the world, but it has brought to light the strengths and weaknesses of businesses and governments—especially as it relates to technology and response. Forrester called it a new “channel norm,” which is essentially one that is more “agile, responsive, and cross-functional” than before the pandemic. In addition, Forrester goes so far as to say that those businesses that don’t or won’t implement a digital infrastructure will “decline,” which is putting it lightly.
Currently, COVID-19 is fast-tracking digital transformation within companies not just with the construction industry. It is also of value to note that companies that already have taken steps toward building out digital infrastructure are ahead of the curve. Construction companies and companies in other industries that have implemented technology solutions are better poised to respond to the growing needs of their customers and employees, and better prepared for those answering the demand of projects that could arise from the government infrastructure spending. In addition, they are facing less disruption to their businesses than ones that have not implemented solutions.
Digital infrastructure and technology are no longer a “nice to have” but have become a necessity in our “new business environment.” Contractors have goals to keep their employees safe, maintain seamless communication across their business operations, stay profitable, and win new work. If they do not know where their resources are, like their equipment fleet, or don’t have the ability to communicate across their operations they may not be working as efficiently towards those goals. If they don’t or won’t adopt technologies to improve basic business functions, they may not survive the economic downturn.