Digital collaboration is utilising online tools to work efficiently on construction projects. We need to upskill our workforce to keep pace with technological advancements.
Newer technologies have marked the arrival of digital transformation in the workplace at large and the construction industry. Speaking of digital collaboration in construction, we cannot ignore the widening digital skills gap. Since the technology keeps getting more sophisticated with AI and cloud-based software, the need to acquire digital skills is more significant.
Digital collaborations are here for good
A standard construction project management software offers niche features such as payroll management, workflow schedules, and an interactive role-based interface to share layouts, raise RFIs and change orders. These highly intricate SaaS products are designed to simplify the complexities of construction projects by establishing various methods of digital collaboration across teams. However, being a niche solution, the software requires your staff to complete long training sessions. The digital skills gap is itself a hurdle in the way of embracing digital collaboration as a part of routine work.
Here, India Nirmaan shares a few methods to improve digital skills in your construction teams.
Digital collaboration in construction means adopting online methods such as software-as-a-solution (SaaS) platforms to work on a project. The teams communicate and function via digital tools to meet their collaborative requirements.
Technology is developing fast, and a digital skill gap is created in the industry when the workforce cannot stay in sync with these advancements. The pool of skilled workers is smaller than their demand.
digital collaboration in Construction
Ready or not, digital collaboration is here to stay as a core feature of construction management. Think about it, in the last decade, since smartphones have come into our pockets, how many projects have you completed without depending on WhatsApp or emails or on-site to an off-site phone call? Most likely zero.
It is hard to refute that smartphones are a boon for construction coordination amongst teams. Yet, we are not able to fully leverage the technology to our own and the project’s benefit. The matter is of poor digital skills combined with inferior collaboration techniques. Let’s see how you can improve your company to ace the upcoming era of digital collaboration in construction.
Tips to improve digital collaboration skills
Find opportunities to train
Employers must join the dots between the demand for skilled workers and the supply of training and qualifications. Professional training is required to prepare young people with the skills needed in the increasingly digitized industry. Promote hands-on training. The goal of training should be to expose employees to innovative tech and its essential role in digital processes in construction.
Enhance employee experience
Existing employees and their knowledge are valuable resources to the company. Improve the experience they have at your company for longer retention. Ensure a digital culture, encourage current employees to adopt technology, and engage in continuous skill upgrades. Demonstrate how tech can be helpful in their day-to-day activities at the construction site. Support integrated training facilities to help employees develop new skills and be ready for automation.
Simplify the talent hiring process
Recruiting the wrong candidate can affect your team’s performance and your organisation as a whole. Make the hiring and recruitment process focused on the role, job, and responsibilities you are offering. For e.g. hire construction workers for their skill and stamina to build structures. Once hired, you can train them in the tech processes necessary for digital collaboration.
Use the power of technology to connect
Digital collaboration has made construction sites safer and more efficient. We can increase productivity, improve collaboration, and handle more complex projects with it. Cultivate a workforce that is skilled and adept at handling ever-evolving construction technology. Software solutions update changes to documents and schedules instantly, facilitating better communication and collaboration.
Polish your soft skills for effect
One of the essential soft skills to hone is communication. Effective communication can build trust and relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, and other collaboration partners. Good interpersonal communication enables us to work efficiently in groups and teams.
Be Digital savvy
Digital collaboration in construction is amongst people, not devices or systems. The technology can enhance and ease partnership, and the teams can work seamlessly. Sophisticated construction communication management software integrates the teams and provides a platform where they can interact and share information and knowledge with each other in real time. To ride the new wave of technology in construction, begin to recognise and bridge the digital skills gap in your teams today.
