What’s trending…

In a recent article by McKinsey & Company, the consulting firm discussed how engineering, construction, and building material companies (ECBs) need to prepare for the challenges coming as we emerge from COVID-19.

One thing that attracted me in this article is something we at BlackSmithSoft have been saying from day one and that is that “today” technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity in our industry.

When it comes to short-term trends McKinsey advises ECBs to increase digitization and the main factor causing this is the necessity of working remotely due to shutdowns imposed by the Coronavirus. McKinsey mentions:

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If you remember our blog article entitled “Managing drawings and BIM models before construction starts” we addressed these points and discussed how important it is to take the opportunity now (while we can’t access the site like we normally would) to replan and reoptimize construction schedules with the necessary tools and approaches.

On the longterm McKinsey advises ECBs to invest in technology or digitization. They rightly point out that “The case for digital tools that are proven to increase productivity, such as 4D simulation, digital workflow management, real-time progress tracking, and advanced schedule optimization, will become even stronger.” after emerging out of COVID.

They also mention a longterm trend in increased off-site construction: “...we expect to see contractors gradually push fabrication off-site and manufacturers expand their range of prefabricated subassemblies.“

McKinsey’s Seven actions for success

So how do the ECBs recover from what they call requires “an immediate crisis response”? What are the necessary actions required to regain strength and pull out of the economic downturn? McKinsey lists seven actions for success:

  • Accelerate rollout and adoption of digitization. ⊗
  • Invest in the culture and skills needed to operate in the next normal. 
  • Build a control tower across the portfolio. ⊗
  • Bolster supply-chain resilience. ⊗
  • Redeploy capital and resources. 
  • Identify opportunities to shift work off-site. ⊗ check out this article
  • Get closer to customers. ⊗ check out our buyer portal article

I have humbly crossed the above list with the points which I believe are places technology and processes (the ingredients of platforms like BlackSmithSoft for BIM and BlackSmithSoft for AWP) can be of essential and immediate assistance to any ECB’s success in these hard times.