All-In-One Construction Accounting Software
Lead The Industry with ProjectPro, An All-in-one Construction Software
Simplifying your business operations with integrated construction accounting and project management capabilitiesINFLUENCER INSIGHTS
The construction industry faces several challenges, including rising costs, labor shortages, and increasing regulatory requirements. However, many emerging trends offer the potential to address these challenges and transform the industry.
The future of the construction industry is digital. Adopting digital technologies and sustainable construction practices can address the industry's challenges. The construction industry can become more efficient, sustainable, and productive by embracing the digital future.
To learn more about the importance of technology in the construction industry and the recent trends, ProjectPro interviewed Amanda Bulow.
Who Did We Interview?
Amanda Bulow is a well-connected construction industry professional with over 24 years of experience. Her extensive knowledge in procurement, sales & production estimating has assisted numerous organizations in streamlining their business, finding efficiencies, and improving results.
With extensive industry networks, Amanda has built a formidable reputation for consistently identifying obstacles and blind spots within her business. She is also known for implementing strategic solutions underpinned by a genuine desire to achieve the best possible outcome for the business.
In 2017 Amanda founded Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), a not-for-profit association dedicated to providing support, resources, and networking opportunities to women across Australia’s construction industry. AWIC advocates against discrimination, educate the next generation, and amplifies women's voices in construction.
Every year is a digital year. Each year more and more innovation is introduced to the construction industry. It is a great opportunity for industry growth.
Having worked with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Students from the Faculty of Science who have been working with AWIC to create the Be Ready App by AWIC and, more recently, the Breaking Ground Game, both are available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Working with them and seeing their passion for making tomorrow better is exciting. They have a way with technology that simply amazes me. These students will bring innovation and new thinking to the construction industry.
Because of COVID, the construction industry was pushed into the future quicker than it would have been otherwise. Examples include working remotely and flexibility for staff. We also started to talk more (than ever) about mental health. I hope that in ‘returning to a new normal,’ we don’t lose these changes.
The biggest challenge for the industry now is to regain the trust and confidence of the consumer. It has been a tough few years, and although it isn’t over, we need to regroup and rebuild. In many cases, both professionally and personally.
Innovation, along with business growth and development, are some of the potential technology trends. These trends can boost productivity and, in some cases, assist with the labor and staffing shortages we are currently seeing. Don’t worry; there will still be ample work for humans and AI.
Example. AI programs/technology will be able to count how many double power points there are on a floor plan, but will they be able to see when there is a lack of ‘practicality’ to their location or position? For example, power point located on a cavity sliding door cavity or on a common wall in a townhouse project?
AI is here, and it's here to stay. And if we let it, AI will benefit the industry in ways we don’t know.
Being stronger for the lessons learned over the past few years. Not just with the material and labor supply (pricing volatility and labor shortages) but also with how we respect and treat employees.
The days of initiations, long hours, and mistreatment of staff are on the way out. Simply being rewarded with a ‘paycheck’ isn’t enough anymore. Better late than never!
I’m also excited to see the growth of women in the construction space. Educating, advocating, and amplifying the voices of AWESOME women in construction is close to my heart, and I see embracing them and their skills as a win for everyone. They are an ‘untapped resource’ and one that will bring a shift in how we see the future of construction. Providing mentoring and connection will be key to this success.
The government has been ‘job sharing’ and providing employees ‘flexibility’ for decades. It's time we, as an industry, welcome these changes.
I’m also excited to see where diversity and inclusion in the construction industry end up. Are they ‘just words,’ or will there be significant change?
Advocate, Educate, and Amplify
Stop talking about change; make it happen and be part of the solution. We need to start in our backyard. Dropping a stone in water causes a ripple effect that reaches out.
More Details
Amanda is a strong advocate for women in leadership roles. She believes that women have the skills and experience to lead and drive the growth of the construction industry in Australia. She is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive construction industry and working to ensure women have the opportunities they need to succeed.
Shawn Sauve
VP - Sales Dynamics Practice Lead
*By completing this form you are signing up to receive our emails and can unsubscribe at any time.
