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Technology has revolutionized the construction industry, improving efficiency and productivity while reducing costs and waste. Construction technology has evolved from simple tools and equipment to sophisticated software and systems that automate various tasks and processes, from project management to accounting.
To shed some light on this topic, we interviewed Jon O'Brien, an expert in construction technology and founder of a leading construction software company.
Who Did We Interview?
Jon O'Brien became the Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association on January 1, 2017.
In this role, he oversees a commercial construction trade association that is active throughout most of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
KCA is renowned for providing the construction industry labor relations, safety services, workforce development, business development, and community service. Mr. O'Brien is also the co-host of the Building PA Podcast.
He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a dual degree in journalism and history. He is also a Navy Veteran, serving his country from 1995 to 1999.
Outside of work, Jon supports his community in Dillsburg, PA, and he enjoys life with his lovely wife, three beautiful daughters, and Cami, his boxer dog.
The construction industry has been incorporating digital technologies into our processes for some time. This was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited in-person meetings and other face-to-face interactions.
BIM continues to be utilized throughout construction, and more and more virtual reality is being used.
VR has been a great tool to show a client what they can expect, and over the recent past, this tool has been used more in workforce development to give potential construction workers a taste of what they might be getting into.
Since the pandemic, more technology tools have been invented. More technology tools are being utilized, and this is an increase annually, so it's safe to say that 2023 is a digital year, and I expect 2024 to be one as well.
The biggest challenge for construction right now is the workforce, and that is twofold. First, we need workers, and workforce development is very important, especially considering all the work currently and the federal infrastructure funding that will send billions to states over the next few years.
Additionally, because we need workers, we are doing more with less, and this is putting an enormous burden on the current workforce.
Stress levels are at an all-time high, and suicide prevention is critical as just recently, I read an article that said one in nine construction field workers knows someone who died by suicide.
That's crazy, and we must be there for our industry and provide the help and resources to get mental health trending in the right direction.
When it comes to technology trends, I see safety improving due to technology. Over the past few years, we have seen safety technology grow leaps and bounds, helping keep our workers safe.
And yes, I see this trend improving construction productivity because less time injured/or dealing with hazards can be more time focused on the construction project.
Over the next five years, I see the construction industry in Pennsylvania becoming more bilingual. The KCA is already preparing for this by improving our weekly safety toolbox talks.
Currently, we provide a weekly one-page document that focuses on a specific construction hazard. We are in the process of incorporating AI technology to have an animated presenter give the safety information in Spanish.
This idea was presented to champions in the Hispanic community, and they were really acceptive and excited about how we plan to deliver safety education in the future.
More technology, less manpower.
"Be great today." What started as something I used to say to my daughters when they were little, as they would leave for school or get ready to play a soccer game, turned into a business motivator for me.
Being the executive director of construction associated with a small staff requires that I wear many hats, resulting in no two days being the same.
However, every day excites me, and I want to be better and do more for the construction industry and KCA members today than I did yesterday.
More Details
In a people-oriented business such as construction, Jon personifies the ability to inspire confidence and trust throughout the industry.
His attention to detail and personal involvement make certain that his organization, KCA, will attain the desired success. He works together with business owners for the betterment of the community for an informed and productive construction industry.
Shawn Sauve
VP - Sales Dynamics Practice Lead
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