Stouffville Mobile Redimix weighs in on the five impactful trends in technology that are revolutionizing the concrete industry. The article presented by Craig Yeack brings to our attention the benefits of integrating technology and how these improvements propel the concrete industry. (Source: Five trends in technology changing the concrete industry, concreteconstruction.net, written by Craig Yeack, January 31, 2017; https://www.concreteconstruction.net/producers/five-trends-in-technology-changing-the-concrete-industry_o .)
Technology has found its way into almost every industry. It is not surprising that it has seeped into the concrete trade. Advancements in technology allow for easy management amongst staff members and clients. Pat from Stouffville Redimix agrees, “Throughout the years, there have been many advancements in the concrete industry. We here at SMR have implemented a variety of tech software to make our day-to-day process easier. The paperless trend has gained popularity. Orders are no longer taken with pen and paper. Even tracking your fleet can be done remotely without having to call your staff out on a job site. In other words, it is beneficial to incorporate technology to maintain relevancy. It just makes sense”.
Craig Yeack begins to explain the wireless revolution. Real-time data is accessible through software to communicate with dispatch leads, manage inventory, gauge delivery times, and much more. Therefore, making paperwork obsolete and automating tedious tasks, allowing the contractor to focus on sales and other duties. Pat expresses, “We at SMR have acquired customized software for this exact purpose. Tracking our fleet, managing orders, and having our team quickly review customer information. Their response time to meet orders has definitely increased”. Pat continues to share, “If you have not yet incorporated software to manage repetitive mundane tasks, I highly recommend researching a software solution for your company.”
Intelligent information is next on the list. Craig Yeack suggests adding a GPS or adding sensors to plant equipment, which will provide accurate information promptly. It is up to the contractors/company to commit to understanding their technology with any new advancements. Without that commitment, you will not utilize the benefits or witness the investment’s full potential. Pat expresses, “I agree, any technological investment requires understanding. I believe you have to be open-minded to adapt to a new way of doing things. Older traditions and habits are hard to break. Some individuals do not want to change the traditional ways of the trade. However, allowing the integration of technology makes life easier and is something we should all get on board with.”
Craig Yeack also shares the importance of trust. He explains that it is easy to target problematic issues with technology, solidify the cost of products, and make production or delivery data available to customers. Pat shares, “At SMR, our mobile redimix trucks have technology that mixes and produces only what the customer has asked for, and the client pays for what they use. Therefore, ensuring quality and solidifying trust. It is easy to understand that perhaps other companies who do not have customized software may run into issues such as quality or payment discrepancies. They may not have the data to support the situation which could interfere with the relationship between the client and the company.”
Craig explains that it is beneficial to move at the speed of the millennials as they are the next generation and expect advanced technology. Pat agrees, “This could not be more true. The young generation who are becoming homeowners, business associates, or company owners will look to see who has the latest advancements in technology and choose them based on those advancements.”
Both small and large companies are integrating technology to propel their business into the future. Pat suggests, “It is in your best interest to incorporate technology and see how it could benefit your workplace.”