Insight

TECHNOLOGY – A KEY FACTOR DRIVING SUCCESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

TECHNOLOGY – A KEY FACTOR DRIVING SUCCESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Gary R. Pannone

Gary R. Pannone

March 11, 2021 04:10 PM

In addition to delivering legal advice, our lawyers are routinely asked by clients to provide insight relating to business/legal decisions. In the context of solving a legal issue, it is often necessary to understand the business challenges faced by the client. In this regard, we always make a concerted effort to understand the full scope of complexities, legal and otherwise, to help clients make informed decisions. This brief overview outlines numerous challenges in the construction industry relating to profitability, productivity and overall performance, all of which are essential to sustainability, regardless of economic conditions.

When barriers to entry are low, the number of players and level of competition is usually very high – the construction industry is no exception. If productivity is not at a high level, the owners are constrained in reinvesting profit in technology, which is becoming essential to sustainability. We often hear from our clients that their biggest challenge is maintaining a high profit margin on projects due to flawed bidding, delays and poor performance in the field or a combination of any of the three.

In a study by the Construction Owners Association of America (COAA), more than 50% of direct labor time and costs on large projects relates to delays in the delivery of materials, equipment or travel to the project, along with poor planning. All of these factors impact productivity, which results in lower profit margins. As profit margins decrease, the ability to invest in technology is diminished. Over time, this condition impacts sustainability.

Given the increases in the complexity of construction projects, it is critical that the methodology to creating a bid provides the company with credible data and realistic timelines to complete the job. Backlog is critical to sustainability; however, if the company does not maintain a reasonable profit margin, it is simply buying the project and if the economy experiences a downturn, it could spell doom for the company. The more complex the design, the greater the efficiency is required to maintain margins. In a report by Accenture, it was stated that approximately 70% of complex projects are “on-time and on-budget.” According to a KPMG industry study, almost 50% of all construction companies experience one or more underperforming projects annually.

Finding skilled workers is another significant challenge for our clients in the construction industry. The number of qualified project managers, supervisors, engineers and estimators has decreased as the amount of business opportunities has increased. In addition, the labor force that does exist has varying degrees of work ethic, attitude and overall expectations. A significant portion of the skilled workforce withdrew from the marketplace after 2008, resulting in a decrease in laborers without experience. During the next two decades, many construction companies will be required to reinvest in training replacements, which will result in inefficiencies, performance and quality issues along with delays, all of which impacts profitability.

The key to reinvention for construction companies continues to be a greater reliance on digital technologies, which provide the opportunity to address poor profitability/productivity, project performance, skilled labor shortages and sustainability. The use of technology is a critical component of “best practices.” It will improve overall outcomes on a project-by-project basis. The ability to bid a job in real time, as well as manage it to completion without delays, will increasingly depend upon technology driving the process, resulting in higher levels of productivity and profitability.

Helping our clients overcome challenges, whether those challenges are legal matters, business strategy issues or a combination of both, is our priority. This all-encompassing approach to problem-solving offers the broadest range of information and options to assist our clients in the construction industry to make informed decisions. For more information about the construction industry and related business and legal issues, please contact PLDO Managing Principal Gary R. Pannone at 401-855-2601 or email gpannone@pldolaw.com.

Related Articles

Changing for the Better


by Justin Smulison

Joseph Brophy’s Austin-based boutique firm comprises some of the most talented and experienced civil litigators in Texas.

Betting on Finance, Civil Litigation Success

A Warrior for Clients


by Best Lawyers

Michael P. Lyons stands up.

Lyons Roaring Through Complex Disputes

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background

The Human Cost


by Justin Smulison

2 new EU laws aim to reshape global business by enforcing ethical supply chains, focusing on human rights and sustainability

Worker wearing hat stands in field carrying equipemtn

Beyond the Billables


by Michele M. Jochner

In a recently conducted, comprehensive study, data reveals a plethora of hidden realities that parents working full-time in the legal industry face every day.

Women in business attire pushing stroller takes a phone call