With technology being an ever increasing part of everyone’s lives we are having to adapt and find alternative means of communicating effectively without losing the personal touch and relationships that prevailed when an in-person meeting or even a phone call occurred. In the construction industry we are seeing drastic changes in the flow of communication through technology.
An example of this is where only a few years ago a hard copy plans room was commonplace in the offices of most general contractors. These hard copy plans rooms generated a steady stream of traffic from the subcontractors and suppliers that were looking for leads on projects, reviewing plans and doing take-offs for their bids.
While in the plans room they were able to interact and ask questions to the estimators in person. This process created a very personal interaction and many valued relationships were created and maintained.
Today, the hard copy plans rooms are virtually non-existent and although technology allows a seemingly endless reach to people across the globe, there are many changes and advancements in technology that have impacted the personal interaction that had been so valuable. The current bid process in the technological age has drastically changed how we interact and procure subcontract/supplier bids. The bid process today is started with an electronic invitation to bid which in turn allows the subcontractor or supplier to go to a website where they can download the PDF project documents.
With the electronic documents the subcontractors or suppliers can undertake a takeoff within their own office. If they have questions surrounding the tender they will typically email them to the estimator who reviews and replies to the email. The subcontractor or supplier then submits an email bid or possibly a fax which is increasingly rare. The whole process can now be done without a single phone call or personal interaction.
Through these advancements in technology our industry is growing increasingly impersonal, making it difficult to maintain existing relationships and establish new ones.
The construction industry is heavily dependent upon the strong relationships that are needed to aid in the successful completion of our increasingly complex projects. These critical relationships extend to all involved in a project including owners, general contractors, suppliers and consultants.
All those involved in our industry need to be part of an effort to improve our personal communication and make steps towards fostering relationships with valued clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.
Kevin Mierau is the president of Mierau Contractors Ltd. and is a member of the Journal of Commerce Editorial Advisory Board. Comments can be sent to editor@journalofcommerce.com.
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