Peggy Smedley Show

Peter Lasensky, CEO, Command Post, sits down with Peggy Smedley, editorial director, Constructech, to talk about the challenges facing the construction industry and how technology can make a difference as business grows, and data needs to be managed. Peggy Smedley: What would you say is the biggest challenge in the construction industry today? Peter Lasensky: Let’s be real: construction is one of the toughest businesses out there. Labor shortages, rising material costs—these are huge challenges, but here’s the thing: data fragmentation is what’s really holding us back. Imagine trying to manage your projects across five, 10, even 15 disconnected apps. Each…

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“I’m sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.” –HAL 9000, 2001: A Space Odyssey When Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick co-wrote the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, artificial intelligence was about 90% science fiction and 10% hopeful experiments. Then, they projected that AI (artificial intelligence) would require a vast computer and database on board the space probe taking a crew to Jupiter; in 2024, AI is resident on a handheld smartphone and needs a connection to the vast database known as the internet. And, as Shakespeare wrote, therein lies the rub. In the film and subsequent novel,…

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In any industry, data is king—and the data needs a place where it is housed. Enter a new Operations Cockpit interface. Without leaving the cockpit, operators can access critical operational data and do other critical tasks. As one example, Kongsberg Digital recently launched a new Operations Cockpit, which gives operators a way to manage workflows, do task execution, and monitor data. With the same data in everyone’s hands, operators can track operational performance, such as operator rounds, mitigation tasks, and shift logs. They can also perform shift handovers and track and register issues or risks such as leaks, out-of-service equipment, passing valves, and temporary equipment. Here is how this can help: Breaks down silos by consolidating data from various systems and data sources. Gives operators one comprehensive view. Streamline every stage of work including identifying tasks, scoping, planning, executing, and closing out activities. Looking to the future, we are going to see the rise of one central location to house all the data. Today’s workers need an easy way to ensure data is available to the person who needs it, when and where they need…

Walmart tends to be a leader in the retail space when it comes to leveraging technology to improve efficiency in the supply chain. Case in point: 3D printing. Walmart recently partnered with Alquist 3D to complete an 8,000-sq.ft., 20-ft. high addition to Walmart’s store in Athens, Tenn. The objective of this project is to enhance Walmart’s online pickup and delivery services. Here is how 3D concrete printing can help in retail: Enable more sustainable construction at retail stores. Less time to complete a build means more time selling retail products. Offers new ways to address operational challenges. Looking to the future, we are going to see more organizations across all vertical markets turn to 3D concrete printing to help build faster and more efficiently, while also offering a more sustainable way to build. Keep an eye on this trend for the…

What if disaster struck and you weren’t home, but your pet was? What would you do? The concept of needing to evacuate pets when disasters strikes isn’t something often thought about, but with the rise of natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and other disasters, the pets can often be left behind. The good news is a new tech-based nonprofit Animal Help Now launched an innovative neighbors-based messaging app called Pet Help & Rescue. This was developed as a direct result of one of the most destructive fires in Colorado history, the Marshall Fire of December 2021. This fire took the life of thousands of dogs, cats, and other beloved pets. Neighbors can set up a basic profile for themselves and their pets and establish a few trusted contacts in the neighborhood. If a disaster strikes when you aren’t home, you can quickly and easily ask your contacts to evacuate your pets. Requests can include where pets may hide, where their meds and go-bags are, and how to access the home. Here is how this technology can help: Evacuate pets when disasters strike. Provides a dedicated communications channel, independent of all other phone/text communication. Creates a disaster preparedness plan for pets. Perhaps one of the most interesting things about technology is how it can help solve unique problems—and this is exactly what this solution does. Looking to the future, we will continue to see new technologies solve everyday…

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