Welcome to spooky season. Would you rather have a trick or a treat? With AI (artificial intelligence), you will likely get one or the other. Trick or treat. Either you will plan for the technology and reap the rewards (a big treat for your business). Or you will let it happen and see potential ramifications (trick). What will you choose?
We are embarking on a blog series, looking at the impact of AI (artificial intelligence) in the construction industry, and we have even explored a few specific case studies in estimating and project management. Today, let’s identify how to move forward. How can we implement AI? There are a few key things to consider before getting started.
Perhaps the most important factor is to create a corporate strategy around AI. Littler Mendelson, general counsel, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors), suggests there are several things to consider when drafting interoffice AI policies.
First, define the purpose. Second, create a mission statement and an explanation on how it can be used and who can use it. Third, designate point persons. Fourth, clarify that AI is to assist employees, not serve as a substitute. Finally, consider an overall approach that monitors AI use and encourages innovation, but ensures AI is only used to augment internal work.
Do you see a common theme here? AI is a supportive tool in the construction industry. It is not meant to replace workers. It is meant to collect data and provide analysis, and then the workers are meant to take that data and make business decisions. There are big opportunities here, as we have explored on previous blogs, but there are also big potential risks if we don’t take careful steps.
This is something Peggy Smedley has written about in-depth. Many companies don’t have the time or money to invest or the buy-in from top leadership or employees at all levels. Other hurdles include the lack of internal expertise and the lack of a champion.
There are some big questions we need to ask before we move forward with any technology: who, what, when, where, and how. In a recent blog, Peggy highlighted some key steps to technology implementation, including:
- Identifying your lead and your team.
- Creating an implementation plan and timeline.
- Setting up integrations for any data that needs to be moved.
- Train, train, train.
- Constantly reevaluate if it is working or needs to be adjusted.
- The team itself.
These principles could apply to any technology implementation, but they are especially critical when implementing AI. We must go in with our eyes open, focusing on the opportunities and how to align people, process, and technology. And we must not forget the hurdles and challenges we will likely face along the way. What would you add? What have you considered as you have implemented new AI technology?
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