Author: Peggy Smedley
Peggy Smedley and Matt Hatton, founding partner, Transforma Insights, talk about what is coming in the IoT (Internet of Things) in 2026. He shares IoT transition topics and what is likely to be the most impactful during the next 12 months, pointing to the role of AI (artificial intelligence), video analytics, 5G, eSIM, and more. They also discuss: · GSMA standards—what has come before and what we have today. · How AI and the IoT are working together. · How many IoT devices will have embedded AI in the next decade. https://transformainsights.com/
What’s happening in the food industry? Food-service growth is expected to continue at a modest but steady pace in 2026, with real growth projected at 1.1%, slightly higher than 0.9% in 2025. The challenge is there is ongoing pressure related to costs and consumer expectations. Also, the food supply chain is under pressure like never before due to tightening regulations and persistent food waste, which is forcing the industry to rethink how it manages safety, quality, and transparency. Still, there is good news in all this discussion. There is a wave of innovation that is changing how food moves from…
Work zone fatalities have gone up in the United States, according to the most recent numbers from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Admin.) with more than 898 deaths and 40,000 injuries estimated in 2023. This represents a 50% increase in work zone fatalities reported between 2013 and 2023. This is simply unacceptable. Can emerging technologies like AI (artificial intelligence) help? Of course, if implemented correctly. AI-powered safety tools are increasingly being deployed to reduce risk by improving visibility, identifying hazards earlier, and assisting workers and equipment operators with better situational awareness. Unlike traditional safety tools that rely solely on human…
Peggy Smedley talks about the state of the construction infrastructure market, sharing numbers and research from one new report. She says the companies that will win in the next decade will be the most adaptable. She also discusses: · What markets are thriving and what markets are stalling. · How we can build the cities and infrastructure of tomorrow. · Five steps organizations will need to take in the year ahead. https://peggysmedleyshow.com
Peggy Smedley and Paul Brussow, president, RLB North America, talk about the forces reshaping construction and the built environment, diving into a new report looking at cost, risks, and markets. He says we saw a federal rate cut in December 2025, and while we didn’t see the surge of groundbreakers we hoped, developers are cautiously optimistic. They also discuss: · If construction companies are repositioning for a different kind of economy. · Investment in training and the challenge of the retiring workforce. · Adjustments that are needed in certain sectors moving forward. https://www.rlb.com/
Peggy Smedley and Patrick Scarpati, director of construction technology and innovation, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors), talk about the pressures contractors are facing and how technology is becoming central to that shift. He says technology is accelerating at varying levels throughout the industry. They also discuss: · How we can use technology to keep up with the speed of change. · The state of integration and APIs (application programming interfaces). · If technology will play a part in upskilling and reskilling. https://www.abc.org
An announcement recently crossed my desk about an upgraded, purpose-built AI (artificial intelligence) analyst and I have so many questions and thoughts. I am guessing at first blush so do you. Let’s take a closer look at this announcement and what this could potentially mean for the analyst community and the market segment. But, first, let’s be honest: Analysts have always relied on tools. Years ago, it was spreadsheets and databases. Later it became data platforms, predictive analytics, and automated research tools. Now we are entering the era of AI-assisted analysis. The promise here is obvious. AI can process enormous…
If you caught my podcast of The Peggy Smedley Show last week, then you know I talked about why trusted brands matter more than ever in the construction industry. The numbers I found through that research were interesting, with roughly 89% of customers saying they expect to end their relationship with a brand if it violates their trust. Trust, price, quality, these are all things that are important for brands these days. I had all of this on my mind when a new announcement crossed my desk earlier this month. Octave, the potential software spin-off from Hexagon AB, unveiled a…
We have reached the point of AI (artificial intelligence) adoption where many are beginning to realize the only way forward is now through education. Many technology providers are now partnering with universities to bring learning and research to the future of work. From the state of Washington to New Jersey, new collaborations are demonstrating how education is becoming a central strategy for responsible AI adoption. What’s Happening in Washington State To get started, let’s travel to the state of Washington. Here we see the University of Washington and Microsoft have announced an expansion to their decades-long partnership, with a focus…
Peggy talks about why trusted brands matter more than ever in the construction and manufacturing industries. She says align yourself with brands that have earned it and support voices that prioritize clarity over clicks. She also discusses: · How many executives believe their companies are highly trusted by customers—and the percentage of consumers that agree. · What trust looks like in 2026—and how companies can achieve it. · The importance of people throughout this conversation. https://peggysmedleyshow.com