Author: Peggy Smedley
Peggy Smedley and Jason Zhang, associate professor of construction management technology, founder and director of Automation and Intelligent Construction Lab, Purdue University, talk about BIM (building information modeling) and interoperability. He says the objective should be to create an integrated model—one model to support information needs throughout the lifecycle of the project. They also discuss: Who owns the BIM model. How it relates to digital twin and construction automation with robotics automation. How to make use of large language models. purdue.edu (5/21/24 – 872) IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, construction,…
Peggy Smedley and Sandra Benson, vice president – industry strategy, Procore, talk about the importance of predictability and how construction has evolved. She says her path wasn’t straight and explains her journey from engineer to a leader in construction. They also discuss: How to help the next generation understand that it is okay not to know. If we are focused on business outcomes as much as we should. Sandra’s 3-5 challenges in the construction industry. procore.com (5/21/24 – 872) IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, 5G, cloud, sustainability, future of…
Robotics have been around for decades, with a rich history in both business and consumer applications, which we will explore here on this blog. However, we are at an interesting precipice in time where we can now combine robotics with new intelligence that comes from gen AI (artificial intelligence). Let’s take some time to explore the wide world of robotics—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. A Robotics History Lesson A robot will often drum up an image of a helper—think Rosie from the Jetsons—or a machine rising-up—imagine Terminator. Stanford suggests the reality is the term robotics was first coined by Russian-born American…
What impact do PLAs (project labor agreements) have on construction projects? That is the question one new study aims to answer out of the ILEPI (Illinois Economic Policy Institute) and the PMCR (Project for Middle Class Renewal) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. First, a definition and a bit of a history lesson. As most in the construction industry already know, project labor agreements are pre-hire agreements between the project owner and labor organizations. Often, they establish the terms and conditions of employment for skilled craft workers on large infrastructure projects. Most PLAs include provisions for preventing strikes and…
Peggy shares a cautionary tale and gives advice on how to best position our companies for the future of work. She says we can no longer do things the way we have always done them—we must consider new processes and innovations. She also discusses: If industrial manufacturing is up or down. The steps we need to take to be proactive. The challenge companies face after having let their best people go. peggysmedleyshow.com (5/14/24 – 871) IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, 5G, cloud, sustainability, future of work, podcast This episode…
Peggy Smedley and Tony Yang, professor of structural engineering at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, talk about structural and earthquake engineering. He shares a little bit about himself and his research to ensure infrastructure can be built faster, have higher performance, and is more environmentally friendly. They also discuss: The types of advances we have made with structural simulation and testing. How AI (artificial intelligence) is coming into play. Concerns surrounding the use of AI. ubc.ca IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, construction, 5G, cloud, sustainability, future of work, podcast,…
Peggy Smedley and John Rosch, North American sales manager, Explorer Software, talk about the company and the Eclipse application. He says Eclipse is a construction accounting and project management ERP (enterprise-resource planning) solution for mid-sized contractors. They also discuss: Key features of the technology. What the development team is currently working on. The impact of the infrastructure bill on construction today. explorer-software.com (5/14/24 – 871) IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, construction, 5G, cloud, sustainability, future of work, podcast, John Rosch, Explorer Software, This episode is available on all major streaming…
Supply-chain weaknesses have come into the spotlight in recent years, but with this we also have big opportunities for new innovations to create true transformation. As this happens, we will need people, process, and technology to work in tandem to ensure smooth and successful implementation of supply-chain technologies. To proceed, we must take into consideration the most significant trends for our supply chain. Perhaps the notable is that man and machine must continue work side-by-side closely, enabling new efficiencies and faster decision making. Of course, this is only the beginning. Gartner suggests there are eight remarkable trends to watch when…
The construction industry has come a long way from the iconic photo of the empire state building being built with nearly a dozen men perched atop a beam with paper blueprints, cigarettes, and newsboy caps. In the past century, safety has become a top priority for many construction companies. A safe construction job prevents accidents, deaths, and injuries, of course, but it also helps to avoid financial losses as well. Now, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) is claiming construction companies can be nearly six times safer than the industry average through best practices. The Annual 2024 Safety Performance Report provides…
Peggy Smedley talks about the overall market for gen AI (artificial intelligence) in healthcare and the impact on medical practices and patient outcomes. She also gives her thoughts on what needs to happen next as it relates to this market. She also discusses: The projected size for the gen AI market in healthcare by the end of 2032. Recent examples and one in-depth case study. Some of the challenges the market faces. peggysmedleyshow.com (5/7/14 – 870) IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, 5G, cloud, sustainability, future of work, podcast This…

