Author: Peggy Smedley
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…
Peggy Smedley and Craig Sutton, vice president, Industry 4.0, Eaton, talk about innovation and labor in manufacturing. He talks about some of the challenges and how to address them with digital solutions. They also discuss: Two plants that were recently opened. Simulation tools, 3D printing, visual inspection tools, asset performance management, and other technologies in the plants. How to reach and achieve factory efficiency. eaton.com/industry4-0 (5/7/24 – 870) IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, 5G, cloud, sustainability, future of work, podcast, Craig Sutton, Eaton This episode is available on all…
Peggy Smedley and Zachary Mannheimer, founder and chairman, Alquist 3D, talk about the current state of the 3D printing industry. He explains how it can help solve the housing crisis and the infrastructure crisis. They also discuss: How the technology works. How they train workers on the technology. The need for public-private partnerships. alquist3d.com (5/7/2024 – 870) IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, 5G, cloud, sustainability, future of work, podcast, Zachary Mannheimer, Alquist 3D This episode is available on all major streaming platforms. If you enjoyed this segment, please consider…
We all know the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on travel, but it is now official that air traffic has passed pre-pandemic levels as of earlier this year. The IATA (Intl. Air Transport Assn.) recently released data for February 2024 global passenger demand and found the industry is ticking upward. Total demand was up 21.5% compared to February 2023, with total capacity up 18.7% year-over-year. Additionally, the February load factor was 80.6% compared to February 2023. All this to say, air travel is back—and we will likely see the trend continue. Julie Shainock, global managing director, travel, transportation, logistics, Microsoft,…