As previously reported in this blog, there seem to be some reluctance among contractors when it comes to adopting technology. This is just bad business.

In the right situations, technology can improve efficiency and productivity within a firm while reducing confusion and mistakes.  Of course, there will be some initial obstacles — such as cost, implantation and training — but, in the end, contractors who learn how to use technology to their advantage will be more agile and in a better position to compete for contracts.

So far we’ve covered how estimating software, GPS and integrated IT systems can provide a sizable advantage to tech-enabled firms. Another practical way in which contractors can benefit from technology is through the use of video conferencing (also referred to as Web conferencing).

There are two obvious benefits to video conferencing:

1. It saves money — By video conferencing a firm can reduce travel expenditures. This dynamic medium of communications can almost replace a face-to-face meeting.
2. It saves time — Remember the old adage, “time is money”?  Well, video conferencing eliminates the downtime that occurs when employees are traveling to a meeting.

Shaw Group, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based engineering and construction firm, is reaping the benefits of using advanced communications technologies. With the addition of Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Shaw Group has the ability to video, audio and Web conference — and the company has seen a huge productivity increase, claimed Jeremy Turner, vice president and chief technology officer for Shaw Group “Ultimately, what we want is a 100% collaborative conference room experience across the world,” he said in a statement.

Not all construction teams are as large as the Shaw Group. Many can’t afford, or don’t necessarily need, all the capabilities of a dedicated communications server. Nevertheless, small- and medium-sized construction firms can take advantage of video conferencing on the cheap.

Case in point: justin.tv. This site provides anyone with the ability to video conference with multiple people — and some construction businesses are starting to take note. For instance, the Construction News and Report Group recently held a successful internal sales meeting using justin.tv.

Mark Buckshon of the CNR Group wrote the following in a blog entry called Video meeting test a success:

…I found the resource useful, easy to operate, and rather simple to use…I will use this technology at our other internal meetings, with several employees and contractors at remote locations.

While it’s a cost-effective alternative to product-based video conferencing software, justin.tv has its fair share of problems. One glaring concern is privacy — since anyone can pop into a chat session, sensitive material should probably be disclosed through another medium. That being said, this can be a powerful and useful tool for contractors who have to work away from the field.

In the end, video conferencing, like all other technologies, may not fit the needs of every contractor. (Build a solid Web conferencing strategy, a three-part series on sister site SearchUnifiedCommunications.com, can help you decide whether it does.) However, video conferencing should at least be considered — after all, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is not a rational business practice. Firms should be striving to find new ways increase productivity and efficiency, and adopting new technology is one way to achieve this.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 at 2:25 pm and is filed under Construction industry news and trends. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.