Inspirations from Laila Ali, the latest on key industry trends, technology deep dives and much more!
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Collaborate 2021: Construction Technology Conference, Day 2 Highlights
Shortages slam brakes on construction rebound
Construction output has fallen for the fourth-month running taking new work levels 3.2% below the pre-pandemic high watermark in February 2020.
Latest official figures for output show the strong construction rebound has been halted in its track by shortages of products and materials.
Growth in the volume of output was also impacted by rising prices of raw materials such as steel, concrete, timber and glass, according to the latest ONS report for July.
Monthly construction output fell by 1.6% in July, driven by a decline in repair and maintenance (2.4%) and a 1.1% fall in new work.
Mark Robinson, group chief executive at public procurement group Scape, said: “The construction output’s first significant contraction after several months of growth should come as no surprise given the ongoing impact of material and labour shortages in recent weeks.
“The sector has already overcome many significant challenges presented by the pandemic and managing the short-term risk caused by inflation should be the immediate priority.
“Greater collaboration between clients and contractors will remain central to this and help to ensure that an accountable and healthy environment is created from the outset.”
He added: “This also includes holding large contractors to fair payment practices, which will boost cashflow for SMEs and lessen the burden on smaller suppliers.
“Critically, these challenges mustn’t be allowed to dampen ambitions as government funding continues to be geared towards green and inclusive community regeneration as part of the recovery.
“With many important projects waiting in the pipeline, procurement will have a vital role to play.”
Private housing for both new work and repair and maintenance led the monthly decline in construction output. While the only sectors to maintain significant growth momentum were infrastructure and industrial new work.
Fraser Johns, finance director at Beard, said: “With the ONS figures putting output below pre-covid levels for the first time in months, we are seeing the real long-term impact of the pandemic start to hit home.
“The supply chain issues and price rises which stem from the slowdown in production globally, and friction at the borders due to Brexit, have knocked customer confidence and is a real concern in terms of future growth.
“As an industry we have been warning that the main threat to recovery would be supply chain issues and price rises since the start of the year. Firms will price a job now at one level only for that to rise significantly by the time they’re ordering materials.
“Contractors have to be proactive about this issue in terms of working closely with customers and consultants, ensuring they understand fully the implications of the delays and price rises, as well as maintaining strong relations with suppliers.
“By assessing the situation on a daily basis and introducing multi-step procurement processes in order to absorb the extended lead-in times for certain materials, we can mitigate the risk of disruption to projects on the ground.
“But the reality is, we’re looking at a tough winter ahead especially if further waves of Covid impact production further.”
Stock Markets Speed Along, Oblivious to Blind Spots
U.S. Economy Stumbling Blocks
A year and a half into the coronavirus health crisis, the economies of the United States and Canada have been running into some stumbling blocks. In the United States, GDP growth in Q1 and Q2 of this year, at +6.3% and +6.5% respectively (quarter to quarter annualized), was looking pretty good, and not far out of line with the +7.0% forecast figure for the full year adopted by many analysts. But the third quarter has not been looking as sparky.
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N G Bailey raids SES for new London director
Building services contractor NG Bailey has hired former SES building services director Matthew Towner as regional director for London.
Towner has worked as operations director for the London region of SES Engineering Services for the past three and a half years.
He has also previously held senior operational roles at Balfour Beatty Engineering Services and Lorne Stuart.
Towner said: “I’m excited to be joining the team in London after admiring the work they’ve done on projects such as Wood Wharf and London Bridge Station.”
NG Bailey also appointed Andrew French as director of ICT. He joins after three years as technology and IT director at MWH Treatment.
His role will see him overseeing the continued development and modernisation of the company’s ICT systems and infrastructure to maintain its position as an industry leader.
ISG starts work on electric car battery gigaplant
ISG has started enabling works this morning on a battery gigaplant for manufacturer Britishvolt in Cambois, Northumberland.
Sources estimate the 2.7m sq ft factory project, which has been designed by Italian architect Pininfarina, could be worth approaching £300m.
Richard McDonell, Britishvolt Project Director, said: “Today is a historic day as it marks the start of construction on the UK’s premier Gigaplant, Britishvolt – a landmark event for UK manufacturing and the automotive industry on the road to zero.
“It is a pleasure to see our tier one construction partner ISG, and its world-class workforce, commence preliminary works on site ahead of the main construction programme, which we anticipate will start in late autumn/early winter.
“This initial phase will see the site cleared and preparatory work carried out for the services and infrastructure that will support construction activity.”
Main construction work will see more than 2,500 people involved in the project.
Peter Millett, High Tech Managing Director for ISG’s Engineering Services business said: “The positive momentum, passion and sense of genuine excitement that underpins this nationally important project is driving the entire team forward at pace, and this significant construction milestone demonstrates our collective commitment to UK manufacturing and to supporting communities across Northumberland.
“This is the starting point for the transformation of a disused site in Cambois with a legacy in the industrial past, that from today will become a beacon for innovation and advanced manufacturing right here in the North East.”
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Builder breaks back in fall from work platform
A building contractor and roofing specialist have been fined after an employee fell five metres from a first-floor extension breaking several vertebrae in his lower back.
Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard that on 11 June 2018, Grayton Building Contractors Ltd was undertaking a first-floor extension to a residential bungalow in Aughton.
An employee was fitting fascia boards and soffits to allow roofers employed by Thomas Dean, who had arrived on site a week early, to commence work.
While stepping across a gap in the incomplete working platform to descend from the roof, the ladder, which was not tied, slipped sideways, causing him to fall. As a result of his injuries he was unable to work for eight weeks.
An HSE investigation found that both Grayton Building Contractors Ltd and the roofing contractor Thomas Dean failed to properly plan the work, to assess the risks and to provide appropriate supervision. Subsequently the work at height equipment selected was not suitable and the work was not carried out safely.
Grayton Building Contractors Ltd of Southport pleaded guilty to safety breaches and was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,742,
Thomas Dean of Merseyside also pleaded guilty and was fined £400 and ordered to pay costs of £3,000.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Andy McGrory said: “The risks from working at height are well known. Those in control of the work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working, which should include ensuring the use of suitable work equipment and adequate supervision.
“The incident could have easily been prevented with simple precautions including properly planning the work, undertaking a suitable risk assessment and by selecting, erecting and using suitable work at height equipment for the job.”
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9 Fun Skyscraper Facts
Today, September 3, is National Skyscraper Day, chosen in honor of John H. Sullivan’s birthday, the architect who coined the phrase “form (ever) follows function” and is considered the “father of skyscrapers.”
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Little Meat on the Bones of the August U.S. Jobs Report
August’s Employment Situation report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the total number of jobs in the U.S. economy rose by +235,000 in the latest month. A gain of nearly a quarter of a million jobs may sound like a lot, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s rather tame.
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Must-Have Construction Software Buyer’s Guide & Checklist
If you’re on the hunt for new construction management software, you’ve probably noticed that there are more options than ever. Research analysts predict that construction technology tools will continue to see steady growth until 2025. With the market being flooded with an overwhelming number of options, construction firms need to be strategic when it comes to picking software solutions that provide a return on investment. And “investment” is the key word to remember, rather than evaluating construction software as a one-time buy.
Fortunately, we’ve released a new construction software buyer’s guide to help you successfully evaluate and choose the right tools for your firm.
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Pair our buyer’s guide with this checklist to jump start the evaluation process and select the best construction software to fit your needs. Download the free checklist now to get started.
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What are some must-haves when selecting construction software?
Cloud-based with Centralized Data
As a top priority, your construction software should be cloud-based. This is a key element of modern collaboration in construction. Firms that have adopted cloud-based construction software reap the benefits of streamlined workflows, greater productivity, and higher visibility into their projects.
What makes choosing a solution in the cloud so essential? Cloud-based software works from anywhere, reflecting the way people work today. Teams can work collaboratively in real time, or even offline when in remote locations. And as soon as you’re connected again, all your work will sync seamlessly to the project. Using cloud services isn’t only about data storage and digitizing workflows. It’s about embracing a new way of working—one where accessibility, automation, and collaboration come first.
Instead of manually moving documents to and from the cloud, your team will work together on improving existing processes and workflows, allowing for greater efficiency and less waste.
Made for Mobile
Construction teams are always on the go. Whether you’re in the field or in an office, you’ll probably still move between multiple locations throughout the day. You should be able to take your work with you and access it on the go. For teams in the field, it’s especially important to have mobile access to documents, as well as advanced functionality to collaborate in real time.
When searching for construction management software, make sure it’s natively mobile. That means the solution was purpose-built for mobile devices. If you pick a solution that isn’t built for mobile devices, you’ll find it is too difficult for teams to adopt and use. Tools that are built for desktop and then retrofitted to work for mobile don’t provide a seamless, intuitive user experience. Simply put, tools that are difficult to use are far less likely to be adopted by your team.
Easy-to-Use with Intuitive Interface
Make sure your construction software has an intuitive interface. It must be easy to use. Solutions that require extensive training for mastery only cause frustration, even for power users. Your teams will be relying on this software, often on the go, so accessing important information must be simple and fast. Look for construction software that makes it easy for your team to input data, provide updates, and exchange project-critical information.
Look for a Connected Cloud Environment
As your firm grows, your technology needs will evolve, and your construction management software needs to support that growth. To make scalability possible, avoid using disconnected point solutions that put critical data into silos. But we’re talking about more than just a cloud-based solution here. Rather, you want to look for a more comprehensive construction software solution that connects all your processes with a single environment. With so many workflows in construction relying on accurate, real-time data, when decision-making matters most, you want to respond quickly. However, it can take days, weeks or even months to clean, compile and analyze project-critical data. No one wants to halt a project because a decision can’t be made.
Your ideal cloud environment for construction will bring all of your key project data into a single source. Whichever tool you choose should leverage what is called a common data environment, or CDE. This serves as your foundation for more profitable projects because everyone—from design and planning to construction and handover—is looking at the same reliable data to make decisions. You’ll be able to review insights, analyze data, collaborate with stakeholders, and make accurate forecasts. The right solution for your firm not only works today, but far into the future.
Supports Robust Integrations
With the sheer volume of technology supporting the industry today, the truth is there’s no single solution that can “do it all”. Identifying a software partner that supports a robust integration ecosystem is important, but must also provide meaningful ways to share data across all your teams’ tools.
If data cannot be shared in a useful way, or made accessible in a practical format, your integrations are more likely to hold you back. On top of that, you’ll want integrations that are actively supported for years to come as the industry, and your own technology needs evolve.
Backed by Cutting-edge Technology
In the future of construction, we’ll continue to see predictive analytics, machine learning, and AI play a significant role. The best construction software solutions integrate these advancements into their technology ecosystem so you can quickly convert data into actionable insights.
Partnership with Your Software Solution Provider
You need more than ‘just a software solution’ to stay competitive and extract the most value out of your project data. Additionally, your software provider should serve as a partner who is invested in your long-term success. They’ll be there as a guide and educator, offering training and support whenever questions come up.
Download the Buyer’s Guide Today
These features are all essential in a construction management software solution. To learn more about evaluating construction software and round out your list of must-haves, download our buyer’s guide and checklist.
Download Buyer’s Guide
Download Checklist
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5 Reasons Construction Pro’s Should Not Miss Autodesk University 2021
Autodesk University (AU) is back and better than ever. AU 2021 is about empowering you to take the reins and build the world you want to see. It’s why our leading mantra this year is Don’t wait for progress. Make it. And we’re here to equip you with expert-led classes, panels, meetups, workflow education, product demos, and more. Achieving your goals is our top priority. This zero-cost digital conference runs from October 5 – 7 for those in the Americas. More dates for international attendees below. This is one construction event you do not want to miss, and it only comes around once a year.
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What makes AU 2021 an absolute must for construction professionals? This event is chock full of informative insights, action plans, inspiring thought leadership, and engaging industry panels. Nowhere else will you find so many industry experts advancing architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, and media and entertainment all in one place. Did we mention it’s 100% free, virtual, and open to all?
Keep reading to discover how to make sure you maximize your time during AU and make the most of this opportunity to learn, connect, and engage.
Learn from construction’s finest
We could go on and on about just how many inspiring sessions you’ll find at AU but a quick glance at the numbers makes an even more compelling argument:
- 550+ on-demand sessions
- 20 theater talks
- 80+ construction sessions
We’re not exaggerating when we say this is the biggest learning opportunity of the year for construction professionals. AU sessions will cover popular workflows and topics including:
- Connected construction
- Preconstruction
- Construction, jobsite, and built environments
- BIM
- Industrialized construction
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Sustainability
- And more
You’ll find plenty of information on hot-button subjects such as sustainability in construction and vitally important themes like diversity and inclusion. We’re proud to share that nearly 3 out of every 4 classes at AU are customer-led. That means you’ll learn tricks of the trade from people who have deep industry knowledge and manage construction workflows for projects of all sizes.
Can’t make every session you want to attend? Not to worry. All of the content will be available on-demand. Make sure you register now for access so we can send you the schedule as soon as it’s available.
SAVE YOUR SEAT
Construction trends you should know about
For an industry that’s often characterized as “traditional,” the construction industry is always changing. It can be difficult to keep tabs on the latest developments and emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and industrialized construction. That’s why we’re bringing them to you in AU 2021, where you’ll learn what is happening right now and how to get on board for the future.
No matter what your role in the industry is, it’s always beneficial to keep a pulse on innovative concepts and technologies. Whether you want to secure that next promotion or drive greater ROI for your client on a large-scale project, you’ll receive the insights you need to bring you one step closer to achieving your goals.
Exciting technology and product news
At AU 2021, you’ll hear exciting news from our general sessions and our keynote with Jim Lynch, SVP & GM of Autodesk Construction Solutions. Put time on your calendar for inspiring thought leadership and insights into how we’re helping empower tomorrow’s leaders of construction—yourself included.
Get exclusive on-demand content
Think of our on-demand content like Netflix but for construction. Press play on our 15-minute theater talks and get ready to jump right into the latest information on industry and technology possibilities. These provocative talks from industry experts are designed to help you explore big ideas and inspirational projects.
AU’s explainer videos are an absolute must for anyone who wants to get into the nitty-gritty of construction. We’ll share the ins and outs of all things construction in a consumable, engaging format. They’re perfect for getting up to speed on highly technical concepts in a flash.
Connect, network, and engage
Sure, AU 2021 is virtual but that won’t stop us from bringing the brightest minds in construction together. We’re providing dozens of opportunities to connect and engage with experts throughout the conference. You’ll love our live meet-ups, which we kicked off at AU 2020, with conversations about everything from design and planning to construction and beyond.
How to make the most out of Autodesk University
Autodesk University only comes around once a year, so it’s important to make the absolute most of it! Here are our time-tested tips and tricks for maximizing your experience:
1. Register early
Did we mention this year’s theme is “Don’t Wait for Progress. Make It.”? The first step in making progress toward your goals is making sure your seat is saved at AU 2021. Don’t wait until October 5 to register. Head to the AU 2021 site now and click on the “Register Now” button. In a matter of minutes, you’ll be registered and ready to consume all of the great classes and content, both live and on-demand.
2. Plan your schedule
Once you’re registered, we’ll send you this year’s full schedule as soon as it’s available. Take a look at the keynotes, theater talks, and sessions ahead of time. Some sessions are only offering limited seating, so please make sure to sign up now so you’re among the first to hear. Once the schedule has been released, bookmark your favorite classes so you can jump right in on October 5. You can get a sneak peek of the schedule on the official AU 2021 website.
3. Make time
Once you’ve registered and picked your sessions, what’s next? Set yourself up for success by making time. Block out your work calendar so you can really immerse yourself in the learning experience. Let your team know about your attendance and invite them to join you. Share far and wide—with 39 countries represented and content in 8 languages, AU 2021 is a must-attend international event for construction professionals.
4. Make space
While this is a virtual conference, we encourage you to take stock of your environment. Do you need to swap out your headphones or adjust your monitors prior to the conference? Can you book a conference room for yourself and team members? Make things as comfortable as possible so on October 5 all you need to do is show up and learn.
The future belongs to those who make it—start building yours at Autodesk University 2021
We’re excited to see you at AU 2021, where you’ll find a wealth of industry knowledge, technology, and education. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—this free, virtual conference is open to all and kicks off on October 5. So what are you waiting for?
REGISTER NOW
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