I work as a construction manager at an infrastructure company, and most of my work is done digitally. My typical day is spent primarily in front of a computer, where I handle various tasks, such as project planning, cost analysis, and communications, all through digital platforms. Nearly all meetings are conducted online, especially through Teams. On the rare occasions when I step away from my desk, it’s usually for in-person site visits or face-to-face meetings. The nature of my role highlights how much our industry has adapted to digital tools and processes, making the workflow more efficient and streamlined.
Below is a list of digital tools that I use in my work.
HeadPower
HeadPower is a comprehensive ERP-system tailored for the construction and infrastructure sectors. It helps manage key operations such as project planning, procurement, scheduling, financial oversight, and resource management. HeadPower supports cost control, enhances decision-making, and integrates various business functions into a unified platform, allowing companies to manage projects more effectively from start to finish. Its adaptability also enables customization based on the specific needs of the construction industry.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that allows teams to communicate and work together seamlessly. It offers features such as chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and integration with other Microsoft 365 tools. Teams helps facilitate remote meetings, teamwork, and project management by providing a centralized space for discussions and document collaboration. It is widely used in businesses for both internal and external communication.
The use of Microsoft Teams surged dramatically when the COVID-19 pandemic began. All meetings quickly moved online, and this practice has continued even after the pandemic. Online meetings offer many benefits, such as avoiding long travel times, but also come with downsides. I’ve noticed that my calendar is now filled with Teams meetings, leaving little time for other tasks. Sometimes, it feels like unnecessary meetings are scheduled simply because it’s easy to do so.
Power BI
Power BI is a reporting environment and business analytics tool developed by Microsoft. It allows users to visualize data, create interactive reports, and share insights across an organization. Almost all reporting in our company is now done using Power BI.
We have developed our reports in collaboration with a subcontractor to serve us as efficiently as possible.
EVRY Jydacom
EVRY Jydacom is a cost calculation software designed specifically for the construction industry. It helps construction companies manage project cost estimation, budgeting, and financial planning.
Other digital systems
I also regularly use MS Office applications, the P2P invoice verification system, ZeroWaste transfer documents, mScales, VismaSign, and more.
New social media tools
I can use ChatGPT in my work in several ways. It can help with scheduling and planning by analyzing and optimizing timelines and resource usage. It can also assist with writing reports and other documents, especially when I need quick and accurate text. ChatGPT can also support risk management by giving suggestions or spotting potential issues before they become big problems. It’s useful for research and comparisons, like evaluating different building materials or technologies. Additionally, I can use it for training and knowledge sharing within my team, bringing up new ideas and best practices on-site
TikTok could be a good platform to reach a younger audience who haven’t yet decided on their career paths. One of the biggest challenges for the infrastructure industry (and construction in general) in the future is attracting new young talent. For example, there will be a huge shortage of excavator operators in the coming years. The industry is not particularly “media-sexy,” but could we change that perception, for instance, on TikTok?
For some reason, I have postponed using the Mobiilivarmenne until now. It might be time to start using it so that I can move away from using online banking authentication.
YouTube could be a good channel for marketing. It might be interesting to publish time-lapse videos of large construction projects, for example. Nearly everyone knows what YouTube is and uses it, so there could be a large potential audience.
Miro could simplify project planning and collaboration. In projects that involve larger teams, Miro could be very useful. It allows team members to leave feedback on each other’s plans and continue working based on their individual schedules.
Two sides of social media
Social media offers numerous benefits, especially for communication and networking. It provides a platform to connect with colleagues, clients, and industry peers, fostering collaboration and idea-sharing. It’s a powerful tool for branding and marketing, allowing businesses to reach a wider audience and engage directly with customers. Additionally, social media can be used for learning and staying updated on industry trends, as many professionals and companies share valuable insights. Overall, social media can enhance visibility, engagement, and communication in both personal and professional settings.
While social media has many advantages, it also comes with its downsides. One of the main concerns is the potential for misinformation and fake news, which can spread quickly and influence public opinion or decision-making. Privacy issues are also a major concern, as personal data is often collected and misused by platforms or third parties. Social media can also contribute to distractions and time-wasting, affecting productivity, especially if users spend excessive time scrolling through content. Additionally, it can lead to online harassment or bullying, as people may feel emboldened to act in ways they wouldn’t in face-to-face interactions.
The elements of successful use of digital application
- User-friendly
- Purpose and relevance
- Security and privacy
- Support
Self evaluation
Personally, I use very little social media, so it was surprisingly interesting to explore the topic more. ChatGPT also got my interest, and I plan to try using it in my work moving forward. It was also interesting to take a moment to think about all the digital tools I already use in my work and why. I even got the idea of whether two of our current systems could be replaced by one.