Building Swell

AI is popping up everywhere lately—even in construction. Last week at Groundbreak, Procore made a splash with their new AI-powered tools -- from chatbots summarizing project updates to drafting RFIs. ??? https://bit.ly/3V2RPFG Who’s actually using AI day-to-day? What use cases are working really well and which still feel like buzz? #AIinConstruction #ConstructionTech #Innovation

Foundation for Automation Many prefab shops see automation as a magic wand—buy the right machine, and suddenly your shop runs like clockwork. But here’s the tough truth: automation can’t fix broken processes. In fact, it might even make your problems worse. Here's how you can lay the foundation for automation that actually helps. ?? Write it Down Collecting accurate data is step one and you don't have to overthink it. Some of the most successful prefab shops we work with today started simple, with just paper and pencil. Track the basics—time per task, rework, and the reason for issues—and do it consistently. Eventually you can drop the data into Excel to see trends that point you toward bottlenecks. ?? Find Constraints Got a workstation with constant piles of unfinished work? Or a team that always seems to be waiting on materials or instructions? Those are your constraints. When it’s not obvious, go back to your data. Pick one bottleneck at a time and relentlessly focus on improving it. ??? Level Up Once you’ve gotten into the habit of finding and solving constraints, it’s time to level up. Invest in tools that work with your team, not against them. Think tablets that move with your people or software that automates the tedious tracking your team already does. The best tools don’t add extra steps or take hours each day to keep current—they fit seamlessly into what you're already doing. Automation is the reward—not the starting point. Lay the groundwork first, and you’ll set your shop up for sustainable, scalable growth. ??Ready to take the first step? Check out our guide: https://bit.ly/3CKoTfh #Prefab #BuildingSwell #AutomationDoneRight

Steering Clear of the Brain Drain As the construction industry braces for a surge of experienced workers leaving the workforce, it’s not just the labor shortage we need to worry about—it’s the knowledge gap. Years of hard-won expertise risk being lost if we don’t find effective ways to pass it down. Prefab offers a great way to bring new folks up to speed quickly. By focusing on repeatable scopes, it gives young workers entering the industry plenty of reps to build skills and better understand "the why" behind how work gets done.. ?? https://bit.ly/3Zmlufq How is your shop arming the next generation? #PrefabTraining #KnowledgeTransfer #FutureOfConstruction

Empowering the Next Generation of Builders ?? Over 2,300 high school students from Northern California recently gathered at Sacramento's Cal Expo for High School Trades Day. This event offered hands-on experiences in construction, where seasoned workers can earn over $70 an hour. For many young people, like 17-year-old Jaea Chatman from Natomas High School, this day was an exciting step toward exploring a career path outside the traditional college track. In a time when the construction industry faces critical labor shortages, events like these are essential. They help students discover the potential of high-paying trade careers and highlight the importance of skill-building from a young age. Prefab and modular construction are growing fields within this industry, offering exciting opportunities for the next generation of skilled builders. https://bit.ly/3ArKyIg #TradeCareers #NextGenBuilders #ConstructionIndustry #PrefabConstruction #BuildingSwell

?? Prefab’s Role in Data Center Construction ?? Data centers are among the most energy-intensive buildings, and demand is soaring. With prefab, many contractors ]are finding ways to streamline the construction process while meeting the complex needs of these facilities. Prefab components can accelerate timelines, improve precision, and reduce on-site labor. For data center projects, where uptime is essential, prefab’s efficiency can be a game-changer. https://bit.ly/4hADWb9 #DataCenter #PrefabInnovation #BuildingSwell #EfficientConstruction

"We never build the same thing twice." Sound familiar? It's a reality for many prefab shops dealing with varying specifications on each project. But even if every build looks different, your core processes don’t have to be. Our latest guide dives into practical ways prefab teams can create standardization across unique builds, reducing rework and boosting efficiency. Discover how to establish reliable workflows, even when nothing feels standard. ?? https://bit.ly/48AUU5g #ConstructionInnovation #ProcessStandardization #BuildingSwell

No Path Forward Without Huge Growth in Prefab The construction industry is at a crossroads. With labor shortages, rising costs, and tighter timelines, the path forward is clear: massive growth in prefab construction isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. ?? https://bit.ly/48GF9tG ?? Why Prefab? As demand for housing and infrastructure surges, traditional methods struggle to keep up. Prefab construction, with its off-site, controlled environment, delivers projects faster, more affordably, and with precision quality. ??? Real-World Impact From urban high-rises to healthcare facilities, prefab is reshaping the industry on a global scale. Shifting work off-site means fewer delays, streamlined labor, and a greener approach to building. ?? Ready for Prefab? Discover how Building Swell supports teams in navigating the transition to prefab and grow their operations. Check out our latest insights and see why modular is the future of construction. ??https://bit.ly/48GFaxK #ModularConstruction #ConstructionRevolution #BuildingSwell #FutureOfBuilding

?? Shop Running Slow? ?? If you’ve ever felt like your shop could be more efficient, but you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Identifying and addressing the weakest links in your production process can dramatically increase your throughput—without the need for massive overhauls. Learn how to pinpoint bottlenecks and make smart improvements that boost your shop’s performance. Get the full story ?? https://bit.ly/3XISJZp

?? $1.9B Austin Airport Expansion Approved ?? Austin's $1.9 billion airpory expansion is officially cleared for takeoff. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is set to add new terminals, expand runways, and streamline the travel experience. While traditional builds can face challenges with time and complexity, other airports are successfully using prefab and modular methods to meet tight deadlines and high standards. As Austin’s project unfolds, we’re excited to see how innovative construction techniques might play a role in accelerating infrastructure improvements across the country. https://bit.ly/4ed5JM8 #AirportExpansion #ConstructionInnovation #BuildingSwell #Prefab

?? Balancing Act ?? Prefab construction often requires a delicate balance: standardization keeps things efficient, but flexibility is essential to address unique requirements for each project. So, how do you find that sweet spot? What strategies has your team found effective for maintaining both flexibility and efficiency? #Prefab #ConstructionInnovation #Standardization #BuildingSwell