ENR FutureTech 2023: Revolutionizing Digital Jobsites and Valuable Partner Collaborations

Earlier this month I attended ENR FutureTech 2023, an annual conference that brings together industry experts, thought leaders and innovators to explore the latest advancements in the engineering and construction industry.?

I attended a number of engaging sessions, but one in particular really stood out to me, Connected Construction: A Vision for the Next Wave in Digital Jobsites. Esteemed panelists from Procore Technologies , Delloite Consulting and Amazon Web Services shared valuable insights into the future of digital jobsites. They emphasized the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) to create a unified digital environment that connects people, tools, equipment and data. It was interesting to see how this connectivity can lead to improved productivity, accelerated project delivery, heightened safety measures and enhanced predictability in the construction industry.?

In addition to the keynotes, panels and sessions, the expo hall was packed with vendors who are delivering new ways to digitize the constructions industry. The event featured a number of Procore technology partners including DocumentCrunch, SmartPM, PLOT, Extracker, Akitabox, FacilityGrid, OpenSpace, Quickbase and others, each offering a unique value proposition to drive digital transformation. Here are a few highlights:

DocumentCrunch showcased its cutting-edge document management and collaboration solutions. With their advanced AI-powered platform, DocumentCrunch helps construction teams streamline document workflows, enhance collaboration, and improve project efficiency. They showcased their new “Chat with your Contract” feature which is powered by artificial intelligence and allows project teams to extract critical information from key contract clauses through a simple chat interface. Many customers at the event were excited to see how Procore and DocumentCrunch are bringing their solutions together to improve project workflows.

SmartPM presented their expertise in project analytics and schedule monitoring. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, SmartPM provides real-time insights into project schedules, identifies potential delays and offers actionable recommendations to optimize project performance. Their innovative platform equips construction professionals with the tools to proactively address schedule risks, ensuring timely project completion.?

PLOT Jobsite Procurement & Deliveries showcased their jobsite collaboration platform. Their platform facilitates seamless collaboration about jobsite logistics including deliveries, lead times and jobsite movement. Chris Callen was nice enough to walk me through their new project dashboard and lead time tracking feature which integrate into Procore. I can tell you if I was still running high rise projects in South Florida, I would definitely leverage this tech on my site.

Clearstory.build presented its innovative construction change management solution. Their platform simplifies the process of tracking and managing change orders, streamlining communication between subcontractors, general contractors and owners. Extracker's digital platform captures and organizes change order information directly from the field and subcontractors, reducing disputes, improving transparency and enhancing overall project efficiency. The best part is that any change collected can easily flow into the Change Events tool on the Procore platform.

AkitaBox had their facility management platform on display, with solutions for asset and maintenance management, facilities condition assessment (FCA), capital planning and digitized construction handover. Conference attendees were particularly excited to learn more about Akitabox Connect, their integration with Procore that helps streamline and operationalize construction handover documentation.

ENR FutureTech 2023 was a remarkable event that showcased the transformative power of connected construction and significant role technology plays in shaping the future of the industry. With the expansion of the expo hall this year, it offered a great opportunity to connect with the ever-growing construction technology ecosystem. These companies offer valuable tools and platforms that streamline processes, enhance collaboration,and drive efficiency, ultimately contributing to the success of construction projects around the world.

As the industry embraces digital innovation, it is evident that continued collaboration between technology providers and construction professionals will lead to unprecedented advancements. ENR FutureTech served as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and fostering such collaborations, paving the way for a brighter and more efficient future for the engineering and construction industry.