Skender's secret to tech success

In the fast-paced world of construction, effective communication is the cornerstone of success. But how do you ensure that every message is clear, every detail accounted for, and costly misunderstandings avoided? 

In our latest episode of the Built Different podcast, we sat down with Skender to uncover their secret to tech success. Senior Vice President Clay Edwards and Senior Superintendent Tom Behringer reveal how they've harnessed the power of technology to streamline their workflows, enhance communication and ultimately, save both time and money.

Let’s get into it! 

“Our people would take project photos on an iPhone, go back to the office, download them to a folder…It was fine, but took a lot of back and forth. 

We were like, there's something here with the 360 photo, right? So we piloted it and now it's how our people do it. 

At the end of the day it's got to be the right tool and it's got to be rolled out correctly, but everyone needs to see a reason why it makes their job a little easier.” - Clay Edwards, Senior Vice President  

Clay makes a great point here. It's not just about the latest gadgets or software; it's about finding solutions that genuinely make a difference in the daily lives of the people on the ground.

Think about it - swapping out a cumbersome process of manual photo downloads and PDF creation for a single 360° shot that captures everything. It's a simple switch, but it's a game-changer. It's not just about "air quote easy;" it's about efficiency, clarity and empowering workers with tools that streamline their tasks. It's about recognizing that technology should be a helping hand, not a hindrance.

And the proof is in the pudding - once the team at Skender saw the tangible benefits of the 360 camera, there was no turning back. This echoes a crucial lesson for any construction leader contemplating tech adoption: it's not about forcing change, but about demonstrating value. When the right tool is introduced in the right way, it becomes indispensable, not because it's mandated, but because it genuinely makes the job easier.

Key Takeaway: The true power of technology in construction lies in finding solutions that address real pain points and empowering your team with tools that not only meet their needs but exceed their expectations.

“So I was doing a project that started in February of 2020.  So obviously COVID hit and the city actually stopped doing inspections. But construction didn't stop, right?

So I reached out to the city inspector and I told him that we had been using  360 degree photographs, and I could get him onto our platform to do his inspection.

That's how I got him to sign off where we could keep moving on that project.” - Tom Behringer, Senior Superintendent 

Tom's experience during the pandemic underscores a vital lesson about the adaptability and resilience that technology can bring to construction. When faced with the unprecedented challenge of halted inspections, he didn't see a roadblock; he saw an opportunity.

By leveraging the 360-degree photos they were already using, Tom was able to bridge the gap between the construction site and the inspector's office. This quick thinking not only kept the project moving but showcased the real-world impact of having the right tech tools in place.

Key takeaway: When traditional methods falter, having a digital arsenal can be the difference between a standstill and continued progress. It's a testament to the versatility of tools like 360 photos, which can adapt to evolving circumstances and find new applications beyond their original purpose.

“There comes a point where you can rely on technology only so far, and then you just kind of have to do your job.

I think right now, everyone looks for that magic program or that magic app that's going to handle everything for you. But at the end of the day, you still have to pick up a phone. You still have to interface with people. You still need to do what we're hired to do.” - Tom Behringer, Senior Superintendent 

Tom’s reminder about the importance of human interaction hits a crucial note in the conversation around technology. While it's tempting to get swept up in the allure of "magic" solutions, it's essential to remember that technology is a tool, not a replacement for human expertise and relationships.

Construction, at its core, is a people-driven industry. It's about collaboration, problem-solving, and building trust among teams. While technology can streamline processes and enhance communication, it can't replicate the nuanced decision-making, creative thinking, and relationship building that humans bring to the table.

Key Takeaway: The most successful construction teams strike a balance between technology and human interaction. They leverage digital tools to augment their capabilities, but never lose sight of the fact that ultimately, it's the people who drive projects forward.