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Virtual Construction - Part 1
We are at the age of Virtual Construction. If you are younger, you are not surprised. You suspected that computers were a "solution looking for a problem" for many years. Why shouldn't you have seen and believed this. Computers work at the speed of light. They can process billions of pieces of information and the cost of this is more reasonable than ever.
It is interesting to note that Virtual Construction marries one of the oldest businesses with one of the newest business trends. This marriage has the possibility to minimize life-long problems.
If you are older, you sense that the probability is there that technology could give contracting a real boost. However, you remember how poorly managed most technology companies were in the last two decades. They busted the most important rules of business and went away (bankruptcy). Also, "Ghostware" was an accurate term for promised new versions of software. The lack of software upgrades disappointed many contractors several times a year as promises remained unfilled. These are fair criticisms.
Just as significant were the poor financial management practices that technology companies exhibited.
Confidence in tech companies in and out of the construction industry has decreased not increased. Many contractors feel a "wait and see" attitude is appropriate.
However, I believe our best days in the construction industry are in front of us. Wait and see.
Posted by Matt Stevens at March 10, 2008 12:36 PM
Comments
Matt - right on! Smoke came out of ears reading his book. He clearly was grandstanding for unhappy buyers, yet owners are often the cause of their own problems. He seems to have lost sight of that fact. Dean Kashiwagi of ASU says the largest cause of problems are owners. Interestingly, if you read reviews of the book by architects and owners they think he is right on target. Yet, ENR, FMI and others who are knowledgeable about the industry condemn his book. Great blog! By the way Scott Judy told me about your blog since this month I have a view point in ENR on the LePatner.
Posted by: Ted Garrison at March 10, 2008 2:15 PM