Resistance to New Technology Among General Contractors: A Construction Industry Perspective

Why are general contractors so resistant to embracing new technology? This question highlights the challenges faced by construction industry professionals, especially in India and beyond, as they navigate the complexities of incorporating innovative solutions into their workflows. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this resistance and provide insights from a general contractor’s perspective.

Regulatory and Approval Hurdles

In the construction industry, the path to introducing new technology is often fraught with challenges. Approval processes like BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification, CPWD (Central Public Works Department) rate schedules, and Delhi schedules of rates can be imposing. Additionally, the need for trained manpower adds another layer of complexity. These hurdles often lead companies to shy away from newer, potentially more economical technologies. The core issue lies in the fact that the process of adopting new tools and systems adds a considerable overhead, making it less attractive for many.

The Value of Efficiency

While there is undeniable value in gaining efficiency through new technologies, the transition to fluency—where an individual or company can effectively use these tools—requires significant investment in time and resources. For general contractors, who are often focused on meeting tight deadlines and ensuring project completion, the cost of learning and adapting to new systems can outweigh the benefits. However, this is not to say that there isn’t profit in efficiency; it’s just that the path to that profit is often indirect and requires a high degree of competence.

A Personal Perspective

I have first-hand experience with this issue. I have been a general contractor for many years, but my background is rooted in the computing industry where I spent over 25 years building, servicing, and maintaining diverse computing platforms for business and technical clients. Now, I focus on house renovations, yet I bring a unique perspective to the table when it comes to technology adoption. Unlike many of my peers, I am more inclined to be app-friendly and consider potential software and hardware solutions, recognizing their potential benefits.

However, the skepticism towards new technology among general contractors cannot be overstated. Unlike businesses in other sectors, general contractors do not have the luxury of time to experiment with new apps. They already rely on robust accounting programs and have dedicated personnel for safety protocols. The idea of incorporating yet another app into their workflow is often seen as unnecessary. For example, in my role as a general contractor, I am responsible for safety on major projects, which means having a safety officer onsite who is responsible for teaching harness and fall protection. This leaves less room for new, unproven solutions.

Real-world Examples of Technology Challenges

The failures and frustrations associated with adopting new technologies are not uncommon. For instance, my recent experience with an online educational program was particularly disappointing. I signed up to see how it worked but quickly found that the course design was poorly implemented. For example, the course started without a clear 'start' button or 'arrow,' which made navigation difficult on my iOS device. The entire experience was more cumbersome than simply watching a YouTube video, which I would have considered a more efficient alternative. Furthermore, the free course I was offered for reading a tape measure demonstrated a lack of substantive content, which further underscored the need for more in-depth and practical courses.

While videos can be incredibly helpful for specific, niche knowledge, they are often perceived as a last resort for more experienced professionals. General contractors and their teams are already well-versed in their field, and there is a perception that more advanced, technological solutions should provide significant added value. Specific videos on how to remove an oven door from a particular model of oven might be useful, but they are more relevant to novices or do-it-yourself enthusiasts. In the professional construction setting, the focus is often on comprehensively advancing processes rather than learning from basic tutorials.

Conclusion

The resistance to new technology among general contractors is driven by a combination of regulatory challenges, the need for efficiency, and the overwhelming demands of the construction industry. While there is a clear benefit to embracing new tools, the path to adoption requires a significant investment of time, resources, and expertise. As the construction industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial to address these challenges and find ways to make technology more accessible and user-friendly for general contractors. Only then can the industry realize the full potential of innovative solutions.