www.agc.org Contact Us Archives/Subscribe Advertise IT Forum IT Forum Steering Committee

The AGC IT Forum

Something for everyone in Chicago

They are far and few between, and when one comes along it is best to pay attention. They are not as rare as a lunar eclipse, but good technology conferences for construction IT professionals are infrequent at best. Like last year, AGC – through its IT Forum – is producing an excellent day-and-a-half program for CIOs, CTOs, IT directors and IT managers from throughout the U.S. construction industry. Last year saw nearly 200 people attend the conference in Chicago, which brought in IT managers and leaders from all types and sizes of contractors.

The IT Forum conference is unique in several ways. First, it is a dedicated event, focused on the issues construction IT managers face every day. It is not part of some much larger event diluted with other competing interests and topics. It features three sessions, each focused on a general theme, followed in each case by breakout sessions related to the primary theme but in different levels of detail and/or direction. For many, the best part of the event is the networking opportunity with peers within the industry who are dealing with many of the same tactical or operational issues. This year’s event, also in Chicago, brings to the fore some of the most pressing issues our industry is wrestling with.

The program begins on a Thursday around noon with lunch and an overview of the top IT trends in the construction industry. This will be a broad overview of the 10 or so primary trends in software, staffing, infrastructure and related developments. At the conclusion of lunch and Top Trends, the first general session is scheduled – on the topic of ECM (Enterprise Content Management). While nearly everyone has started down the path with this technology, most are just skimming the surface. The first session clarifies the role Sharepoint plays within a company’s ECM strategy, including where it is used effectively and ways in which companies are perhaps misapplying. At the conclusion, three breakout sessions will be offered, one for advanced Sharepoint users, one for beginning Sharepoint users and a third as a roundtable on ECM – likely to cover broader ECM subjects.

The first round on ECM promises to clarify one of the more misunderstood applications being deployed today. Sharepoint has many outstanding features and can deliver portions of a contractor’s ECM strategy. But what about dedicated ECM solutions that have been offered for some time now or are moving into construction from other industries? Also, you have integrated solutions offered by ERP vendors. The general session is likely pose the question of peaceful, productive coexistence but could also provide a longer-term outlook. And if you already have an advanced deployment of Sharepoint 2010 and want to learn more from others who do as well, there is a session just for you.

Tablet Computing/Field Data
Of almost equal importance to many construction companies is how to get data from the field and/or back out to the field on a timely and accurate basis. Many solutions have been proposed by the market, some viable, others not. And the issue is not limited to software. In many cases specific hardware is required and also a good reliable connection, something not always found at remote job sites. The general session for the second round is entitled Tablet Computing and is intended to focus on tablet solutions and practical aspects of field site connectivity.

The breakouts from this session will address specific applications for tablets and remote connectivity strategies and consideration, along with a roundtable session with IT managers who have deployed tablets in the field. From there, we adjourn for the evening after a brief reception.

The following morning the topic is "Cheap IT...Getting More from Less." It’s no secret that most IT managers have to budget more carefully than counterparts in other industries. With the industry cutting back so severely, pressure to cut costs has only increased. But at what point are you losing efficiency or increasing risk by cutting core services? These and similar topics are part of the final general session. After the general session, the three breakouts will cover budgeting and cost reporting for IT expenses, an area often neglected by CFOs and so necessary for the IT department. There is also a roundtable where contractor IT managers will discuss practical and well-worn solutions to get the job done economically. There is also a specific session on saving money in the infrastructure area. This is bound to cover topics such as cloud computing co-locating, hosting, SaaS and SAN solutions. There will be numerous people on hand who have gotten creative in their money-saving strategies, and, if last year is any indication, they are almost certainly willing to share experiences and pet products.

The program concludes with an IT metrics/performance benchmarking review conducted by Burger Consulting Group. In preparation, AGC asked BCG to conduct a brief survey of IT performance metrics and key benchmarks. The top 20 or so will be reviewed and discussed along with brief analysis of what they mean and how to impact them. If you participate in the survey beforehand, you will be able to compare results to those compiled and reported during this last session, guaranteed to stimulate some lively discussion.

They call it drinking from the fire hose when you are at risk of getting too much good information. It is possible that’s what attendees could face this August in Chicago. Whether it’s the AGC IT Forum alone or the topics themselves, this is not a program you should miss if you are responsible for technology in any fashion at your contracting company. Don’t be worried either about it being over your head or too basic. Last year, there was something for everyone.