TechBrief

 

There is an old adage concerning timely action about the uselessness of locking the stable after the horse is gone. It is, unfortunately, the story of many construction companies confronting the issue of cybersecurity. They never considered themselves a target until it was too late.
BY STEVEN H. MILLER

 

A new report reveals an evolution in the way project data is gathered and analyzed across the construction industry — change that is poised to improve key project outcomes according to construction managers, specialty trade contractors and design/build firms surveyed.

Help us generate a comprehensive outlook for 2020 by taking the survey today
 
Each year around this time, AGC asks you – our members – to predict what next year will be like for your business.  AGC has partnered with Sage to prepare questions that focus on expectations for market performance, hiring, labor market conditions, etc.  Please take a moment to complete the survey.

In honor of Veterans Day, the latest issue of Constructor magazine is dedicated to veterans and highlights a handful who now are serving their country in a slightly different way: by building the bridges, the roadways, the sports stadiums and more that U.S. citizens utilize every single day. The skills these individuals developed and honed during their time in the military appear to be a perfect fit with construction work, especially when it comes to teamwork and leadership.

Constructor's Software Services Guide is a special buyers' guide that contains detailed information on companies and businesses that provide software services and products to the construction industry.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the most prevalent innovations in the design and construction industry over the past 20 years. It began as a more efficient production tool for design teams to deliver drawings but has grown to encompass nearly every project team member involved in the design and construction of a project, including the owner. The value of the digital representation of the project can extend far beyond the delivery of the project and into the management of maintenance, available space, inventory and future renovations and expansions.

In the latest episode of AGC’s ConstructorCast, we talk with two leading economists covering the construction sector: Ken Simonson, chief economist for AGC, and Kermit Baker, chief economist for the American Institute of Architects. Don’t be put off by their titles, though—these guys speak English! Ken and Kermit provide a fast-paced overview of what to expect in the coming year for different categories of construction spending, labor availability and materials costs. They assess the broader economic environment and how various changes in economic growth or policy could affect contractors.

[graphic provided]

 

To receive the Data DIGest, Ken’s one-page weekly summary of economic news relevant to construction, email him at ken.simonson@agc.org. Visit AGC’s website at www.agc.org/learn/construction-data for construction-specific data and economic information. Access AIA’s business intelligence resources here: www.aia.org/business-intelligence.