Adopting new technology can make a huge difference in how capital projects run, but it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. Owners’ representatives (owners’ reps) and project managers need to be careful when introducing new tools into the process. These tools can make projects run smoother, but if not implemented correctly, they can cause more problems than they solve.
Here are seven common tech adoption mistakes to avoid when working on capital projects:
One of the biggest mistakes owners’ reps can make is not getting input from the right people during the tech adoption process. Before choosing a new tool, it’s important to ask team members who will be using it what they need. If you don’t involve them, they might resist using the tech or find it difficult to use, which can hurt project efficiency.
Solution: Talk to project managers, contractors, and other key stakeholders early on. Ask what they need and how the new tool could help them do their job better.
Even the best tech tools won’t work if your team doesn’t know how to use them. Skipping training or offering poor training can lead to frustration, mistakes, and wasted time. It’s not just up to the software company to provide training—owners’ reps and project managers must also actively participate to ensure they understand how to use the tool effectively. If both parties are engaged, the team will be better prepared to use the system to its full potential and avoid costly errors.
Solution: Invest in thorough training for all users, and make sure both the software company and the project team are involved. The software company should provide clear, accessible support, while owners' reps and project managers need to actively participate and ask questions during the training. This teamwork ensures everyone can use the system confidently and efficiently.
When adopting new tech, it’s easy to get excited and try to implement everything all at once. This can overwhelm your team and slow down the project. It's important to introduce new tools in stages, focusing on one area at a time.
Solution: Start with a small pilot phase. Test the new technology in one part of the project before rolling it out to everyone. This will give your team time to adjust and help prevent mistakes.
Not all tech tools are the same, and choosing the wrong one can slow down your project. It’s tempting to go with the most popular option, but just because a tool is popular doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your project.
Solution: Make sure to do your research. Look at what features you need, how the tool integrates with your current systems, and how user-friendly it is. Don’t just pick something based on trends.
New technology can sometimes create confusion, especially if there’s not enough communication between teams. When the team isn’t clear on how to use the tool or what’s expected of them, it leads to misunderstandings and mistakes.
Solution: Be sure to communicate clearly with your team about the new technology. Set expectations, explain how it fits into the bigger picture, and provide updates regularly.
Once you’ve implemented the tech, it’s easy to think the job is done. But if you don’t monitor how the tech is working or make adjustments, it can quickly become ineffective. Technology should always evolve with the project to make sure it’s meeting everyone’s needs.
Solution: Regularly check how the tech is performing and gather feedback from the team. If something isn’t working as expected, make the necessary changes to improve its efficiency.
Capital projects often involve a lot of sensitive data, and new tech tools can open the door to security risks. Not paying attention to data security can lead to breaches and costly consequences.
Solution: Make sure the new tech has strong security features. Protecting your project data should be a top priority to avoid any issues down the line.
Adopting new technology for capital projects can be a game-changer, but it’s important to avoid these common mistakes. By involving the right people early, training your team, starting small, and choosing the right tools, you can ensure the tech helps, rather than hinders, your project. Keep the lines of communication open, monitor progress, and prioritize security, and you’ll be on your way to a more efficient, successful capital project.