Technology Day 2008
Changing market conditions have forced builders and contractors to approach the topic of information technology in a much different manner than ever before. These firms are focused on business process improvement and are applying technology with this new perspective.

In response to this change Constructech has assembled a series of panel discussions for Technology Day aimed at addressing some of the big picture issues that affect both the commercial and residential segments of construction. We believe to have assembled a series of sessions that will allow construction professionals in all segments of the market to work together collaboratively in order to map out the best path possible towards process improvement.

2008 Sessions Preview

Business Process Management
Today’s IT professionals in construction are finding the need to shift their focus from strictly looking at the latest technology and into more of a senior management role, working on ideas and initiatives that focus on bettering the business plan of their company. Technology still plays a strong role, however, and these individuals must look at how new technologies correlate with the long-term business goals of the company. This panel discussion will feature IT leaders from construction firms talking on the new role of technology.

• How to align IT goals with business goals
• The new role of IT in construction
• How to plan for the right technology investments

BIM: What Works and What Doesn't-Yet
Contrary to what you may think, BIM (building information modeling) is not the latest piece of software for construction. Rather, it a new initiative that requires construction professionals to take a look at traditional business processes and how they will be affecting by this collaborative change.

This track will feature a host of construction companies representing various different segments of construction embracing BIM. These professionals will talk about the change in process required and some of the related technology they use throughout the process. Panelists will range in BIM-related adoption cycles, from just beginning to highly experienced.

• What BIM actually means at different stages of the construction cycle
• How to appropriately plan for BIM in your company
• How to approach process change with regards to BIM
• Different technology available related to BIM

Where is Technology Headed?
Today’s software company needs to be more than simply a “vendor.” They need to be a business partner that understands the needs of the construction industry, both today and into the future. This panel will feature a group of leading technology providers talking about big picture initiatives for technology. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask the panel their most pressing questions about the role of software providers and where technology is actually headed.

• The future of collaboration and interoperability with regards to technology
• What new and exciting technology is developing in the industry
• Where technology is headed

Bridging the Communication Divide
Not staying ahead of constantly changing information can be detrimental to the success of any project. Therefore both general contractors and subcontractors need to be in constant communication with each other, yet find the means for doing so to be quite challenging at times. It has been well-documented on how online technologies are providing a hub for connecting general contractors and subs on project information. This panel discussion will address effective strategies for getting active participation from all project participants, while also addressing ways to overcome common challenges.

• How online technologies are changing the way GCs/subs are communicating
• Effective methods for encouraging subs to actively participate
• Common mistakes GCs make when trying to force subs to participate
• What the future holds for such technology