When unexpected or unplanned events cause operational shutdowns or project delays, they're often due to avoidable issues. The construction industry is particularly vulnerable to and affected by unwanted downtime. This is a major problem that most machine contractors can relate to. The consequences are costly for both businesses and society.
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The challenge with downtime is that it's difficult to avoid in practice. However, downtime can be drastically reduced with the right measures. In this article, you'll gain insight into how the construction industry can reduce unnecessary downtime, gain more control and overview of your machine and equipment fleet, and increase productivity in your business.
Challenges with manual systems
Imagine you're a machine operator on site. You're facing technical issues with your equipment, but can't get the clarifications you need from support staff. You feel frustrated and must try to solve the problem yourself, or call to follow up yet again. This issue was already reported last week!
Most construction companies aren't utilizing their data's full potential, and most lack the systems, processes, and/or expertise to put this data to work.
For many, business management relies on spreadsheets and manual routines. Problems are phoned in, noted on sticky notes, and handled ad-hoc. Information is scattered across email, printouts, or legacy IT systems that few people use, making it largely inaccessible when needed. In unfortunate cases, those who've reported issues don't receive the follow-up or information they need. This weakens collaboration and leads to misunderstandings or faulty foundations for operational decisions. Errors go under reported, crucial information disappears or is forgotten, and daily operations become chaotic.
The problem worsens with shift work, where the next operator taking over the machine doesn't necessarily have easy access to information about previously reported faults. This can result in the same issues being reported again, or worse - the fault goes undetected, potentially causing unnecessary project downtime or damage to personnel and equipment.
The challenge with manual systems is extra work and poor collaboration, creating significant frustration. This makes the need for changing work methods apparent, with companies often desiring better control and insight that could provide more confidence in delivery and increased reliability toward clients.
Increased productivity with digitalization
We now live in a more digitalized world, where everything happens instantly with just a few keystrokes. Both customers and colleagues, especially the young generation, expect systems to facilitate efficient and seamless collaboration across all platforms. It feels unnecessary to repeat information or manually transfer it from one place to another.
Unfortunately, the construction industry lags behind most other industries when it comes to using digital solutions and utilizing data capture. Companies that best eliminate unproductive time prove to be 2.5 times better at leveraging available data to support their operations. Furthermore, those who adopt digital solutions will gain a competitive advantage.
By implementing a digital system that centralizes communication, data storage, and planning you can easily optimize processes, increase responsiveness, and reduce downtime. Digital solutions ensure you perform necessary maintenance before failures occur and help you handle unexpected events more effectively.
Machine operators, as mentioned above, should have access to information showing up to date statuses on machines and equipment they operate. They need a log of faults and an overview of timelines showing when service, repairs, or other maintenance is planned. Additionally, they must be able to ask questions and quickly receive feedback on technical challenges from proactive support staff. This gives machine operators the opportunity to better plan their workday, resulting in increased predictability, efficiency, and job satisfaction.
When implementing digital solutions, it's crucial that all employees receive proper training and involvement, as well as the opportunity to provide input for changes and improvements. In our experience, good and clear change management is a key factor for successful implementation of new digital solutions. Team work, openness, and transparency become important principles for solving this challenge.
A better work life
By adopting simple digital solutions, you can go from stress to success. Modern systems enable better collaboration between onsite and office, information sharing, and increased predictability for everyone.
For office personnel, prioritization, planning and coordination become easier, leading to increased profitability, good insights, and control - just as it should be.
For machine operators, the experience of simple and efficient communication with project managers, workshops, and support staff affects both well-being and security. Fundamentally, it's about ensuring operators always have machines and equipment that work reliably, while maintaining a solid support system to keep machinery in order. To make this possible, effective collaboration at all levels is a key factor for success.
Good digital solutions contribute to more efficient collaboration, which strengthens your competitive edge. In summary, you can reduce unwanted downtime and increase productivity in your business.
Founder & CCO
Expert in machine maintenance, with a technical background from military and civil aviation.