Building your people power in a high-tech future
With a technology-powered future just around the corner, Wood & Grieve Engineers’ Grant Holman says making sure you have the right people today can help you unlock tomorrow’s opportunities.
“Technology is undoubtedly changing the way the property and construction industry works. The unprecedented levels of data now at our fingertips are delivering insights and analytics to radically reshape the way businesses operate,” Holman says.
As the leader of WGE’s innovation strategy, Holman is adept at identifying the technology solutions required to help his clients succeed. He says the industry will need to adopt more automated methods to reduce costs, enhance quality and improve safety.
“Technology is developing rapidly to solve the highly-complex issues involved in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings,” Holman says.
As artificial intelligence, machine learning and the Internet of Things collide, companies are better able to automate tasks that are time-consuming, boring or pose risks to health and safety – think drones that can undertake mechanised jobs at great heights.
“The importance and influence of data can’t be underestimated,” Holman adds.
“While data capture has been underway for decades, we are now able to consume large amounts of data quickly and in more meaningful ways. As companies identify new ways of capturing and harnessing data, collaboration across the entire supply chain will increase as a matter of necessity.”
Holman thinks the lines of where one organisation finishes and another begins will be far more blurred than they are now.
“Because of the sheer number of organisations and components that comprise a project, and the collaboration required, it will be difficult for a single entity to be a ‘lone wolf’ of disruption,” he explains.
This means working together to unlock the potential opportunities, Holman adds. “We will see more collaboration between clients and consultants, as well as between the consultants themselves”.
“The influence of geography will continue to diminish as technology evolves – with ‘big’ not being as important as ‘reach’,” he adds.
The critical component companies must consider is how they create the right culture – one that embraces change.
“It’s still is all about people. The most innovative and successful firms will have highly engaged work forces – people that openly choose to work for them by ‘opting in’ rather than being ‘forced in’.
“Preparing your organisation by ensuring you have the right people – those who are inherently creative, entrepreneurial and collaborative – will help you unlock opportunities in the future.”
As a five-times accredited Best Employer, WGE has a unique culture that is hard to replicate. Hear why some staff chose WGE as the only place for them.