AI’s construction capacities will increase as more companies move from storing information on spreadsheets to the cloud.
information manually. We abandoned it for now,” says Bostrom. Connected devices and access to the cloud are beneficial because they provide field personnel with the right data at the right time. For example, having secure internet access in a rural area where a project is underway allows field personnel the ability to look up the most recent design or detail for a building. They can also see what time new materials and equipment needed to complete sections of the building should arrive. “We need these tools to increase efficiency because we’re managing far more contract value than we ever have. Technology enables us to stay connected, on budget and on time,” says Bostrom. King says project managers use software such as Autodesk’s construction cloud programs to collect and manage project documents, as well as digitize project drawings and track potential Requests for Information (RFIs). “These programs allow us to share information with operators in real time out in the field, creating efficient collaboration. The information [is exchanged quickly], which means cost savings for owner and contractor. The [act of exchanging also] creates a strong partnership between contractor and owner resulting in a successful project,” says King. According to King, construction software developers tend to release significant updates every five years. “There has not been a serious change for a while now. We’re due programs that could substantially increase capabilities in maybe another year,” says King. How local entrepreneurs change perspectives A high number of companies that develop software and devices for the construction industry are in San Francisco, the South Bay or foreign countries. Since the Bay Area companies are within
driving distance of the North Bay, they sometimes visit and work directly with construction companies here. Yet they typically lack a local perspective. There are a few exceptions to that rule. One is ConCntric, a Greenbrae firm founded by Steve Dell’Orto. ConCntric is a pre-construction management software platform that serves the non-residential construction industry. “We help with the planning, estimation and design phases of projects like hospitals and airports. Our software is meant to assist in advance of physical construction,” says Dell’Orto. Dell’Orto’s background in construction prior to founding ConCntric is also beneficial. “My prior career was in commercial construction running the Western half of a top 10 general contractor in the nation. The notable projects completed during my tenure include the Chase Center, the Salesforce tower and Instagram’s headquarters in San Francisco, the expansion and renovation of the Seattle Convention Center and the $750 million renovation of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art,” says Dell’Orto. From this work, Dell’Orto learned the construction industry is not highly digitized. Many firms run on antiquated systems.
“I also learned efficiency and timeliness during the planning phase of a project determine whether that project moves forward. So many opportunities are lost when deadlines are not met. I built ConCntric to help contractors solve the problem of
Steve Dell’Orto, founder of ConCntric in Greenbrae. [Photo courtesy Steve Dell’Orto]
54 NorthBaybiz
August 2024
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