U.S. Foreign Trade Position is Worsening; Canada’s is Healing
Record ‘Goods’ Trade Deficit & Deterioration in ‘Services’ Surplus
In discussions about gross domestic product (GDP), foreign trade receives the attention it deserves in Canada, but it’s undervalued in the United States. The reason undoubtedly has to do with the shares of GDP contributed by exports in the two countries.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.arizonasolarsociety.com/?p=1492
Gap Between Bid Price Increases and Material Cost Increases Is Narrowing
In the spring and summer of this year, a huge gap opened between construction bid prices that were staying low on a year-over-year basis and material input costs, also y/y, that were soaring into the stratosphere.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.arizonasolarsociety.com/?p=1488
5 Steps for Preventing Construction Site Theft
From building materials to tools to heavy equipment, construction site theft is an industry-wide epidemic. In addition to the direct costs of replacing the stolen goods, there is also the indirect cost due to increased insurance premiums, rental costs to replace stolen equipment, and lost productivity.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.arizonasolarsociety.com/?p=1484
5 Must-Hear Construction Podcast Episodes from 2021
Jobsites aren’t the only loud places in construction; the ecosystem of construction technology produces a lot of noise too. It can be difficult to cut through what’s real, what’s hype, and what can actually help you improve how your team gets their work done. That’s partly why we decided to launch Autodesk’s Digital Builder podcast and share stories from ambitious leaders from across the construction industry.
On our podcast, we get into the corners of what works, what doesn’t, and what the future for the industry holds. To wrap up the year, I wanted to look back (in no particular order) at a few particularly interesting episodes from 2021.
Episode 17: Diving Deep on Communication & Collaboration in Construction w/ Eddie & Tyler Campbell
Working across upwards of twenty companies during a project is typical in the AEC industry. Each company usually has multiple people involved as stakeholders, each with their own prescriptions and priorities. The only way for a project to run smoothly is to prioritize communication and collaboration. For the best project outcomes, everyone must be on the same page.
Eddie Campbell, COO at ABSI (Accelerated Building Solutions, Inc.) and Tyler Campbell, Vice President, also at ABSI, are no strangers to the highs and lows of construction collaboration. The co-hosts of the Construction Brothers Podcast joined us to share best practices for increasing cooperation within projects.
You’ll learn actionable tips for:
- empowering subcontractors for better collaboration
- navigating contract disputes
- improving the bidding process
- enhancing management styles
Listen here: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else you listen.
Episode 20: Uncovering Actionable Insights from Construction Data with a Platform
Spend any time listening to thought leaders discuss construction technology and you’ll undoubtedly hear the term “platform” come up. Understanding what to expect from a construction platform is the first step to getting the most out of the technology you use. A true platform should provide a single location for designers, engineers, and builders to harness data and tools from anywhere, at any time.
In the twentieth episode of the Digital Builder podcast, you’ll hear from Jim Lynch, Senior Vice President & General Manager, and Sid Haksar, Head of Construction Strategy, both with Autodesk, on what defines a true platform and how to make sure you select the right one. Jim and Sid share their most tried and true tips for evaluating construction platforms and technology.
You’ll also discover:
- the top five considerations for evaluating construction platforms and technology
- what to expect from data and digitization in the future, and the importance of platforms in modern construction
Listen here: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else you listen.
Episode 14: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Construction: Buzzwords or Essential Tools?
What comes to mind first when you think of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)? It isn’t uncommon to think of super-skilled robots and a loss of human touch in the workplace. But as you’ll discover in this episode of the Digital Builder podcast, AI and ML are key to improving the safety of jobsites, the productivity of teams, and institutional knowledge for construction firms.
Here to demystify the realm of AI & ML in construction are Josh Kanner, Founder and CEO of Newmetrix (formerly Smartvid.io) and Pat Keaney, Director of Product Management, Intelligence at Autodesk Construction R&D. Josh and Pat break down the two innovative technologies in an accessible way while sharing real-world examples of their practice.
You’ll walk away with a greater understanding of:
- what machine learning and artificial intelligence really are
- how these technologies can benefit construction
- what’s next for AI and ML in the industry
- the common misconceptions about this type of technology
Listen here: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else you listen.
Episode 10: Global BIM Adoption: Where We’re At & Where We’re Going w/ Ariel Castillo & Steve Rollo
The adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) at an international level has as many opportunities as it does challenges. Many in the industry wonder when—if ever—we’ll reach a global standard for the process.
Ariel Castillo, Strategic Process & VDC Specialist at Miller-Davis Company, and Steve Rollo, National BIM/VDC Manager at Graham, explore these big ideas on episode 10 of the Digital Builder. As Ariel and Steve discuss the future of global BIM standardization, they’ll also share what BIM and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) really mean. Expect to hear lots about the biggest challenges with rolling out new construction technologies as well.
Other points of conversation include:
- the state of BIM adoption and standardization in Latin America and Canada
- predictions for BIM globally over the next decade
- expectations for changing terminology
Listen here: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else you listen.
Episode 21: Data Strategy in Construction: Finding a Competitive Edge
Making better decisions in modern construction often comes down to having the right data. Leading firms have fine-tuned strategies for data management so they can rapidly harness insights and leverage more advanced technologies further down the line.
Jay Bowman, Managing Director of Research & Analytics at FMI, and Andy Leek, Vice President – Technology & Innovation at PARIC Corporation, break down the benefits of strong data strategies in the twenty-first episode of the Digital Builder. If you’ve always wondered how to get started on building a robust data strategy, you won’t want to miss their gems of wisdom.
Learn from Jay and Andy about:
- how to make sure you’re capturing useful data
- how a baseline of data strategy leads to more advanced technologies
- how to improve data literacy in construction
- the future of data in construction
Listen here: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else you listen.
Share with your team
While we’ve highlighted five popular episodes to begin your listening journey with Autodesk’s Digital Builder podcast, feel free to binge the rest on your rides to and from work or the jobsite. Each episode is carefully curated to provide insights into the modern construction industry you just won’t find anywhere else. Don’t forget to share your favorite episodes and discuss with your team. A new episode drops every two weeks and you can subscribe on:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Stitcher
- Google Podcasts
- or wherever you listen to podcasts
The post 5 Must-Hear Construction Podcast Episodes from 2021 appeared first on Digital Builder.