By Jennifer Gilligan, President of IntegraMSP
The only tech worth investing in is the kind that clears logjams in your schedule. If it doesn’t reduce RFIs, rework, or waiting around, it’s not saving you time—it’s just expensive overhead.
The Myth of “Faster Projects” Thanks to Tech
Let’s be honest. Most construction tech pitches sound great until you’re knee-deep in a project wondering why you're still chasing approvals or fixing rework. The real time killers aren’t lack of gadgets. It’s buried RFIs, outdated drawings, and that one sub who’s still waiting for an answer from three days ago. Speed comes from process, not just platforms.
Here’s what actually works on the job.
1. A Project Management Platform That’s Actually Used
Procore, Autodesk, Buildertrend—solid choices. But buying the license isn’t the win. Getting your team to use the thing is.
Look for tools that:
- Centralize RFIs, submittals, and change orders so nothing slips through the cracks
- Are mobile-friendly so your field crews can send info from wherever they are, not after a hike to the trailer
- Keep drawing sets synced so everyone’s building off the same page—literally
If you’re still hearing “I didn’t see that change” or “That’s not what I have on my end,” it’s not a tech issue. It’s an adoption issue. And that’s killing your timeline.
2. Field Tech That Doesn’t Flop Under Pressure
Tablets that work in rain and dust. Wi-Fi that doesn’t cut out during uploads. Devices your team can use without a degree in IT. That’s the kind of field tech that actually buys back time.
Here’s what makes a difference:
- Rugged tablets and LTE hotspots that hold up to jobsite chaos
- Foremen sending RFIs and photos straight from the field instead of waiting until the end of the day
- IT support and device management so your tools don’t become a liability when they freeze, break, or vanish
If your approvals still depend on “when I get back to the trailer,” you're leaving hours on the table every week.
3. Automated Document Workflows That Don’t Stall Out
You don’t need AI. You need a system that stops critical documents from getting lost in inbox limbo.
What to look for:
- Clear, consistent workflows for RFIs, submittals, and change orders
- Digital signatures and auto-routing so approvals happen in hours, not days
- Reminders and notifications that keep things moving when humans forget
Link these tools to your email, file storage, and accounting systems to cut down on manual steps and missed handoffs. You’re not just saving time—you’re lowering risk.
How to Make These Investments Pay Off
Tech only works when people use it. And they only use it if it makes their jobs easier, not harder.
Here’s how to lock in results:
- Train like you mean it, not just once and done
- Pick super-users who champion adoption and help others along the way
- Track the right metrics, like average RFI turnaround time, how often old drawings get used, and submittal approval lag
Research shows that using digital tools to automate RFIs and approvals helps projects move faster by reducing delays caused by slow info flow and missed steps. One study by Frontiers in Built Environment found that tools like smartphones, digital tracking, and real-time approvals can prevent the typical delays caused by waiting on answers, rework, and missing information.
Pushback You’ll Hear (and Why It’s Wrong)
- “We can’t afford all this tech.”
You don’t need everything at once. Fix your biggest bottleneck first, prove the value, then build from there. - “Our crews aren’t tech guys.”
You don’t need tech guys. You need tools that are easy to use and training that makes sense. Complexity is the enemy here.
Bottom Line: The Right Tech Should Buy Back Time, Not Add Admin
If your tools aren’t helping your field crews move faster, your PMs make better calls, or your documents get approved quicker, they’re not helping. Look for technology that clears the path—not adds another one.
Want to See Where You’re Gaining or Losing Time?
Tired of IT companies that don’t know a jobsite from a job ticket?
We work with construction teams every day. From field connectivity to workflows that actually get used, we speak your language and we show up when it counts. Give us a call.
