Key Insights from the Livestream
In our March 2025 livestream, we tackled one of the biggest challenges facing construction teams today: making technology actually work for you—not against you. Projectmates’ own Marcus Bliss sat down with Brian Tracy, Director of CM Services at Ausonio and Chair of CMAA’s National Technology Committee, to unpack why tech adoption can feel so hard, how to overcome that resistance, and where the biggest wins are hiding.
If you missed it, we’ve got the highlights below or watch the on-demand recording.
Why Construction Tech Often Fails—and How to Fix It
Let’s face it: we’ve all seen a flashy new tool fizzle out in the field. Brian kicked off with a powerful analogy: adopting tech without a plan is like being told to “go buy a wrench” without knowing what size, type, or purpose you need it for.
A major theme? Start with people and process. Only then can you figure out which tools will actually help. Resistance to tech isn’t always a bad thing—it’s often a sign you need a better implementation plan.
Another big insight: “The cost of doing nothing” is real. Outdated workflows lead to increased project risk, low morale, and high turnover—especially with a younger workforce that expects modern tools.
Technology that Works: 3 Easy Wins
Not all tech needs to be a massive lift. Brian and Marcus shared three low-barrier, high-impact areas where owners can start seeing value right away:
- Project Management Information Systems (PMIS): Centralizing data isn’t just convenient—it’s a game-changer. A good PMIS eliminates double entry, reduces errors, and gives your team a “single source of truth.”
- Reality Capture: 360-degree cameras and visual documentation tools offer remote visibility, reduce site visits, and help resolve disputes before they escalate. As Brian put it: “The first project we used it on paid for itself in the first month.”
- AI for Productivity: We’re still early in the AI journey, but tools like ChatGPT are already helping teams search contracts faster, flag risks, and save time. Brian’s rule of thumb? If AI saves you just 12 minutes a day, that adds up to a full workweek every year.
Shifting Mindsets: From “Risk” to “Opportunity”
One of the most relatable moments? Brian’s take on how resistance often stems from being burned before. That’s why he emphasized the crawl, walk, run approach. Start small. Solve a few real pain points. Win over your internal champions—especially the skeptics.
And remember: it’s not about replacing people. It’s about removing the frustrating, repetitive tasks that make good people want to leave.
Tech as a Risk Mitigator (Not Just a Buzzword)
Project issues don’t start in court—they start when minor issues go unaddressed. The webinar wrapped with a hard truth: the earlier you catch a dispute, the cheaper and easier it is to resolve. Tools like PMIS, site documentation, and AI help teams align on the truth early—before problems snowball.
As Marcus points out, the ROI of technology isn’t always what you gain—it’s what you avoid.
Don’t Miss the User Conference in Vegas!
Marcus shared details about the upcoming Projectmates User Conference + Hexagon Live Global, happening this year at the Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas. Expect several days of interactive sessions, hands-on learning, and tech showcases—including some seriously cool stuff from Hexagon (yes, including the robot dogs).
Thanks for Tuning In!
We’re so glad you joined us to explore what’s next in construction technology.
Stay curious, keep testing new tools, and don’t be afraid to take that first step forward—even if it’s a crawl.
We’ll be here to help you along the way.
