Resistance to Change and Technology in Construction

As the construction industry faces increasing demands for efficiency, quality, and sustainability, integrating advanced software has become imperative. In spite of this, many companies continue to be slow to adopt new systems and ways of doing business. That reluctance is particularly evident in the ready-mix concrete sector, where traditional methods have long dominated operations. Chief among the reasons behind this inertia is a deeply ingrained resistance to change and technology in construction.. 

Overcoming an unwillingness to adapt is critical to your business success.

Companies that successfully implement upgraded technology see significant improvements in productivity and cost savings. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, as much as 71% of the impact from business transformations depends on technology, yet adoption remains sluggish due to an assortment of common operational and cultural challenges.

To stay competitive, ready-mix concrete businesses must understand why this resistance occurs and the best strategies to overcome it. 

Why is the Construction Industry Resistant to Change?

Rejection of change is common across industries, but it is particularly strong in construction. One study of nearly 3,000 construction industry employees found that new technologies had a positive impact on personal performance and information access. Nonetheless, the sector continues to rank poorly in technological competence, highlighting the stark gap between awareness and implementation. 

The main reasons for resistance include:

• Cost Concerns: Construction companies spend 1-2% of revenue on IT on average. New technology often requires investing in software, hardware, training, and infrastructure upgrades. Without a guaranteed return on investment, decision-makers may hesitate to allocate budget toward unfamiliar tools.
• Traditional Mindsets: The average age of construction industry professionals is over 40 and many of these employees have been doing their jobs the same way for decades. Digital tools are often perceived as unnecessary complications rather than improvements. Convincing long-time employees to switch from manual processes to digital solutions can be as difficult as convincing someone to trade in a hammer for a touchscreen.
• Fear of Job Displacement:  Workers may fear that automation and AI will replace their roles, leading to resistance to change and technology in construction. Drivers, dispatchers, and batch operators often resist tools that track their performance or introduce automation, worrying that management will use these technologies to cut costs at the expense of jobs.
• Skill Gaps and Training Challenges: Employees who are unfamiliar with technology may feel intimidated by new systems. If proper training is not provided, even the most advanced technology will be underutilized.
• Integration Challenges: Many ready-mix concrete plants operate on legacy systems that are not easily compatible with modern software solutions. If the new technology does not integrate smoothly with existing workflows, employees will revert to old methods. 
  Variable Nature of the Industry: Unlike other sectors where technology can be gradually implemented across standardized workflows, construction projects are highly variable. Each job site and batching plant has unique requirements. One-size-fits-all technology solutions don’t work; customization is necessary.

Strategies to Overcome Resistance to Change and Technology in Construction

Try these strategies to address common pain points and help smooth a transition to new technology at your company:

Showcase ROI

Many companies hesitate to invest in technology because they are unsure of the financial benefits. Gain the support of decision-makers and employees with a timeline that demonstrates anticipated return on investment (ROI). Highlight potential cost savings, increased efficiency, and reduced errors to make the benefits more tangible. 

Involve Key Stakeholders Early

Engage key stakeholders early in the process to reduce resistance. Instead of imposing changes from the top down, involve dispatchers, plant managers, and drivers in selecting and testing the technology. 

Address Cultural Resistance Head-On

Long-standing habits and deeply ingrained processes lead to resistance to change and technology in construction facilities, including ready-mix concrete plants. Overcoming it requires more than policy changes about new tools. It takes consistent and transparent communication that acknowledges employee discomfort while continuing to stress the benefits of the new software.

Train Staff on the New Software

Employees may feel lost or frustrated without proper training, leading them to reject your new system. Training should be hands-on, role-specific, and ongoing. Provide real-world scenarios and interactive demonstrations to help employees gain confidence and see the immediate value of the technology in their daily tasks. 

Leverage Incentives and Recognition

Employees respond well to incentives. Recognizing and rewarding those who adopt new technology quickly encourages widespread adoption. Data shows that 83% of employees who have gamified training feel motivated, while 61% of those who get regular training with no gamification feel bored

Create a Supportive Work Environment

Employees are more likely to embrace change if they feel supported. Provide technical support, assign tech-savvy mentors, and foster a culture that encourages questions and learning to drive buy-in and reduce resistance.

Minimize Disruption with Phased Implementation

Rolling out new technology all at once can overwhelm employees and create operational bottlenecks. Implement change in phases instead. Start with a single plant or project so that teams to test the technology, troubleshoot issues, and refine best practices before company-wide deployment.

Measure Adoption Success and Address Issues Quickly

Tracking usage metrics, gathering feedback, and making iterative improvements will ensure the long-term success of your project. When employees are struggling, leadership must provide additional training and support to smooth resistance to change and technology in construction.

The Right Technology Helps You Overcome Resistance

Concerns about complexity and the potential disruption of operations and the slowing of an established ready-mix concrete timeline are common barriers to the adoption of new batching and dispatching software. Software that has been designed to be intuitive and user-friendly naturally alleviates these objections by simplifying tasks and enhancing overall efficiency. These platforms streamline operations while boosting employee productivity and satisfaction, taking the pain out of implementation. 

Sysdyne's suite of cloud-native solutions tailored for ready-mix concrete operations embodies this approach. Our products have been engineered to be both easy-to-use and efficient, helping managers defeat resistance to change and technology in construction:

• ConcreteGO: Our cloud-based dispatching solution allows users to access critical operational data from anywhere via a simple web browser login. Its user-friendly interface supports features like grouping plants by region and drag-and-drop truck ticketing, enabling dispatchers to manage operations smoothly and respond swiftly to changes without the hassle of switching screens.
• CloudBatch: As the world's first cloud-native batch control system, CloudBatch enables real-time monitoring and adjustments to the concrete batching process from any location. This accessibility improves operations management in construction, reduces operational costs and enhances production efficiency, all through a straightforward browser interface that anyone can master quickly and without frustration.
• iStrada: Focusing on delivery management, iStrada offers advanced GPS truck tracking, electronic ticketing, and time and attendance systems. These features provide real-time visibility into deliveries, optimize routes, and streamline communication between drivers and dispatchers, all within an easy-to-navigate dashboard. 

Streamline Ready-Mix Concrete Technology Adoption with Sysdyne

CoEmbracing change has become a competitive necessity for ready-mix concrete producers. Those who fail to adapt risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving industry. While technology in construction is often met with skepticism, the benefits of automation, digital tracking, and AI-driven solutions are undeniable. 

Implementing new software requires ready-mix concrete producers to take a proactive and structured approach. The strategies that we’ve laid out will help you successfully integrate new technologies and position your company for long-term growth.

Learn more about how Sysdyne can help overcome objections, improve communications and streamline operations at your ready-mix concrete plant. Request a demo today.