Reflections … Impact on Construction
Team,
I found the below linked article on “8 ways COVID is changing construction” thought provoking, and I wanted to share some of my key thoughts on the concepts covered.
Article Link: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/the-new-normal-8-ways-the-coronavirus-crisis-is-changing-construction/576681/
Jobsites will be cleaner and safer … I agree, and I think we are seeing that play out in our performance this spring. We have more jobs that are 100% safe (no injuries) and quality (no rework). For more examples of this, you can reference my recent blog highlighting Spring performance here: http://apmdelivers.com/blog/2020/5/18/reflections-performance.
Distancing will be the norm, via technology … I agree. One example within APM is the use of technology to conduct virtual audits and site visits remotely. Thank you to the Service Managers and Superintendents who performed virtual audits this Spring and shared valuable feedback. Your experiences and lessons learned will enable process refinement as well as identification and testing of new, creative solutions.
Projects will take longer … I disagree. My bet, in line with our Keystone Philosophy, is that safety disciplines lead to better quality (no rework) and better efficiency. Further, the adoption of lean principles in partnership with safety and quality disciplines leads to safer, more productive jobs. Remember the wisdom shared by our Lean Leader, Lisset Lopez: In 5S, the sixth S is safety. You can read more about 5S in another recent blog post here: http://apmdelivers.com/blog/2020/5/1/reflections-5s-is-a-journey
Union influence will grow … There are too many dynamics to predict whether that will happen. However, I am convinced our APM business model that collaborates with our trade unions partners is a powerful model. We have safe, quality, efficient jobsites because our union partners recruit and train skilled craft, and our APM develops and deploys those skilled craft under the mantra of “right team, right job, right time”.
We will continue the discussion on these themes and other changes to our industry and business next Wednesday during our All Hands, Heads, & Hearts event. I encourage everyone to participate and submit any questions you may have about our business (see links below). I want this to be an interactive event, where we share our thoughts, concerns, and ideas about the future of our business. Continued success depends on us all excelling in our respective roles. Each of you is important to the APM mission.
Event Link: https://qrstud.io/eit6z6s
Q&A Form Link: https://app.sli.do/event/vmp6tskx