Productivity and Efficiency Rule Our Industry Now

Competition within the construction industry is at an all-time high. With fewer projects to build, going for historically low values, it’s imperative that today’s successful contractors adapt. Today the name of the game is running a construction business lean and mean. It’s easy enough to say but the reality is the task of “downsizing” isn’t always that easy.

Personalities and personal traits are very difficult things to change. However, the tools we use on a daily basis often don’t come with attitudes, yet they can quickly improve efficiency and speed. So now is a great time to evaluate the tools you use to be sure that you’re operating as efficiently as possible, and hopefully better than the competition.

Portability Improves Efficiency

When I look at ways of improving the efficiency of our crews, the first place I look is the time it takes to mobilize for a job. Emptying out the job-site trailer or truck can be time consuming. Recent statistics from an industry event show substantial time lost to this task so it’s a hugely important issue to address.

One way to improve set-up time is investing in large power tools that have mobile bases. Having easy-to-use mobile bases for table saws, miter saws and even tile saws can speed up mobilization time. Not only do these products limit down time, but they also help us work safer resulting in less down time due to injuries.

Choose The Right Tool For The Task

More than 50% of all holes drilled in concrete construction are less than 1/2″ in diameter. Why is this important? Efficiency! If a majority of holes drilled are small diameter then your primary rotary hammer drill really doesn’t need to be very large. In fact, most of your holes can now be drilled with small cordless rotary hammers. This reduces fatigue and injuries while drastically improving productivity and morale.

Step Back and Just Watch

If you truly want to improve your efficiency, productivity – and ultimately profitability, then you really should step back and watch carefully how your employees are working. Ask yourself if they are properly equipped, are they working safely, do they have the best accessories, and are they properly trained.

By repeatedly watching and evaluating the tasks on your job site you’ll be able to streamline your business and stay one step ahead of the competition. In today’s market those very small items might be the difference between having a good year and going out of business.