Now, technology is bringing a new issue to the forefront. One side argues that, as key players, CIOs should be in the boardroom. But that is the problem. Top-down support needs to be more than just an empty platitude. But many construction executives have yet to integrate computers into their daily business activities and may not be fully aware of information technology's potential for improving business processes and profits.
Strategic planning becomes a stool that's missing a leg.
Purists may argue that construction isn't about pixels and paperwork, but concrete and steel. But construction is a business no more immune to paperwork than any other business. And where there's paper, there's a computer. Clearly, industry firms can use technology successfully. But the real challenge is to have the effective authority to seize these opportunities by making and implementing policy at a firm.