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TRANSFORMATIVETRANSFORMATIVETECHNOLOGIESTECHNOLOGIESCONSTRUCTIONCONSTRUCTIONLANDSCAPELANDSCAPEMATERIALMATERIALTRENDS TRENDS SUSTAINABLESUSTAINABLEFUTUREFUTUREBUILDINGBUILDINGMETHODSMETHODSWEATHER EXTREMESWEATHER EXTREMESDEMAND CHANGEDEMAND CHANGEMANAGINGMANAGINGTHE SHIFTTHE SHIFTOPTIMIZINGOPTIMIZINGTHE FLEETTHE FLEETWWW.MCSMAG.COMJANUARY 2024

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TRANSFORMATIVETRANSFORMATIVETECHNOLOGIESTECHNOLOGIESCONSTRUCTIONCONSTRUCTIONLANDSCAPELANDSCAPEMATERIALMATERIALTRENDS TRENDS SUSTAINABLESUSTAINABLEFUTUREFUTUREBUILDINGBUILDINGMETHODSMETHODSWEATHER EXTREMESWEATHER EXTREMESDEMAND CHANGEDEMAND CHANGEMANAGINGMANAGINGTHE SHIFTTHE SHIFTOPTIMIZINGOPTIMIZINGTHE FLEETTHE FLEETWWW.MCSMAG.COMJANUARY 2024

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com4WHAT TO ASK WHEN RENTING A MACHINECourtesy of National Flooring Equipment HOW TO MAKE YOUR BUILDING A FORTRESS AGAINST CYBER ATTACKS Guest Post by Coleman Wolf, CPP, CISSPCONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY 2024 OUTLOOKGuest Post by Nathan Patton2622JANUARY 2024VOLUME 18 ISSUE 01Inside This Issue20special focusIN EVERY ISSUEIndustry News .............................. Modern Construction Products...... Punch List ................................... environmental solutionNEW BUILDING METHODSevolving weather extremes demand changeenvironmental solutionSUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTIONQ&A on building material trendsmanagement solutionSTREAMLINING SUCCESSmaximizing TCOINDUSTRY OUTLOOK management solutionTHE CONSTRUCTION LANDSCAPEunveiling transformative technologies in 2024ON THE BLOGCRAFCO, INC.A Crafco employee demonstrates application of Mastic One pavement repair material for wide cracks and distresses. This demonstration occurred at Mirror Lake Plaza in Flowood, Mississippi, in 2023.crafco.com40maintenance solutionTECH TAKEOVERasset management34sotware solutionMANAGING THE SHIFToptimizing your fleet24

STATE OF THE INDUSTRYA new year, a new beginning, a new balance sheet, new job bids … so much “new” that the construction industry never gets old. Each jobsite, truckload of materials, and toolbox talk has a renewed sense of urgency. Schedules and data, reports and drawings, meetings and coffee, these are the items that buzz, hum, and brew in construction offices and jobsite trailers from coast to coast. Also occurring this month is World of Concrete (WOC) in Las Vegas, January 23-25. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, WOC will be brimming with new sights and sounds. In this issue of MCS, there are trends, transforming technologies, updates on building materials, and much more. If you’re wanting online content, the blog features the questions to ask when renting a machine, how to protect against cyber attacks, and a 2024 outlook on construction technology.Start the year on the right foot with Take The Stairs, your punch list read for the month. See you in the “stairwell.”Cheers, PROJECT PROFILESStream Restoration .............................................. 14Vertical Vents ...................................................... 18ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONSSustainable Construction ...................................... 20New Building Methods ......................................... 22MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONSStreamlining Success ........................................... 24The Construction Landscape ................................ 26Benefits of PIM .................................................... 28Unlocking Consistency ......................................... 30Vehicle Data ........................................................ 32SOFTWARE SOLUTIONManaging the Shift ............................................... 34LEGAL SOLUTIONWhat the Contract Doesn’t Say .............................. 36MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONSEngine Oil Storage ................................................ 38Tech Takeover ..................................................... 40If All You Have Is a Hammer .................................. 42Maximize Retreadability ....................................... 44www.mcsmag.com 3100 Lorna Rd, Ste 101Birmingham, AL 35216DONNA CAMPBELL Editor in Chiefdonna@mcsmag.com MIKE BARKER Publishermike@mcsmag.com RANDY MOON Media Consultantrandym@mcsmag.com KEVIN MCCLARAN Associate Publisherkevin@mcsmag.com GARY BARKER Associate Publishergary@mwsmag.com LISA AVERY Art Directorlisa@mcsmag.com SETH SAUNDERS Digital Media Specialist seth@mcsmag.com INGRID BERKY Office Manageringrid@mcsmag.comSUBSCRIPTIONS For all changes, go to:MCSMAG.COMClick the SUBSCRIPTIONS button in the main menuTIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresidentCHRIS GARMONCFODONNA CAMPBELLVice President, EditorialNo part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage-and-retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. The views expressed by those not on the sta of Modern Contractor Solutions, or who are not specifically employed by Highlands Publications are purely their own. All Industry News material has either been submitted by the subject company or pulled directly from its corporate website, which is assumed to be cleared for release. Comments and submissions are welcome, and can be submitted to donna@mcsmag.com.For reprint information, contact Chris Garmon at chris@mcsmag.com.Canada Post Publication Agreement #41578525. Undeliverables 355 Admiral Drive, Unit 4, Mississauga, ON L5T 2N1 Modern Contractor Solutions Magazine@mcsmagModern Contractor SolutionsDonna CampbellEditor in ChiefPACIFIC OCEAN AUG 22, 2023—Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class James Penton, from Gardendale, Alabama, signals completion of maintenance on the rotor blades of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Screamin’ Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Peter McHaddadTake The StairsRORY VADEN, AUTHORpunch•list48

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com8industry newsSYSTEM SOLUTIONS RELEASED JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL DEALER INTEGRATION FOR MICROSOFT DYNAMICS 365 BUSINESS CENTRALSystem Solutions LLC released John Deere Financial Dealer integration for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. This integration brings the full business software capabilities of Business Central to the thousands of agribusiness dealers offering John Deere Financial funding to their customers across the United States and Canada. The integration electronically connects and automates John Deere’s specialized financing options at the dealer sales counters and order desks. This benefits dealers so they can offer their customers deferred payment options, flexible monthly payments, and sophisticated account management tools, enabling dealers to sell more while managing their financial transactions. Transaction funding is provided by John Deere Financial, so the merchant can increase their sales, and not have to worry about collecting receivables. The integration into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central allows for transaction processing directly at the point of sale (POS), including authorization, purchase, credit, and other payment functions, eliminating manual steps required to authorize and record the John Deere Financial transaction with John Deere Financial, as well as automatically posting the transaction into the Microsoft 365 Business Central general ledger and daily close-out reports. To get the Microsoft AppSource extension for John Deere Financial Dealer Integration visit John Deere Financial Dealer Integration (appsource.microsoft.com), or for more information, visit www.syssolutionsllc.com.PLATINUM EDITION CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF JCB BACKHOE INNOVATIONJCB is celebrating 70 years of manufacturing its iconic backhoe loader with the unveiling of Platinum Editions of the 3CX and 4CX models. Company founder Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE invented the backhoe concept, and the first JCB model was manufactured in 1953 after he combined a lightweight backhoe with a Major Loadall tractor loader. It created, for the first time, a single machine which combined a front shovel and rear excavator arm. While it took 20 years for JCB to build 50,000 backhoes, under the leadership of JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, more than 900,000 have now been made. JCB has been world market leader for backhoes for almost 25 years and today manufactures the iconic machine in the UK, India, and Brazil. A total of 70 limited-edition 70th birthday 3CX PRO and 4 CX PRO machines will be manufactured. The Platinum Edition models will have servo excavator controls, Powerslide, air conditioning and bi-directional auxiliary flow hydraulics. The machines will also have limited edition platinum decals and grill badge and platinum-colored wheels. The cab will have an embroidered graphic in the carpet and upgraded seat material with 70th anniversary branding, along with a steering wheel center cap featuring the 70th logo. Each machine will also have a special

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com10industry newsplaque, and customers will receive a special platinum gift pack with the backhoe loader. For more, visit www.jcb.com.ALL-NEW JLG UNIVERSITY DELIVERS INDUSTRY-LEADING EXPERIENCEJLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh company and a leading global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, has updated its JLG University learning platform to enhance the way it delivers JLG’s world-class training programs through a more modern, industry-leading experience. JLG University offers ANSI-required safety training courses for machine operators, service technicians and supervisors. It also has a robust Train-the-Trainer program, which qualifies instructors nationwide to train operators. The all-new JLG University offers users access to a robust library of training content and videos, as well as learning paths for continued growth. Smith says as part of the site’s upgrades, training managers also have improved ways to manage and track their employees’ training, including the ability to assign specific courses, view students’ progress through the programs and download completion certificates and access new digital operator IDs. For instructors in the JLG Training Network, their user experience now will include more resources and teaching aids, the ability to efficiently purchase and assign courses and access to new business-creation tools. Visit JLG University (jlgu.jlg.com) to experience the all-new training site. For more, visit jlg.com. KIOTI RELEASES COMPACT LOADERS TO DEALERS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA, DELIVERS FIRST MACHINE TO COUNTRY STAR TRACE ADKINSKIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA, Inc., unveils its latest innovation with the launch of its TL750 Compact Track Loader and SL750 Skid Steer Loader. Rugged and tough, the new line builds on KIOTI’s proven history in machine development to deliver power and performance without sacrificing comfort. As with every KIOTI machine, the models were designed, engineered, and manufactured in-house, providing an unparalleled level of quality, consistency, and control. In October, KIOTI delivered its first-ever TL750 Compact Track Loader to country music singer and songwriter Trace Adkins. Adding to his robust lineup of KIOTI equipment, Adkins received the keys to his new TL750 and spent the afternoon experiencing the machine’s performance and durability firsthand with the KIOTI team at his Tennessee farm. For more, visit kioti.com. If attending World of Concrete in Las Vegas from Jan. 23-25, 2024, can see the TL750 Compact Track Loader and the SL750 Skid Steer Loader at KIOTI booth #C5477.ARIZONA COMPANY ACQUIRES PATENTED, SOY-BASED CONCRETE PROTECTANT DEVELOPED IN INDIANACrafco Inc., an Arizona-based supplier of packaged pavement preservation solutions, acquires PoreShield, a patented, soy-based protectant that extends the service life of concrete. PoreShield was created through a

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com12industry newsresearch collaboration among Purdue University, the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), funded by soybean checkoff dollars. PoreShield’s key ingredient is soy methyl ester-polystyrene, or SME-PS, which is derived from U.S. soybeans. PoreShield is safe, environmentally friendly and easy to apply, requiring no additional personal protective equipment. For more, visit crafco.com. HYTERA US INC LAUNCHES THE PNC560 HANDHELD SMART COMPUTER, SCANNER, AND POC RADIO ALL IN ONE DEVICEHytera, a leading provider of innovative communication solutions, announces the launch of the Hytera PNC560, a groundbreaking Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) radio, handheld smart device, and scanner designed to revolutionize nationwide business operations and remote workforce communications. PoC provides instant and secure nationwide communications at the push of a button. Utilizing AT&T or T-Mobile networks and SIM cards, the PNC560 supports nationwide instant group or individual voice and video calling and texting which means you can easily collaborate seamlessly with instant group voice and video calling and texting features, enhancing team coordination and efficiency. The device seamlessly switches between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, providing uninterrupted and reliable communication no matter the location. The Hytera PNC560 is a powerful and rugged handheld smart device that combines the functionality of a compact mobile computer and a data collection terminal with the seamless and instant group communications of a professional PoC device. This innovative device is equipped with a wide array of features, making it an indispensable tool for businesses across various industries. For more, visit www.hytera.us.ISUZU ACHIEVES ALL-TIME SALES HIGHS IN 2023Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., distributor of America’s best-selling low-cab-forward trucks, announces it established multiple sales records in 2023, making last year its new benchmark for wholesale and retail sales of Isuzu trucks. Isuzu set records in vehicles delivered to Isuzu dealers, the Isuzu dealers delivered more Isuzu trucks and sold more Isuzu parts than in any other year in the 40-year history of Isuzu trucks in the US—all records for Isuzu trucks and parts in the United States. “Despite some continued supply-chain issues in the first half, 2023 turned out to be a banner year for sales of Isuzu trucks,” says Shaun C. Skinner, president, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. “The reasons are simple: the loyalty of our customers, the commitment of our dealer body, the diligence of our field team, and a product line that is in sync with the marketplace.”Skinner continues, “We expect that 2024 will see our momentum grow. In the next twelve months we will be introducing a thoroughly redesigned cab, sophisticated new driver-assist technology, and our first electric truck, the NRR EV. We feel we are well positioned to make 2024 another record-breaking year for Isuzu.” For more, visit www.isuzucv.com.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com14project profileStream RestorationStream Restorationthe right equipment solves the puzzleROSSCAPESIt turns out you need a lot of rocks and logs to build a stream.Robert Ross of Rosscapes, a stream and wetlands restoration company based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, can tell you why: “Building a stream is all about precision and accuracy. We use large rocks and logs that need to be fitted together precisely to ensure a successful project. You need to fit the puzzle together.” With nearly 20 years of experience across the Appalachian region, Ross is no longer puzzled as to which equipment is best suited to this unique task.THE FLEETHe's amassed quite a fleet including 20 John Deere excavators of various sizes, each fitted with Topcon GPS/LPS capabilities; a Werk-Brau coupler and Progressive Link thumb, an assortment of Werk-Brau buckets; seven Morooka rubber tracked carriers, four of which were custom built; John Deere compact track loaders, Komatsu D51pxi precision grade dozers and pumps from 4- to 12-inches; along with plenty of hose, straw blowers, and more, as well as enough haul trucks to move it all. Surprisingly, only the Morookas are custom-built for his business—the rest of his fleet is equipment that’s readily available. What sets Ross apart is how he employs it. This talent has led his company to contract with, over the years, everyone from oil and gas companies to coal mining companies to government departments of transportation to private mitigation banking companies. There’s three pieces of equipment Rosscapes needs to move the multi-ton boulders it can encounter on an average job: Werk-Brau’s Progressive Linkage Thumb, Heavy Duty Excavator Bucket, and D-Link Coupler. Each component works together to ensure the Rosscapes crew can safely and precisely move rocks, logs, and tree brush for over eight hours a day.In terms of excavators, Ross uses John Deere machines across the board. His company’s smallest is a 50G compact excavator, and their largest is a John Deere 345G. For stream restoration, Rosscapes utilizes 160G and 210G LC Mid-Size Excavators, but its “go-to” is its fleet of seven 245G’s. Ross usually purchases machines from either Murphy Tractor & Equipment Company, or Leslie Equipment Company. TYPICAL PROJECT SCOOPEA typical job for Rosscapes lasts, on average, between six and eight months, but the company has had projects be as short as three and as long as twelve. The employees A finished stream restoration adding to nature's beauty.

www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202415have the system down pat: After building lay-down areas around the stream, workers use pumps to redirect the flow of the stream reach they’re working on.Then they clear trees and brush out of the way, before sending in someone to move and excavate the rocks that make up the stream. If they push over trees, they’ll use the root wads as well, and save the brush for other applications. Over the course of each day, the excavators are removing trees, moving soil and rock, and rebuilding stream beds. Finally, after a section of stream has been restored, the team puts down erosion control matting and lays grass seed and straw, then finally returns the flow of the stream to its original direction. Because they are reseeding roughly 150-foot sections of reach at a time, they usually have two people broadcast seed and then shake straw by hand. They may go through 15 bales of straw, but they can cover that amount of ground in the time it would take to fetch the straw blower. Each section is cleaned up as they go, so that most sections are already growing by the time the final section is competed. This approach reduces erosion and sedimentation during the construction process.Rosscapes can build between one hundred and 150 feet of stream in a day. The Progressive Link Thumbs, Ross says, allow his workers to place rocks precisely where they’re needed, even if the buckets they use for moving earth are in a full dump position. “Once we bought our first Progressive Link Thumb, I haven’t not bought one since,” says Ross.Placing rocks in the streambed is part of the restoration process; the right equipment makes it easier.

He especially appreciates how the linkage is integrated and collapsible, allowing the thumb to close further—providing a full 180-degree range of motion. He also likes that they utilize wear-resistant and high-strength steel in critical components and have induction-hardened pivot pins and cylinder rods to improve durability. A rigid skeletal structure increases torsion resistance, and because every thumb includes Werk-Brau’s Universal Linkage Pivot System, Ross can easily install them on any excavator arm in his fleet. HEAVY-DUTY MOVINGSince stream restoration can involve moving thousands of tons of dirt and rocks out of the way, Ross needs buckets that can withstand the pressure and weight of both materials. “When we first started, we had other manufacturers’ buckets, and we were blowing the bottoms of them in. They were denting up from hitting these rocks,” says Ross. “Then we went to Werk-Brau, and we really haven’t had that trouble.”It’s easy to see why. Werk-Brau’s Heavy Duty Excavator Buckets have horizontal wear stripes to protect the bottom and are made with high-strength T-1 steel on all high wear parts. These features, combined with tapered side plates and a dual-taper radius, allow Rosscapes crews to handle the diverse range of applications, like huge boulders and logs, they might encounter on a jobsite. In fact, Werk-Brau’s buckets have lasted twice as long, says Ross, as their competitors.Some of the rocks, he says, weigh between five and six tons each, while the logs can be up to 70 feet long. With his Progressive Linkage Thumbs and Heavy-Duty Buckets, Ross doesn’t have to fear dropping a log while restoring important wetlands and creeks, “They are also strong enough to handle the long logs and trees.” If Ross’ crew grabs, for example, a 60-foot-long tree, it can stick out 30 feet on either side of the bucket. “Some competitors’ thumbs we had started twisting and breaking the welds off the boom,” Ross says. “Ever since we went to the Werk-Brau, we really haven’t had any trouble at all.”Plus, Rosscapes prefers toothed buckets rather than smooth-edged ones because they can “rake the dirt with our teeth so it leaves it clumpy and humpy and bumpy.” That “microtopography” on the flood plain around a stream, says Ross, helps to slow down flooding and encourages the growth of the different grass seeds Rosscapes uses. In other words, the toothed edge gives the area being restored a more diverse plant population. SAFETY IN DESIGNRoss like the simple coupler design—with just six components there is less to wear out or break down. Easy installation with no greasing or lubrication required is another plus. But he most appreciates that they are designed with safety in mind: The automatic front lock holds the front pin in place if the rear is not secured as well. It will only release when the operator intends it to. Ross usually pulls his equipment out of stream application once it reaches between 3,000 and 4,000 hours in use, while the seals are strong and leaks are non-existent. Together, Werk-Brau’s Progressive Linkage Thumb, Heavy Duty Excavator Buckets, and D-Link Coupler allow Ross and his crew to restore streams and wetlands up and down the Appalachian region. The quality of their work, Ross says, has given them a solid reputation in the area for almost two decades. Thanks to Werk-Brau attachments for the equipment, Rosscapes can continue to give its clients the high-quality results they need.CLOSING THOUGHTA puzzle is only complete once all pieces have been fitted precisely into place. Rosscapes has built a solid reputation in the Appalachian region through the work it’s done over 20 years. Having the right equipment is crucial—like a puzzle, if one piece is missing or wrong, the entire project can fall apart. JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com16project profileTrees and brush are cleared out of the way using excavators, saving materials that can be used for rebuilding the stream bed. for more informationWerk-Brau manufactures a complete line of OEM and replacement attachments for excavators, mini excavators, backhoes, mini and full-size loaders, and crawler loaders. Since 1947, they have been industry leading innovators, designing, and producing standard and specialty products for the heavy equipment industry. Products are made in the USA and sold through equipment dealers and distributors worldwide. For more, visit www.werk-brau.com. Stream restoration involves rocks and logs fitted together to ensure a successful project.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com18project profileThe process of supplying and removing air through an indoor space has been applied in structures for thousands of years. Persian wind catchers, Roman atriums, teepees, and igloos are all examples of how airflow has been used to moderate environmental conditions or eliminate smoke.In the early 1900s, buildings were often constructed with provisions for automatic smoke ventilation, but there were no set design practices or codes dictating their use. In many cases, makeshift ventilators were used and installed vertically on the side of a building.The need for passive smoke and heat ventilation products was heightened by a 1953 fire at the General Motors plant in Livonia, Michigan, which marked the biggest industrial fire in U.S. history. The fire was sparked by a welder’s torch and resulted in the death of three employees and destroyed the auto maker’s transmission factory. At that time, fire protection codes were developed to dictate the use of these life safety products and manufacturers began to develop more sophisticated product solutions. One of the biggest changes was to install products horizontally on the roof to maximize the building’s ventilation area. The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care center opened in 2010 but is on the grounds of the former North Chicago VA Medical Center, which opened in 1926. At the time of its construction, the building utilized a series of smoke ventilators that were installed vertically in a penthouse structure over the building’s auditorium. Replacing these old ventilators became a bit of a design challenge during a recent building renovation project.VENT REPLACEMENTThe existing vents no longer operated, and needed to be replaced, says Carlos Vargas, senior project manager for Industria, a regional construction management business. They had been installed more than 60 years ago. “It just wasn’t feasible to mount the smoke vents horizontally on the roof,’’ he says. “We would have had to basically remove the roof and that was not an option. The vertical vents do not meet fire code, but the hospital worked with code officials and that was the solution they agreed upon.”Industria worked with The BILCO Company to develop 14 custom vertically mounted smoke vents for this project. The products were specifically designed for vertical Vertical VentsVertical VentsChicago VA hospital adopts unusual installation for relieving smokeCLEAR THE AIRBy Thomas RennerThe vents were installed vertically instead of horizontally. Horizontal installation, as is custom, would have required a major project to remove and replace the roof.Photos courtesy of Bob Pursley, Orange Box StudiosPROJECT AT A GLANCEWHAT: A $17 million overhaul of Building 4 at the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in Chicago. WHY: The building opened in 1926, and had not been renovated since the 1960s. The building will be used by civilian and military health care staff, residents and medical students as an education center.STAGE UPDATE: One of the important aspects of the renovation was a stage area that needed new smoke vents. The existing vents had been installed vertically more than 60 years ago. VERTICAL INSTALLATION: BILCO manufactured 14 smoke vents for the project. Vertical vents are an unusual, but horizontal installation was not feasible because it would have required major repair to the building’s roof. DID YOU KNOW? Building 4 opened in 1926 and was part of the North Chicago VA Medical Center, which was one of the first hospitals for veterans in the United States.

installation and were equipped with all the standard features of a standard automatic smoke vent. Electric latching mechanisms were used on all ventilators for this project to allow them to be opened by the building’s management/fire alarm system.“BILCO was able to manufacture vertical vents quickly, and that helped us finish the job on time,’’ Vargas says. “If we hadn’t been able to use vertical vents, we would have had a much more complex job on our hands. The fact that we were able to get the custom-made for this job was quite helpful and helped us solve the problem.” WHY SMOKE VENTSSmoke vents play an important role in helping firefighters bring a blaze under control. They protect property and aid firefighters in bringing a fire under control by removing smoke, heat, and gases from a burning building. Smoke vents are ideally suited for large expanses of unobstructed space such as factories, warehouses, auditoriums, and retail facilities. Use of these products in modern building design is dictated by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Building Code (IBC) fire protection standards.STAGE MAKEOVERSmoke vent installation was just one part of the scope of work for Industria. “The stage was not used for many years,’’ Vargas says. “The purpose of the project was to provide much needed repair work and to bring the stage back to operating condition.”Vargas and his team refinished the stage floor, including stripping, sanding, and applying poly coat. They also removed lights and replaced hardwood floor sections. They also removed old electrical equipment, cleaned, and re-installed six existing black curtain stage curtains. They also removed and replaced the emergency fire curtain. “There was quite a bit of work involved in restoring the stage,’’ Vargas says. “At one point there was carpeting, and there was even some flooding in the building at one point. They literally had to throw everything away. It was a few years before we came on the scene, and there were a lot of issues we had to correct.”CLOSING THOUGHTThe work by Industria was part of a $17 million overhaul of Building 4, which is officially known as the Lovell Federal Health Care Center Education Center of Excellence. The building had been used for training and staff events but had not been renovated since the 1960s. It originally housed a theater and large chapel.The 39,000-square-foot renovation covered about half of the building and features a high-tech simulation center and other equipment to serve as a training hub and resource for seven partner VA Medical facilities in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. It will be used by civilian and military healthcare staff, residents, and medical students. Lovell is part of Veterans Health Administration network that includes 1,321 health care facilities in the United States, which serves 9 million enrolled veterans each year. www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202419about the authorThomas Renner writes on architecture, building, construction, and other trade industry topics for publications throughout the United States.Industria installed 14 smoke vents in a project at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in Chicago.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com20environmental solutionSustainable ConstructionSustainable ConstructionQ&A on building material trends GARNICAWith the start of a new year, preparing for trends in building takes center stage. Garnica, a leader in sustainable plywood manufacturing since 1941, continues to explore new methods to effectively manage and utilize natural resources. To learn more about what’s to come in 2024, David Smith, president of Garnica's North American Division, shares his insights. Here is a brief Q&A regarding sustainability and efficiency in commercial construction.Garnica has a history of offering innovative plywood solutions. What emerging design and material trends do you believe will have a significant impact on commercial construction projects in 2024, and how is Garnica preparing to address these trends?SMITH: In 2024, we anticipate a continued emphasis on sustainability and efficiency in commercial construction. Garnica is committed to staying at the forefront of these trends by placing a continued emphasis on supply chain transparency, responsible forestry, and constant product innovation. We are particularly focused on lightweight, high-quality, and easily machinable plywood that align with the industry's growing demand for environmentally conscious and efficient construction materials. Our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainable practices positions Garnica to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients in this dynamic market.With your expertise in operational efficiencies, what are the key efficiency-related challenges and opportunities you anticipate in the commercial construction sector in the upcoming year, and how can businesses address them effectively?SMITH: Efficiency remains a critical aspect of the commercial construction sector, and in 2024, businesses must navigate challenges such as supply chain disruptions and rising material costs. Garnica recognizes the importance of operational efficiency and is leveraging advanced technologies, including AI, to optimize our manufacturing and distribution processes. By embracing smart solutions and strategic partnerships, we aim to mitigate supply challenges through initiatives such as our Quickship program which offers ultra short lead times for our customers and allows them to minimize their stock levels and rotate their stock faster. This proactive approach positions Garnica to adapt swiftly to market dynamics and deliver value to our clients.Given your background in revolutionizing construction technology, can you share your insights on how digital advancements and smart construction technologies are expected to shape the commercial construction landscape in 2024?SMITH: Digital advancements and smart technologies are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the commercial construction landscape in 2024 particularly in the context of AI and 3D printing. AI has the potential to enhance sustainable forest management by improving forest health monitoring, predicting and mitigating threats, optimizing logging practices, conserving biodiversity, and assisting with strategic decision-making. Garnica, in collaboration with the School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering at the University of León, has been actively engaged in exploring and developing these cutting-edge technologies for forest management. By incorporating AI into our operations, we are not only enhancing environmental protection efforts but also contributing to the broader industry trend of embracing technology to achieve greater efficiency, precision, and sustainability in construction processes. Our commitment to technological innovation extends beyond our forestry practices to our actual products including Infinity plywood which integrates

3D printing technology for enhanced design flexibility. Garnica's Infinity plywood features digitally printed veneer designs over premium European poplar plywood, providing industry professionals with a cost-effective alternative to expensive, exotic wood species.In your role as president of Garnica's North American Division, what trends do you anticipate in the demand for sustainable building materials, and how is Garnica positioning itself to meet this demand in the coming year?SMITH: The demand for sustainable building materials continues to grow, driven by an increased focus on environmental responsibility. Garnica is well-positioned to meet this demand by offering plywood solutions that align with our core values of sustainability and quality. Our innovative line of products and unique sourcing and manufacturing process underscore our commitment to staying at the forefront of environmental protection. We anticipate a sustained demand for sustainable solutions in the coming year, and Garnica remains dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of the North American market.How do you foresee sustainability practices evolving in the commercial construction industry in 2024, and what initiatives do you think will gain prominence?SMITH: In 2024, sustainability practices in the commercial construction industry are expected to evolve with an increased focus on circular economy principles and reduced environmental impact. Net Zero energy buildings are gaining momentum as well as modular and prefabricated construction wherein some or most of a building is constructed before it is brought to the actual construction site to reduce waste and increase efficiencies. The global modular construction market was worth about $91 billion as of 2022 and it is expected to grow to $120.4 billion by 2027 (Markets and Markets, 2023). Garnica, with over 80 years of commitment to sustainability, anticipates that ESG initiatives promoting responsible forest management and eco-friendly manufacturing processes will gain prominence. CLOSING THOUGHTGarnica’s ongoing participation in the UN Global Compact and various recognitions and certifications underscore its dedication to sustainable practices. The company foresees a continued emphasis on transparency, traceability, and innovation in the pursuit of environmentally conscious construction materials, aligning with its ongoing mission and initiatives. www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202421for more informationDavid Smith has more than 28 years of industry expertise. He has a proven track record in customer-centric solutions and specializes in dynamic market leadership through sustainable innovation. For more, visit www.garnica.one.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com22environmental solutionCompared to the rest of the world, most buildings in the United States are relatively young. But most residential and commercial properties could use a makeover. Buildings constructed 20, 50, or over 100 years ago are not as energy efficient and they are also not as a safe as is possible to achieve with new building methods. Especially considering how climate change and more frequent extreme weather and climate events are taking a toll. According to the National Association of Home Builders, more than 90% of new homes built in the United States today are wood framed. These homes will be incapable of withstanding a tornado or hurricane, yet they are still being built directly in the path of storms. Even residential and commercial buildings constructed in some of the riskiest areas of the U.S. for earthquakes may contain design flaws that make them susceptible to damage because they are built using a non-ductile concrete method, which experts say have an inadequate configuration of steel reinforcing bars making the building vulnerable when shaken. While this method of building was banned, older structures have not been required to be retrofitted to improve safety and structural integrity. BETTER BUILDING METHODInstead of building with timber or concrete forms, especially in regions most prone to weather and climate disasters, there is a superior option that can withstand damage under extreme conditions, 3D expanded polystyrene (EPS) wire mesh panels. These panels can be custom manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used to build roofs, interior and exterior walls, floors, staircases, and more. The EPS panels are clipped together using specialty metal fasteners and then coated on both sides with concrete. The advantages of building with EPS wire mesh panels are extensive and start with manufacturing. Unlike wood or steel that are either not recyclable at all or only partially recycled, every scrap of polystyrene cut when shaping panels during manufacturing can be recycled and are harvested to reuse in the making of another panel. Additionally, less CO2 emissions are created during the manufacturing of EPS wire mesh panels compared to other building materials, and the EPS wire mesh panels reduce CO2 emissions over the lifespan of the building as well. Constructing a building using EPS wire mesh panels is also faster and less expensive when compared to other building materials and methods. The true strength and power of EPS wire mesh panels is experienced under the greatest duress. Buildings constructed using EPS wire mesh panels are more durable and disaster-resistant than other types of buildings. Homes and businesses built using EPS wire mesh panels can withstand projectile objects blown into them during severe thunderstorms, even tornados and hurricanes, without damage. This type of building is also earthquake proof, sometimes up to a 10 on the Richter scale, due to the flex allowed by the polystyrene and the strength from the wire mesh and the concrete. Because the EPS wire mesh panels are coated on all sides with concrete, there is nothing to burn in a wildfire or house fire. While finishing surfaces like roofing materials, siding, drywall, New Building MethodsNew Building Methodsevolving climate, weather patterns, and extremes demand change EPS PANELSBy Annette Rubin

or windows might still be damaged in a fire, the structure of the building will remain intact. If timber structures are damaged in a storm or wildfire, once debris is cleared, if the building slab retains its structural integrity, EPS wire mesh panels can be used to rebuild faster and stronger. For commercial buildings, EPS wire mesh panels offer additional security. The panels are both bulletproof and blast resistant. This makes them an ideal building option for schools, hospitals, banks, and other commercial buildings where safety is a top priority and threats of gun or other forms of violence are higher risk. CLIMATE IMPACT In 2022 alone, the U.S. was impacted by eighteen weather/climate disaster events that caused losses exceeding $1 billion each including flooding, severe storms, hurricanes, and wildfire. Between 2016 and 2022 there have been 122 separate billion dollar weather/climate events with a total cost of more than $1 trillion in damages. These mega events were devastating, and the magnitude of the damage is even greater when smaller events are factored into the equation. The impact of weather and climate events cannot be measured in losses alone. According to data from the Census Bureau, in 2022 there were 3.4 million people who were forced out of their homes by hurricanes, wildfires, and other weather-related events. Of those people who were displaced, 16% have not returned home and may never, 12% were displaced for six months or more, and 40% were able to return home within a week. The Census Bureau data also revealed that people who were unable to return to their homes experienced hardships including lack of housing, food, water, sanitation, and childcare, and that people with incomes below the poverty line, minorities, and LGBTQIA+ were disproportionately impacted. CLOSING THOUGHTTimber structures had their time and place in history. But today, they no longer meet the needs and requirements of modern buildings and the people who live and use them daily. Transitioning the construction industry away from traditional timber and concrete building methods will take time. But there is no arguing that the benefits of EPS wire mesh panel construction far outweigh and drawbacks of training crews to learn to build using this method, particularly when considering the lives that could be saved. www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202423about the authorAnnette is the CEO and co-founder of Vero Building Systems; she's a visionary leader and entrepreneur that is committed to bringing a superior option in building materials to the US Market. As a dedicated wife and mother, Annette is driven by her mission to ensure that families are better protected during natural disasters by making SCIP (Structural Concrete Insulated Panels) Panels more widely available. Under Annette's leadership, Vero Building Systems is on the forefront of revolutionizing the construction industry in the United States. For more, visit verobuildingsystems.com.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com24management solutionProactive cost control can help construction fleets considerably when it comes to staying competitive in the market, but the industry is grappling with the rising costs of materials and the challenge of retaining employees. While inflation poses an obstacle to accurate budgeting, fleets can strategically extend the lifecycles of their assets through optimized PM schedules to offset that. Similarly, investing in employee retention programs not only results in significant cost savings in the short term, it also forms the bedrock of long-term success. EMPLOYEE TURNOVER CAUSESCompanies that nurture their employees financially and in terms of personal growth witness higher retention rates. Investing in your workforce not only mitigates expenses, it also cultivates a loyal and skilled team. But what are some of the underlying causes of high turnover? Typically, high turnover is the result of employee frustrations, either with the job itself, coworkers, bosses, or simply not having the right tools for the job. Productivity loss can be extremely frustrating for many employees, especially when there isn’t clear communication about both the cause and solution. Extended asset downtime is one such cause. Being sidelined due to a frequently downed asset can send the message that employees must work with the bare minimum to do their jobs, and that really isn’t a sustainable method of business.For employees who rely on their vehicle or a piece of equipment to perform their job, unexpected calls about taking their asset to the shop can negatively impact the workday. Lack of awareness about maintenance schedules and service locations hinders operational efficiency and can cause or exacerbate employee frustrations. Delayed invoice approvals, which contribute to prolonged wait times, can be yet another source of frustration among employees.Understanding and acting on employee frustrations can help keep the workflow running smoothly and improve employee retention rates.IMPROVING TCOTotal cost of ownership (TCO) is a comprehensive metric covering not only the initial purchase cost of an asset, but also service, fuel, insurance, and even employee-related costs of running that asset. TCO can be heavily impacted by maintenance and repair costs, as well as downtime and these factors, in turn, can drive down an asset’s ROI—as well as safety.Many fleets are seeing valuable results in delegating some service tasks to third-party shops based on issue priority and available resources, which helps ensure assets get back on the road quickly. For fleets servicing their vehicles 100% in-house, having a well-stocked parts inventory can help reduce shop delays.Creating a PM schedule that meets your assets’ needs and transitioning to proactive maintenance methods can cut both repair costs and unexpected downtime drastically. Extending an asset’s useful life through proactive, tailored maintenance can improve asset ROI and save you from having to recycle it for another two to three years.UTILIZING SOFTWAREFleet management software (FMS) and other fleet solutions can help construction fleets evaluate employee engagement, streamline service workflows, and automate data collection, providing a comprehensive view of expenses so they can make data-driven decisions around cost control. Fleet solutions provide a means of categorizing and sorting data so you can easily see a breakdown of expenses at the fleet level, at the individual asset level, or even by vehicle group.Streamlining SuccessStreamlining Successreducing turnover and maximizing total cost of ownership CONSTRUCTION FLEETSBy Rachael PlantPhoto courtesy of Fleetio

Using FMS, fleets can easily determine asset lifecycles, including when it’s time for replacement. “We use [fleet data] reports whenever we’re looking to phase out certain assets,” says Matt Milacki, transportation & fleet analyst, Newpark Mats. “Really looking at the mileage, if there’s been any existing issues, and then that all kind of ties together with the historical maintenance.” Using this data to ensure assets are being replaced at the optimal time helps inform your employees that their safety is a priority.Fleets can also use FMS and other solutions to calculate and manage unscheduled downtime. “I try to run about 25-percent down at any given time with my ebikes—just because they’re a little more intense. But with the UTVs, I try to run about 15 percent that can be down at any given time,” says Kade Haney, fleet manager, Kualoa Ranch. “We go over that, we go into overtime. [The downed percentages are] numbers I created because of [FMS], because I can see what’s up, what’s active, what’s down, what’s outsourced, [and those percentages] are purely unscheduled downtime.” This can help immensely when it comes to creating a breakdown plan to minimize lost productivity.FMS can prove a valuable tool when it comes to improving service workflows—whether for in-house, outsourced, or mixed maintenance fleets—to minimize downtime and lost productivity. Digital work orders allow in-house technicians to clock in and out of a job, add parts from their inventory, and communicate within a specific task for improved transparency. Fleets outsourcing service can take advantage of an FMS’s Outsourced Maintenance Automation (OMA) feature to set auto-approvals based on dollar amount or service type so employees can get in and out of the shop quickly. Michael Farr, fleet maintenance manager, Wildfire Defense Systems, explains: “When it comes to our chassis, we actually rely on the [OMA] feature pretty heavily to go with in-network providers. It makes things so much easier for the operators because they don’t have to call in with an estimate or anything like that. It gets sent directly to me or to my technicians. We get to vet it right away, we get to make sure the pricing’s all in line, we get to make sure it’s due.”CLOSING THOUGHTUnderstanding the underlying causes of cost inflation in your fleet can help you better control cost and more accurately create future budgets. Construction fleets can use FMS and other fleet solutions to drive down two of the biggest cost concerns, employee turnover and asset service, and hone in on and address other areas of inflated spend. www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202425about the authorRachael Plant is a content marketing specialist for Fleetio, a fleet management software company that helps organizations track, analyze, and improve fleet operations. For more, visit www.fleetio.com.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com26management solutionIn construction, blending technology with traditional methods is crucial for sustainable growth and better efficiency. This mix is transforming how we think, plan, and carry out construction projects. As we begin 2024, it's essential to look into the latest technologies shaping construction. This article explores trends that will impact the industry in the new year, focusing on the evolution of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the use of the Internet of Things (IoT), the benefits of cloud computing, and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in construction.BIM EVOLUTIONAt the forefront of construction's technological revolution is the evolution of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Once confined to 3D modeling and visualization, BIM has transcended its traditional boundaries, offering real-time project representation. This evolution allows stakeholders to make informed decisions promptly, fostering a more collaborative and efficient project environment.One of the exciting advancements in BIM is its integration with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This innovation brings projects to life, offering immersive walkthroughs and enabling stakeholders to experience a virtual construction site before a project begins. Training and simulation applications further enhance skill development and ensure that workers are well-prepared for the challenges of the real-world construction environment.INTERNET OF THINGSThe construction industry is witnessing a paradigm shift with the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart construction sites equipped with IoT sensors are becoming the new norm. These sensors monitor equipment and materials in real time, providing invaluable data for project optimization. Construction professionals can now make informed decisions based on real-time analytics, enhancing efficiency, and minimizing downtime.Wearable technology is another facet of IoT that is transforming the construction landscape. Smart helmets, vests, and boots equipped with IoT sensors ensure worker safety by monitoring environmental conditions and detecting potential hazards. Health monitoring devices contribute to accident prevention by alerting supervisors to signs of fatigue or stress, mitigating the risk of workplace incidents.Drones are also deployed to patrol construction sites and mitigate theft of expensive equipment and materials. Not only do they act as a deterrent for possible thieves, but they also capture video footage of any incidents for streamlined criminal follow-up.CLOUD COMPUTINGThe cloud has revolutionized project management in construction, offering unparalleled accessibility, data security, and real-time collaboration. Cloud-based project management systems allow stakeholders to access critical project information across an entire company, internally or in the field, from anywhere, fostering a more flexible and dynamic work environment. Collaborative digital twins, a concept gaining traction in the industry, provide a simultaneous virtual representation of a project. This fosters enhanced communication and problem-solving, allowing stakeholders to identify and address issues in real time. The collaborative nature of these platforms ensures that all parties involved in a project are on the same page, promoting efficiency and minimizing misunderstandings.ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCEArtificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a cornerstone in construction project planning and execution. Predictive analytics powered by AI offer insights into project timelines and costs, enabling more accurate forecasting. This facilitates better resource allocation and helps in risk mitigation through data-driven decision-making.AI-driven quality control and automated inspection processes are reducing errors and rework in construction projects. The ability The Construction LandscapeThe Construction Landscapeunveiling transformative technologies in 2024NAVIGATINGBy Shanthi RajanThe Construction LandscapeThe Construction Landscapeunveiling transformative technologies in 2024NAVIGATINGBy Shanthi Rajan

of AI to analyze vast datasets allows for early identification of potential issues, ensuring that projects adhere to high-quality standards. Generative AI is proving to be a powerful tool for decision support, optimizing resource allocation, and supply chain management.As we peer into the future of construction in 2024, it is evident that embracing technological advancements is no longer an option but a necessity. The convergence of BIM evolution, IoT integration, cloud computing, and AI is reshaping the industry, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and efficiency. Construction professionals must adapt to these transformative technologies and actively incorporate them into their workflows for sustained success.CLOSING THOUGHTIn the face of these advancements, the construction industry stands at the threshold of a new era, where innovation is not just a buzzword but a fundamental driver of progress. The path to sustainable growth lies in those willing to explore, experiment, and evolve alongside the cutting-edge technologies set to redefine construction in 2024. www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202427about the authorShanthi Rajan is the founder and CEO of Linarc. She’s a seasoned entrepreneur focused on enterprise applications and a product leader with experience in all aspects of company building—ideation and product development, including product-market fit, building teams, and go-to-market. She has built and exited multiple companies. Linarc is a modern, easy-to-use, all-in-one cloud-based construction management software. Powering project and operations management, Linarc helps teams plan, schedule, collaborate and deliver projects on time and within budget. For more, visit linarc.com. CUTTING EDGE IMPALEMENT PROTECTIONCARNIE CAP is the most effective way to cap exposed rebar while keeping your workers safe and on the job.National OSHA Compliant • CAL-OSHA ApprovedPatent #5826398, 6073415ORDER TODAY!(888) 743-7725 www.carniecap.comWORKS IN HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL & INCLINATIONAPPLICATIONS✓ ASSEMBLE WITH 2X4 OR 2X6 LUMBER ALREADY ON SITE✓ SAFELY DISTRIBUTES WEIGHT ACROSS ENTIRE SYSTEM✓ NO MORE CAPPING EVERYREBAR!✓

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com28management solutionCan you imagine a construction project that doesn’t involve the collaboration of many, many stakeholders? Of course not! Nobody can first design and then build a school, a bridge, a stadium, a hospital, or anything else all by themselves. We need each other. But collaboration today is about more than simply working together: it’s about recognizing that our industry exists as much online as it does in the field. Today, AECO companies are more likely to: • Have hybrid or work-from-home models for their workers• Use data-driven decision-making• Invest in digital documentation to meet regulatory compliance• Use digital twinsSo how do you collaborate in digital spaces? Most companies use emails as a standard practice for communication, but these are annoying to sift through, get lost easily in archives, and are complicated to track over long chains. Spreadsheets are another go-to option to organize elements of a project, but these can get bloated very quickly, to say nothing of the confusion that arises with different versions of the same document.With soaring project costs and less wiggle room for stakeholders, any flaw in your collaboration strategy can lead to untimely delays, extra expenses, and in some cases litigation. It’s no wonder, then, that over 80% of AECO professionals have looked to new digital tools to help bridge communication gaps and keep projects running smoothly.Project Information Management (PIM) platforms are frontline digital tools for this new approach, and by adopting a comprehensive PIM plan, you can overcome the major challenges that bog down other teams in the industry.With project information software like Newforma Konekt, your firm will be able to leverage PIM plans to streamline your workflows and communications, which means fewer headaches for you. But before we get into the tech, let’s look at the basics.OUTLINING THE PLANLet’s be clear: the sooner you can set down responsibilities, agree on channels, and figure out ownership for all project deliverables, the faster you’ll be able to resolve challenges when they arise. If you don’t align on these, the workflows between different teams will suffer. A PIM Plan should be worked out before beginning the design phase of the project, and ought to involve as many stakeholders as possible: the architects, engineers, and GCs, to answer and agree on the following major questions: • What is the scope of the project?• What will each phase of the project involve, and how many phases will there be?• Who are the stakeholders responsible for each element of the project, and when will they be asked to lend their expertise?• What cross-discipline considerations do you think will come up with a project of this size and scope?Once these questions are brought to everyone’s attention, you can now decide how everyone will communicate and collaborate. And the easiest way to bring clarity to your project is to use a centralized PIM platform. CENTRALIZED PLATFORMBy using a centralized PIM platform, you can access emails, files, action items, and construction administration in one place (regardless of where the information resides), and workflows can happen smoothly without needing to jump between applications. For instance, when a contractor seeks clarity from an architect, the traditional process involves document preparation, email correspondence, and waiting for a response; there are a lot of steps in that process, and often results in overlooked emails, misfiled documents, and unnecessary delays. Benefits of PIMBenefits of PIMseamless collaboration, optimal results with project information managementDIGITAL SPACESBy Alessandro Masi

So, by implementing a platform to manage emails, you can overcome transparency issues, avoid cycles of confusion, unnecessary meetings, and needless delays. Removing communication bottlenecks related to email can lead to immediate results. There are options available today to automate the transfer of information between systems. For example, if you use a PIM platform with a Microsoft Outlook add-in, it might let you auto-populate your submittals, RFIs, and action items directly from an email. This streamlines your work and saves you and your team from having to download attachments and reenter data into your system.PUTTING PIM INTO PLAYNow that everyone understands the scope, responsibilities, and has agreed to a centralized coordination platform, here’s what your coordination will look like in practice. File email to the project: Get your project email out of siloed individual email inboxes, and make them searchable. When your team files the email to a central location for the project, everyone on the internal team can then access this information, regardless of who it was sent to.Adopt a consistent approach to filing project information: If you standardize how the information will be filed across your firm, your teams will be able to respond quicker. Empower stakeholders to continue using their software of choice: An architecture firm may use authoring software for design, while the engineering team uses clash detection software. These applications don’t speak to each other easily, which hinders collaboration. A centralized platform solves this problem.If everyone is working off the same list, knows who’s responsible for what and when, and can see the most up-to-date status, then trust and accountability are much easier to build. By getting buy-in early, each specialty can provide insight on the project’s constructability, improving efficiency and collaboration from all parties. This also allows for early planning of the actual construction process, which all begins by setting expectations up front on how information will be used.CLOSING THOUGHTIn construction, collaboration is a necessity that also provides a strategic advantage. But reluctance to embrace new collaboration tools is understandable, given the challenges posed by existing solutions. But a tool like Newforma Konekt stands out as fantastic opportunity, by using a holistic approach to collaboration that unifies people, processes, and technology. www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202429about the authorAlessandro Masi is Marcom Content Creator at Newforma and spends his days interviewing industry experts who are passionate about fostering collaboration in the AECO sector. For more, visit www.newforma.com.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com30management solutionUnlocking ConsistencyUnlocking Consistencyproject-data analysis tool for schedule excellenceRODGERS BUILDERSIn today’s world, consistency isn’t always considered exciting. The predictability of having everything work the same way every time might seem mundane. However, in the construction industry, maintaining uniformity in operations, processes, and schedules is a key factor in achieving excellence.Rodgers Builders, recognized as one of the nation’s top contractors, has been an early adopter of new technology in the industry and is constantly seeking ways to work smarter to provide their clients with the best possible product. Part of doing so is what led Rodgers to seek out scheduling solutions that would keep them ahead of deadlines and their competition. Josh Schlechty, senior vice president and regional general superintendent at Rodgers, explains, “We wanted to ensure that our project teams followed a consistent approach when creating and updating schedules. While our in-house experts and consultants were proficient, there were varying skill levels among people working with the schedules.”Rodgers is known for completing projects on time, with their teams going above and beyond to ensure deadlines are met. This level of commitment often requires adjusting the schedule frequently and identifying projects that require more time than initially allocated. Schlechty and his team began searching for a solution to address this challenge. That’s when they discovered SmartPM, a leading project-data analysis tool. Before committing, they rigorously evaluated the product. Schlechty recalls, “We put SmartPM to the test by having them analyze an 18-month project we had just completed. The analysis aligned perfectly with the project's progress, and in December 2020, we decided to partner with SmartPM.”FIVE LEADS TO 10Initially, Rodgers started with five project slots but quickly expanded to 10, reflecting their diverse customer base. These projects encompassed a diverse portfolio of structures, ranging from football stadiums and high schools to parking garages. Project teams became the primary users, including project managers, superintendents, assistant superintendents, and system project managers.One of SmartPM’s key features that Rodgers quickly embraced was the Quality Checker. The quality checker scores the initial schedule and provides a grade. These grades led to Rodgers "recognizing the need for improvement, fostering healthy competition among team members,” says Schlechty. While the initial grade applies exclusively to the initial schedule, Rodgers' project teams delve deeper into SmartPM's extensive array of performance analytics, graphs, and trends. The platform empowers them to gain a comprehensive understanding of schedule performance, encompassing subcontractor performance, compression, float, and various other critical areas.Schlechty emphasizes, "Our teams now have the capacity to delve beyond mere schedule deviations. They can take comprehensive dives into data, facilitating a more profound comprehension of schedule performance and enabling proactive decision-making. For example, there are various popups in the program that explain why a certain item was a negative. That’s the kind of ‘beneath the surface’ perspective we want our teams to have.”As project teams grow more comfortable with the platform, they proactively initiate discussions about schedules, promoting productive dialogue. C-suite executives also benefit significantly from SmartPM's insights. The platform provides real-time project and schedule overviews, eliminating the need for time-consuming micromanagement. INITIATES CONVERSATIONSSchlechty stresses the importance of maintaining a balanced approach, assuring team members that SmartPM isn't used as a tool for unwarranted scrutiny. Instead, it’s meant to initiate meaningful conversations. While it's too early to quantify the financial return, Schlechty acknowledges the value of SmartPM. It streamlines schedule logic validation, reducing the need for executives to micromanage teams. The goal is to use SmartPM to identify opportunities to minimize overtime and weekend work. “You can look at the SmartPM dashboard and get a solid Builders uses SmartPM to better understand project schedules, including subcontractor performance, compression, float, and other critical areas.

understanding of the project and the schedule with just a quick, five-minute review,” says Schlechty. “It’s made a huge difference.”To accommodate their diverse vertical markets, Rodgers Builders customized the Quality Checker. This initiative has been particularly beneficial for campus projects characterized by multiple buildings and intricate construction timelines. They plan to create exclusive profiles for healthcare, higher education, and other sectors based on the success of this approach. CLOSING THOUGHTLooking ahead, Schlechty envisions a future where their clients might also use SmartPM. In that scenario, Rodgers aims to be the foremost expert, ensuring they make the best use of the data. “Many of our clients—some working directly with their GCs—are now asking their contractors to submit a schedule from a previously completed job to look at the quality,” says Schlechty. With SmartPM, Rodgers can confidently explain their schedules to owners, aligning expectations and helping them prepare for success.Alongside SmartPM, Rodgers has reached a new level of consistency and efficiency in their scheduling, setting the stage for even greater success in the future. www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202431for more informationFor more about SmartPM, visit smartpmtech.com.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com32management solutionIntegrating data into construction fleet management has long been a key strategy to address new challenges of the industry. However, the data in question is not fully intelligent, and this is what sets this era apart from existing solutions. That is, the level of intelligence inherent in the data used.Traditionally, operators of construction fleet vehicles have relied heavily on data derived from hardware dongles, a practice that was entirely justified when the number of vehicles on the road was fewer, and data volumes remained manageable. Fast forward to today, with a colossal influx of contractor vehicles and an unprecedented surge in data generation, the use of OBD devices no longer aligns with the current demands of fleet management.Furthermore, modern vehicles by design can now collect data indigenously, rendering external hardware devices obsolete. This evolution paves the way for a new and more efficient approach to data collection—the utilization of embedded connected vehicle data and telematics for construction companies and builders.DEVICE-AGNOSTIC WORLDHistorically, Telematics Service Providers (TSPs) have operated closed telematics systems, relying only on their own equipment and limiting data sharing. Embedded data enables TSPs to serve a variety of third-party devices alongside connected vehicles, promoting a device-agnostic experience. This allows you to seamlessly integrate a single telematics device with multiple fleet management platforms or collect data from multiple devices and contribute to a central telematics platform.This development has made data transparent, facilitating accessibility, and nurturing innovation, by tapping into the diverse array of data sets generated by vehicles, for streamlined operations and maximized cost savings.INTEGRATION OF KEY DATATo illustrate the benefits of a device independent system, consider a construction company that operates a fleet of vans from different manufacturers. Fleet operators now rely on TSP services to optimize vehicle performance using key data parameters such as exact position, speed, acceleration, and fuel consumption.Among the fleet, half of the vehicles are equipped with dedicated hardware devices used by the TSP, while the remaining half are newer models, featuring connected vehicle technology that come with company-installed embedded AI telematics systems.HOW DOES IT WORK?Normally, fleet managers would have been tasked with introducing new connected models to ensure adequate data collection from both connected and unconnected vehicles, or investing in an entirely new TSP. However, TSPs with embedded vehicle data allows fleet operators to leverage vehicle VINs and seamlessly integrate data from both vehicle segments.Today’s leading embedded vehicle data-based automotive data platforms have strategic partnerships between the TSPs and each vehicle OEMs in place, so the data effortlessly flows into the TSP platform through a dedicated interface, eliminating the need for additional aftermarket hardware devices. This grants the fleet manager comprehensive access to data and performance insights from the entire range of fleets.In a similar scenario, when the fleet manager decides to implement a fuel efficiency monitoring system, or deploy services such as maintenance scheduling or driver safety training, they can do so without changing TSPs. With an embedded data provider, collaborating with leading fuel management solution providers becomes easy, enabling the fleet manager to access real-time fuel consumption data directly on the existing TSP dashboard, Vehicle DataVehicle Dataembedded for enhanced leet management CONSTRUCTION VIEWSBy Sumit Chauhan

without the hassle of integrating separate software applications. Essentially, data from multiple sources and OEMs is harmonized into a standardized format, allowing for the easy integration of third-party data with connected vehicle data, and optimizing fleet operations for superior results.Embedded data is more secure by nature as it does not rely on external hardware or devices. This significantly minimizes the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. What’s more, manufacturers and service providers exert more control over embedded data, ensuring that it is used ethically and in compliance with globally accepted data privacy regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA. When users know that their data is primarily coming from within the vehicle, it builds a higher level of trust, which is vital for continued adoption and success of connected vehicles.FLEET MANAGEMENT OPERATIONSThere has been a steady increase in the sales and demand for connected vehicles over the past few years, with customers from every segment wanting a piece of the telematics solution. This highlights the importance of data ownership, placing OEMs at the forefront of the embedded data and telematics ecosystem. As a result, a shift is expected to significantly increase the number of telematics-based vehicles by OEMs, in turn contributing to make data richer and data-based services more comprehensive.CLOSING THOUGHTThe transition from traditional open telematics platforms to embedded data marks a pivotal step forward in the evolution of fleet management. Embedded data solutions offer unrestricted access to critical fleet information, that leads to a multitude of benefits, including heightened internal efficiencies, increased fleet productivity, reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), and a significant boost in situational awareness. As we embark on this transformative journey, it becomes abundantly clear that embedded data is not merely a technological upgrade; it is the future of fleet management. It promises a brighter, more efficient tomorrow for all stakeholders involved, while ensuring that the road ahead is marked by unprecedented innovation and success in the world of fleet operations. www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202433about the authorSumit Chauhan is co-founder and chief operating officer of CerebrumX, with more than 24 years of experience in automotive, IoT, telecoms, and healthcare. Sumit has always played the leadership role that allowed him to manage a P&L of close to US $ 0.5B across various organizations, such as Aricent, Nokia and Harman, enriching their domestic as well as international business verticals. As co-founder of CerebrumX, he has applied his experience in the connected vehicle data domain to deliver the automotive industry with an AI-powered augmented deep learning platform (ADLP). Sumit is also passionate about mentoring and guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs. For more, visit cerebrumx.ai.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com34sotware solutionElectric vehicles (EVs) are the future of fleets. Today, construction fleets are electrifying at lightning speed; a trend that will accelerate as more medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks hit the road in the coming years. But transitioning to an electric fleet is more complicated than just plugging EVs into the mix. Despite benefits including reduced emissions, fueling costs, and a lower total cost of ownership, electric vehicles add a brand-new set of complexities to an already complex ecosystem. That’s why an integrated software platform is essential for streamlining and managing the shift to electric drive.UNLOCKING A LOWER TCOElectric vehicles offer fleets several advantages over their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, including lower fuel and maintenance costs, which result in a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) over the life of a vehicle. But charging several EVs, each with its own schedule, can be challenging and could result in extensive (and expensive) infrastructure upgrades. Charging multiple vehicles at the same time can also put pressure on the power grid, especially during peak loads, further increasing your costs. The answer? Software. The same advanced technology platform that helps you streamline operations also enables you to control energy management, allowing you to remotely control when, for how long and how fast a vehicle charges—increasing the efficiency of your current charging infrastructure and decreasing electricity costs. It even allows you to set a power ceiling, so you never trigger costly demand charges for electricity.OPTIMIZING OPERATIONSBecause construction fleets operate on tight schedules, vehicles and systems must be optimized to meet mission-critical demands. If a single vehicle is out of service because the battery is insufficiently charged, it can disrupt an entire operation. Whether it’s due to a driver forgetting to plug in or if there’s a problem with the battery itself, the impact will be felt throughout the jobsite. That’s why having access to crucial information such as accurate range forecasts, live vehicle status and location details, data regarding unnecessary idling and charging station status is essential to staying on schedule and on budget. Exchanging data with and between existing systems is the key to unlocking the full potential of an e-fleet. SIMPLIFYING MANAGEMENTGeneral contractors will likely manage a mix of vehicle makes and models with different propulsion systems including gas, diesel, electric, and plug-in hybrid models. Additionally, electric and PHEV vehicles may rely on an assortment of AC and DC fast charging stations from a variety of manufacturers at depots, drivers’ homes, on-site, and everywhere in between. This complexity can quickly turn into a management headache, as both vehicles and charging stations require monitoring. An integrated solution, including tools that can readily exchange charging data, allows you to efficiently manage energy, improve charging port accessibility, and employ networked charging processes to fully utilize existing infrastructure—often Managing the ShiftManaging the Shiftoptimizing your leet's operational and financial potential INTEGRATED PLATFORMBy James Griffin

in real time. Fleet management software also helps further reduce costs while increasing vehicle uptime.GETTING IT RIGHTAt the very least, any software platform should include tools capable of collecting and managing data across both vehicles and charging stations. To fully optimize your EV fleet operations, it should also include the following: • Asset health and battery monitoring• Energy management capabilities• Improved access to charging stations and ports, regardless of type or manufacturer • Proactive management tools• Real-time monitoring and role-based alerts• Visibility into on-route charging through an intuitive mobile app• Easy payment via partnerships with top fuel card providersTechnology helps you unlock the full potential of your EV or multi-asset fleet, lowering operational costs, minimizing disruptions, and protecting your investment.CLOSING THOUGHTFrom tools that optimize driver efficiency to increase range to proactive monitoring that can identify issues and prolong battery health and life, an advanced fleet management platform can mean the difference between a smooth transition to EVs or a logistical nightmare. This is why ChargePoint announced the expansion of its fleet management product line that can help fleet operators streamline their operations, achieve a lower total cost of ownership, and ease the transition to EVs. General contractors can manage their fleet using accurate, up-to-the-second data on vehicles, routes and charging station locations and data. Add real-time visibility into vehicle locations, remaining range and the ability to identify which chargers are available and when, which means you can spend more time doing your job and less time managing your fleet. www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202435about the authorJames Griffin is senior director of fleet, North America, at ChargePoint. Prior to joining ChargePoint, he worked for Murphy-Hoffman Company, Ryder System, Paccar, Inc., and Delta Air Lines. During his career, Griffin has worked with automotive dealers, vendors and major fleet companies in various roles, including customer logistics manager, director of national sales, and vice president of business development. Over the last decade, he has been an active member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. He is a Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) issued by the National Private Truck Council. For more, visit www.chargepoint.com. Our digital marketing campaigns can identify prospects interested specifically in your product, and then tell you exactly who they are! See what our customers are saying:The reports are awesome! Thank you. If we can get that level of information from all of our suppliers, we will be very happy! We have already made one machine sale to a prospect from the eBlast and I am sure there will be more. Paul Gazik,Business Development/International Salesfor Call us today to get started at 205.795.0223 or email us at russell@mcsmag.comYou Need Leads!You Need Leads!We Have the We Have the Solution!Solution!

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com36legal solutionIn reviewing contracts with our clients, we frequently advise on the various key risk management clauses in a construction contract. Terms governing payment, delays, claim notices, change orders, indemnity and insurance often dominate the discussion. We then have to advise that there are a number of implied obligations that, by law, are read into every contract. This can be a frustrating realization. Not only do you have key terms of which you must be aware, but you also have to worry about what your contract does not say?Unfortunately, the answer is “yes” if you want to fully understand how your contract will be interpreted and applied to your company’s performance on a project. A fundamental tenet of contract law is that certain “implied” terms and responsibilities exist between two contracting parties even if they are not expressly stated. Implied terms can help fill in the gaps or proverbial cracks in a contract. Generally speaking, other than the express terms of the contract, there are other sources of the law forming the contractual relationship on a given job. First, there are statutes and laws that will be read into a contract and which will control over any conflicting contractual term. Second, there are the implied terms that a court (or arbitrator) will read into a contract. Third, there is the course of dealing between the parties during the life of the project. A court will look at how the parties treat the contract terms and conditions. While it will not imply terms that contradict express terms of a contract, a court will imply or “read in” such terms if necessary to give meaning to the intentions of the parties. PREVAILING LAWS AND CODESLaws and codes existing at the time and place of the making of the contract are considered implied terms of the contract documents. The parties are presumed to have understood the law at the time they entered into a contract. Generally, all laws in force on the date of the agreement form a part of the agreement without any express statement to that effect. A problem may arise when a law or code is enacted after the execution of a contract. Absent language demonstrating the parties clearly allocated for such a risk, the change in code will generally not be deemed to be included as a term of the contract. Obviously, this result under the law is not a free license to ignore changes in the law or technical codes. Another consideration is to provide for a change order and price increase if compliance with a change in the law or code increases the cost of performance.Additionally, where there is a conflict between the terms of a contract document and the requirements of a statute, the requirements of the statute will always prevail. For example, if the state mechanic’s lien statute prohibits no-lien contracts on commercial jobs, then a contractual attempt to create such a no-lien contract would conflict with the statute and the provision would not control. Another example lies in the payment or performance bond that contains terms that conflict with a public works statute, such as an attempt to shorten the time period for asserting a bond claim. In short, contracting parties must always comply with statutes.CUSTOM AND USAGEStandards of “custom and usage” are frequently applied by courts to resolve contract interpretation disputes. A court will consider standard practices in the industry in an effort to determine whether a party’s particular course of conduct was accepted or anticipated by the parties to the agreement. The law generally holds that when considering the standard of “custom and usage,” a party who is carrying on a known usage in a trade is deemed to have contracted with reference to the usage, unless the contrary clearly appears. The impact of geography can be equally important. Although there are state and national standards common to all construction, what is standard practice or “custom” in one city, state or region of the country may be different than another city, state or region. In a dispute involving defective work, for example, a contractor may introduce evidence of its standard practice for its trade or in the region where the work was performed. More typically, “custom and usage” may be used to aid in the interpretation of contract documents and specifications to show that a particular word or phrase has a customary technical meaning in the trade. However, there are caveats to this standard. The custom and usage must be well-established, certain, uniform and reasonable. Such standards may not carry What the Contract Doesn’t SayWhat the Contract Doesn’t Sayimplied obligations in every contractBEST PRACTICESBy Christopher S. Drewry

the same persuasive weight as other forms of evidence, such as course of dealing.STANDARD OF REASONABLENESSAlthough it may seem as if logic and reason do not often carry the day in litigation, courts frequently use standards of reasonableness when resolving disputes. Courts will seek to find what is fair, just, and sensible. Implied terms must, by definition, be reasonable. For example, where parties have failed to agree on a price for the performance of work, a judge will likely find an implied agreement to pay the reasonable value of the work. Likewise, where contracting parties have failed to specify a time for performance, the court will likely find that performance was due within a reasonable time.IMPLIED CONTRACTUAL DUTIESWhile the above implied terms tend to impact the interpretation of a contract, there are two very important implied duties that can serve as the basis of a claim against another party: (1) the implied duty not to hinder performance; and (2) the implied duty of skill and fitness. Duty Not to Hinder Performance: It is an implied condition of every contract that neither party will hinder the other in its discharge of the obligations imposed upon it nor increase its cost of performance. Where one party hinders or precludes completion of contractual duties, that party is liable for breach of the contract. This implied duty has particular application to issues of schedule delay. States typically recognize that delay damages can be awarded for breach of an implied or express contractual promise. As such, this implied warranty can be a valuable remedy in pursuing claims for increased costs in addition to a contract action.Contractor Warranty of Skill and Fitness: An equally powerful remedy is the contractor warranty of skill and fitness. Although not expressly stated in the contract documents, a contractor impliedly warrants that it will perform its work in a workmanlike manner and that the resulting improvement will be reasonably fit for its intended purpose. This implied warranty is frequently utilized in asserting a claim for defective work, wherein a party argues that a contractor or subcontractor did not perform the work “skillfully” or in a “workmanlike” manner or otherwise failed to adhere to typical standards for construction of that type of work. However, be mindful of how this warranty will defer to the standards of workmanship established in the contract. CLOSING THOUGHTAlways remember to read and understand your contract but also be aware what is not in your contract! www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202437about the authorChristopher S. Drewry is a partner with the law firm of Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP, in Indiana (www.dsvlaw.com), where he focuses his practice on construction law and litigation, as well as labor and employment law and litigation. Chris is a current member and Past Chair of the Construction Law and Litigation Committee of the International Association of Defense Counsel, and he can be reached at cdrewry@dsvlaw.com.Our digital marketing campaigns can identify prospects interested specifically in your product, and then tell you exactly who they are! See what our customers are saying:The reports are awesome! Thank you. If we can get that level of information from all of our suppliers, we will be very happy! We have already made one machine sale to a prospect from the eBlast and I am sure there will be more. Paul Gazik,Business Development/International Salesfor Call us today to get started at 205.795.0223 or email us at russell@mcsmag.comYou Need Leads!You Need Leads!We Have the We Have the Solution!Solution!

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com38maintenance solutionModern engine design and the need to reduce CO2 emissions have led to the development of additional engine oil categories and a growing number of engine oil viscosity grades for diesel engines. In 2016, the launch of two new diesel engine oil categories (API CK-4 and API FA-4) required shops to accommodate numerous oils properly.ENGINE OIL STORAGEWhen it comes to the storage and handling of engine oils in a shop, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure safety and maintain the quality of the oils. The designated storage area for engine oils should be cool, dry, well-ventilated, and away from electrical equipment. Also, avoid storing engine oils near chemicals or substances that may cause contamination. When receiving new shipments of engine oils in drums, bottles, or pails, ensure that all containers are tightly sealed and undamaged before storing them. Damaged containers may lead to oil leakage or contamination. Storing oils in a stock room or shop requires some planning: • Maintain a well-organized storage system to prevent confusion and ensure proper inventory management. • Arrange the containers in a way that allows for easy access and clear labeling. • Consider using shelves, racks, or storage bins to organize the oils.• Avoid cross-contamination by assigning specific storage areas for different grades or types of engine oils to keep them separate.ENGINE OIL SHELF LIFEWhile engine oils have a reasonably long shelf life, it's important to rotate your stock to ensure that older oils are used before newer ones. Follow the First-in-First-Out (FIFO) principle by using the oldest stock first to avoid potential degradation of oils due to extended storage periods. In addition, proper storage applies to diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), which has a shelf life of about 18 months if stored in room temperature conditions. Following FIFO is highly recommended for this fluid, as well.SHOP ENGINE OILSThe following tips can help streamline operations and help minimize issues relating to productivity, mixing of different products, and misapplication. • For all oil offerings, dedicate and clearly mark tanks/storage, dispensers, tools, etc., to avoid comingling of different products and misapplication. At a minimum, identify the product name, viscosity grade, and performance level. In this manner, you will also meet weights and measures regulations that have been adopted in over half of the states in the U.S.• Reassess your shop’s need for all the oils you stock and eliminate older category oils such as API CJ-4. Older specification oils are unnecessary, thanks to the backward compatibility of current CK-4 oils. Also, evaluate specific viscosity grades and adjust inventory to ensure you stock the proper supply of the most commonly recommended oils for your customer base. • If you plan to change oil product offerings, set a specific date and communicate this information to staffCLOSING THOUGHTAll service personnel and technicians should know the current diesel oil categories and requirements for each. The API Motor Oil Guide provides current information: www.api.org/products-and-services/engine-oil/documents/motor-oil-guide. about the authorJeffrey Harmening is senior project manager – EOLCS/DEF with the American Petroleum Institute. If you have questions or need additional information, contact the API Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System at eolcs@api.org. Engine Oil StorageEngine Oil Storageproper handling avoids costly errors and protects diesel enginesBEST PRACTICESBy Jeffrey Harmening

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com40maintenance solutionDigital transformation continues to open new doors for streamlining processes, innovating faster, and improving the customer experience. And it’s had a significant influence on how companies run their asset and facility maintenance operations.Digitizing maintenance through computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) solutions positively impacts the maintenance workforce. Companies are managing key assets differently to improve their operational and production effectiveness, and it’s delivering significant benefits to their bottom line.The digital transformation of maintenance using CMMS and CAFM technology is also helping companies tackle some of their biggest business challenges. Let’s take a closer look at how they’re doing this.DRIVING EFFICIENCY Most organizations are battling tough trading conditions. Economic instability, rising operational costs, and increased material prices have affected profitability. In this climate, organizations are looking for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. And this improvement drive is pressuring maintenance teams to optimize asset performance and availability.Replacing equipment comes at a cost which most businesses would prefer to defer until more predictable times. Maintenance teams are being told to prolong the lifespan of existing assets, which means ensuring those assets and their infrastructure are entirely reliable. This is where CMMS software plays a critical role.If an asset breaks down, it could have a cascading effect on the entire operation. Planning when to regularly check and/or maintain a piece of equipment will prolong its lifespan, as maintenance teams can spot issues before they occur. Monthly checks, quarterly maintenance, and annual overhauls are reducing failures, increasing machine efficiency, improving productivity, and enhancing the effectiveness of maintenance teams.Of course, managing these programs is complex work. As a result, forward-thinking companies have moved away from using a calendar or spreadsheet to plan preventive maintenance schedules. Instead, they use digital CMMS platforms to manage their maintenance teams and regularly check assets.USING AUTOMATION Finding skilled people is a major challenge for many companies right now. By 2030, the global manufacturing industry is expected to experience a deficit of more than 7.9 million people. In the U.S., the manufacturing skills gap in the U.S. could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030; the cost of those missing jobs could potentially total $1 trillion in 2030 alone.With talented people in short supply, many companies are automating processes to drive production with a reduced headcount. McKinsey research has found that 85% of companies have embarked on digital transformation to increase their operational efficiency. But more machinery increases the workload of maintenance teams.In light of a greater digital investment, operational leaders are looking for ways to better monitor and manage underprioritized areas such as asset maintenance. Industry leaders are now using CMMS systems with business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Power BI to combine data from their maintenance systems with information from other production systems. This integrated approach allows them to monitor the effectiveness of production lines.CMMS software is also giving maintenance teams greater insight into their workforce, monitoring the effectiveness of shift teams, week by week. Gathering this type of data will allow companies to further reduce skills and efficiency gaps, and ensure they are retaining the right employee levels in their maintenance operations.DIGITAL MAINTENANCE While profitability is a priority in the current fluctuating market, it’s not the only target. Many companies are also focused on reducing their environmental footprint. And maintenance plays an important role in helping firms lower their carbon footprint.Streamlined asset and facility maintenance enables companies to identify inefficiencies Tech TakeoverTech Takeoverhow asset maintenance is changingDIGITAL TRANSFORMATIONBy David Hernandez

and other technical issues more quickly. In fact, CMMS software solutions can empower maintenance teams to:• Regularly monitor meter readings to understand and optimize energy consumption.• Monitor waste for production line shifts.• Reduce/remove paper-based systems such as permits and risk assessments.• Closely manage maintenance team visits to reduce mileage, fuel use, and emissions.• Improve machine maintenance to reduce production downtime and maximize energy efficiency.• Increase the lifespan of equipment to reduce wastage/scrappage.• Manage stock movements and purchasing to optimize availability and reduce transportation emissions. Implementing CMMS software as part of an overall digital transformation strategy also helps bring operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) closer together. Well-integrated solutions improve data visibility, which enhances sustainable decision-making. It’s an example of how applying technology to business goals delivers a better result.MERGING OF IT AND OTWe’ve touched on the close relationship between OT and IT for data collection and analytics. But there are other ways IT can help companies improve asset maintenance. For example, the transfer of data and controls between a CMMS system and an ERP system helps businesses to manage stock and purchasing processes without manual intervention or double keying entries.CMMS software can also use data from other digital assets to operate more efficiently. Many CMMS users claim that close-coupling IT and OT systems using API technologies improves metrics and process automation. By establishing such connectivity, maintenance becomes a value-driving area rather than an expense. Operational teams can demonstrate and report on how CMMS software boosts efficiency, streamlines processes, and reduces waste.CLOSING THOUGHTMarket conditions and company goals have turned asset maintenance into much more than a routine process. Today, companies can digitally transform their operations to influence how well they run and grow their profits. And operational teams can now be accountable to upper management, shareholders, and customers. Even organizations with well-established plans are taking a fresh look at asset maintenance. Modern systems and processes can help them overcome economic pressures and future-proof their business. www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202441about the authorDavid Hernandez is the head of U.S. for Elecosoft based out of Elecosoft’s Houston, Texas office. Visit the Elecosoft website at www.elecosoft.com.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com42maintenance solutionIf All You Have Is a HammerIf All You Have Is a Hammerchoosing the right tool makes all the differenceEXPERT ANALOGYThe Phillips-head screwdriver is an extremely useful and even elegant tool. By having four points of contact instead of two, it solves the issue of flathead screwdrivers wandering to the edge of the screw head as they turn. But what happens if you don’t have the right size Phillips bit for the screw? Often, the screw head will strip out, introducing a new problem that slows your progress or even halts your work entirely. Choosing the right tool for the job speeds up the task, alleviates frustration, and prevents potential damage or injury.PAVEMENT PRESERVATIONThat’s true in every industry and on multiple levels. Take the pavement preservation industry, for example. If your only approach to keeping roads in good condition is completely tearing out deteriorated pavement and replacing it, you will spend countless hours and endless funds repeatedly fixing the same spots. But preserving pavement before it deteriorates is faster and more cost-effective. Likewise, using too small of a machine to melt and apply repair material will slow you down, while using too large of a machine wastes time and money. It’s all about choosing the right tool for the job in front of you, whether that means a literal piece of equipment or your overall approach.To take it one step further, solving problems may mean learning about new tools. One example is Crafco’s Mastic One hot-applied repair material for wide cracks and distresses in asphalt. Mastic One has been on the market for about two decades, with numerous successful applications across the U.S. and around the globe. It solves several problems versus using hot mix asphalt for patches, including faster application, shorter road closures, longer lifespan, and smaller crews. If you’re facing a problem that hampers your productivity, get curious about what other solutions may be available—especially given the rapid pace of advances in technology. PoreShield by Crafco is a perfect example of that. This revolutionary concrete durability enhancer is the result of research at Purdue University, which was tasked in 2008 with finding a better solution to concrete highway joint deterioration by the Indiana Department of Transportation. Bio-based PoreShield soaks deep into the concrete pore network to block absorption of damaging ions and moisture for 10+ years. It’s an innovative new “tool” in the kit of concrete professionals, proving that progress is often less about earth-shattering technical breakthroughs and more about applying knowledge and rigorous experimentation to a problem.KNOW THE COSTBut what about cost? Any home DIYer knows the quandary of deciding whether to buy a tool they may only use once. The reluctance to spend money on a tool when you could continue to muddle through with an improvised solution is understandable. However, consider that buying the right tool is an investment in your time, safety, and sanity. Using needle nose pliers to twist a brake caliper piston back during a brake job technically works, but how many bloody knuckles might you have at the end? Taking

the time to borrow the correct loaner tool from the auto parts store will save so much time and frustration.That’s why Crafco offers equipment rental services at our Supply Centers. Sometimes contractors need a tool but can’t justify the cost of buying it. Renting instead makes the job go smoothly without eating up all the profit. And a successful trial job using rental equipment may give you the confidence to take on more of the same jobs, which can quickly change the math surrounding a purchase decision. That means more growth and ultimately more profit.SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMEAdditionally, using the right tool also helps ensure a good outcome. Try driving finish nails with a milled-face framing hammer, and you’ll wind up with a waffle pattern on your beautiful new trim. In the pavement preservation industry, the same logic holds true with crack sealant. Crafco has developed a huge range of sealants to compensate for climate and other conditions like slope and pavement age.For example, the sealant used in Crafco’s home state of Arizona has to remain solid in the brutal summer heat, but it doesn’t need to stretch nearly as much in cold weather as sealants used in Minnesota. Sloped roads call for low-viscosity sealants, and heavily oxidized asphalt pavement can be torn apart by sealants with too much elastic recovery. Even the humble parking lot requires a specific sealant formulation because of vehicles making low speed turns which would tear the wrong material. Like any other contracting niche, pavement preservation requires knowledge and experience to find the right tool for the job. And if you don’t have the knowledge or experience you need yet, the best thing to do is ask someone who knows. That’s what we’re here for.CLOSING THOUGHTLife is short, and your time is valuable. Use the right tool so you can enjoy more of it. www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202443for more informationFor more, visit crafco.com.WE BUILD STUFF, TOO.Highway PCC joint application of PoreShield.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com44maintenance solutionMaximize RetreadabilityMaximize Retreadabilityretreading can boost ROI and sustainabilityGOOD FOR BUSINESSRetreading construction tires can be an outstanding way to maximize return on investment and improve sustainability metrics, which are increasingly important to a growing number of construction clients. In addition, tires built with retreading in mind are strong enough to deliver the service hours they promise, notes Dhananjay Bisht, national product manager—earthmover and construction tires for Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc. "When you buy a tire that is designed and manufactured to be used multiple times, you can be confident you will not only get the performance you expect, but can multiply those hours," Bisht says. "That delivers advantages in terms of reliability, minimizing downtime, and making the most of your resources—and on a cost-per-hour basis, that stronger tire is often a far better investment. To be able to extend the useful life of that casing by 100% or 125% improves your bottom line."It also improves the sustainability story your company can tell."A casing represents 75% of the weight of many construction tires," Bisht points out. "That can be more than 2,000 pounds of rubber, steel, fabric, and other materials. An individual construction contractor can keep tons of material out of landfills just by retreading its tires."KEY STEPSNot every tire can be retreaded, Bisht says. Equipment owners and operators can follow a few key steps to get high-performing retreads and maximize the useful life of their tires.Buy good tires. Gene Williams, vice president, OTR retread sales for Purcell Tire in Potosi, Missouri, says only well-built casings can be retreaded. "That retread will spend 4 to 24 hours in the mold curing—a lot of casings can't handle that," he explains. "It's the combination of compound, ply materials, belts, and original tread rubber that make a casing retreadable."Operate at proper pressure. "We have more rejects due to underinflation than anything else," notes Williams. "With underinflation, you get heat that causes separation damage. And if an underinflated tire hits something, it's going to show up as damage in the casing."Use the right tire for the job. Tire manufacturers design and build tires for very specific tasks. Work with your tire dealer to select the right tire for each machine, then stay within spec for load, speed, and distance. Keep your work site clear. Sharp rocks and debris, rebar, and potholes can all cause damage severe enough to render a casing unsuitable for retreading. Damage to well-made casings can often be skived out and repaired, but not if the impact is too deep.

Don't wait too long to send a tire in for retreading. "Make sure you pull it quick enough, when there's still some tread left," Williams suggests. "We don't want to see wire or cords sticking out. A lot of people run their tires into the plies. You can't retread that."CLOSING THOUGHTBoosting the sustainability of your construction business is likely to become ever more important for winning bids, says JB Boysen, industrial products manager, Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc."I've had customers tell me that in requests for proposals, sustainability is almost as important as safety now," says Boysen. "If you're bidding on a road or government project, or even many corporate projects, you've got to have a sustainability program or you won't even get on the bid sheet. Retreads can be a part of that." www.mcsmag.com JANUARY 202445for more informationFor more about Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc., visit yokohamaotr.com.Only well-built casings can be retreaded due to spending 4 to 24 hours in the mold curing.

JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com46modern construction productsMAKINEX Portable Power Box In its landmark 20th year, Makinex is leading the charge in sustainable energy solutions with the launch of its ground-breaking Portable Power Box (PPB). Makinex’s PPB is a blend of efficiency, convenience, portability, and durability featuring 6kw of output power combined with up to 15kWh of storage; powers up in just 7 hours, boosting on-site efficiency; a robust frame for easy storage and maneuverability; RCD protection, with thermal overload protection, this IP44-rated unit provides weather resistance, ensuring reliability and durability. For more, visit www.makinex.com.REDBLOX+DUMPSTERS Roll-Off DumpsterWith its patented design, the exclusive roll-off dumpster and portable toilet combination addresses two construction site problems with one solution. This is an ideal solution for commercial and residential construction, roofing, remodeling, and fire or water restoration. Whether you need delivery, cleaning, or pickup, just let us know 24 hours ahead of time. There are no issues with availability or dumpsters sitting for days after the job is complete. If you only need a dumpster for a few days, we do not lock you into a minimal rental period. For more, visit redboxplus.com.BRASS KNUCKLE Medium-Duty GlovesBrass Knuckle SmartCut™ have ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber for ANSI cut resistance level A2 protection and 13-ga material for dexterity. A non-sticky polyurethane coating on the palm and fingers creates a solid-gripping glove, delivering excellent grip even against oils, fats, and greases. Polyurethane also delivers enhanced puncture protection and abrasion resistance, all without adding bulk or reducing sensitivity. Uncoated back and wristimprove ventilation with seamless stretchable full knit wrist. For more, visit www.brassknuckleprotection.com.DRI-DEK Compartment LinerDri-Dek self-draining compartment liner is quietly finding its way onto thousands of commercial work vans and trucks. Dri-Dek cushions and protects not only tools and valuable equipment, but the vehicle body as well. The flexible, elevated, and ventilated anti-skid surface provides a dry and protective barrier by allowing air to circulate under stowed gear. Quick and easy to install, the 12×12-inch interlocking tiles snap together and trim to fit any size. The liner is also offered in interlocking 3×4-ft sheets and 3×12-ft rolls. For more, visit www.dri-dek.com.FUELPRO TRAILERS FuelPro 990 FuelPro Trailers introduces its FuelPro 990. With a 990-gal capacity, these DOT-compliant fuel trailers allow refueling and servicing of equipment quickly. Tank features 7-ga steel, double seam welded for strength. Each tank features internal fuel surge baffles and cross bracing, a fuel shutoff valve, a lockable vented fill cap, a tank pressure relief vent, and an at-a-glance fuel gauge. A self-priming industrial grade pump rated at up to 25 gpm is standard; runs on Deep Cycle 12-Volt Marine Battery. Fuel delivery system includes 1-inch hose. For more, visit www.fuelprotrailers.com.YANMAR COMPACT EQUIPMENT Compact Wheel LoaderYanmar Compact Equipment introduces the all-new 47.6-horsepower V7 compact wheel loader to the North American market. The 9,370-pound machine fills the gap in the Yanmar wheel loader line between the V4-7 and the V8 and features a low operating weight, comfortable cab area and high bucket capacity. Its compact design, intuitive controls and high travel speeds maximize performance and efficiency for operators in landscaping, rental, municipalities, snow removal and other applications. Backed up with a 3-year/3,000-hour warranty. For more, www.yanmarce.com.

The first book on your punch list for 2024 is Take The Stairs, a proven approach to success in seven practical steps, getting you out of the elevator and off the escalator to do the work to succeed.WHY THIS BOOK?Take The Stairs shares and explains the necessary steps to reach your goals and stay focused to be successful. Below are the seven principles of the book as outlined on the back of the bookmark I received at one of his book-tour stops: The Paradox Principle of Sacrifice: The short-term easy leads to the long-term difficult while the short-term difficult leads to the long-term easy. The Buy-In Principle of Commitment: The more we have invested into something the less likely we are to let it fail. The Magnification Principle of Focus: Focus is power.The Creation Principle of Integrity: You think it, you speak it, you act, it happens.The Harvest Principle of Schedule: Focused effort if amplified by appropriate timing and regimented routine.The Perspective Principle of Faith: Our ability to have peace is directly proportionate to the term of our perspective.The Pendulum Principle of Action: It doesn’t matter what we say we believe our real beliefs are revealed by how we act.Near the bottom of the bookmark was one more nugget of insight. Read the words and pause, then read them again: The Rent Axiom – Success is never owned, it is only rented; and the rent is due every day.CLOSING THOUGHTWhen this book launched in 2012, Rory set out on a book tour. In February, I was in attendance with a group of friends at a high school outside of Birmingham, Alabama, to hear the words of motivation and insight from a gifted speaker. It’s a treasured memory. Rory signed my copy of his book: To Donna, You are awesome! See you in the “stairwell.” The tenets of personal success do rest on efforts. The work to do better and be better are seen in the results of completed projects and attained goals. It's the path taken that determines the outcome.It’s been a journey to finally be able to take the stairs. Whatever your dreams, your goals, your measure of success, get off the escalator, step off the elevator, and take the first step. The stairs may bend, be steep, or round the corner. Stay the course. Do the work. Be disciplined but take a moment in the stairwell to recognize how far you’ve come and look up to see your destination. Maybe I’ll meet you in the stairwell. Cheers,JANUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com48Take The StairsRORY VADEN, AUTHORWelcome to punch•list, a column providing a book review each month in an effort to add good reads to your punch list for the year. for more informationRory Vaden’s first book Take the Stairs is a #1 Wall St Journal, #1 USA Today, #1 Amazon, and #2 New York Times bestseller that has been translated into 11 languages. Rory writes and speaks about how the key to becoming wealthy and well-known starts with doing the right thing even when you don’t feel like doing it. His powerful and emotional message makes him the perfect choice to keynote your next meeting. His programs are regularly tailored for leadership, sales, customer service, productivity, and teams. For more, visit roryvaden.com.P•Lpunch•list | 0124

Push-to-Talk over CellularNationwide Radio NetworkSave Time.Save Money.Wide-area radio dispatching with group voice and video calls Hytera Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) with nationwide instant group voice and video calling and GPS dispatching enables contractors to make fast and accurate decisions to save time and money. Hytera PoC uses cellular 4G/5G/LTE networks and Wi-Fi for fast deployments with wide-area coverage and no infrastructure costs.Contact Hytera US Inc Today(954) 846-1011info@hytera.uswww.hytera.us8.125" x 10.875" RGB no bleedŸ Industry leading audio quality with AI-based noise cancellation for clear communication on noisy job sitesŸ Waterproof, dust proof, and MIL-STD impact rated for durability in the toughest environmentsŸ Lithium ion polymer batteries provide over 24 hours operation on a single charge for reliable operations over long shifts