Edward Surgeon, Enterprise Lead at Procore, delivered a thought-provoking presentation at CTF KSA 2024 titled “Navigating Digital Transformation and Change Management.” His insights explored the essential, yet often overlooked, human aspect of digital transformation in the construction industry. While technology is a crucial part of modernization, Edward emphasized that successful implementation relies equally on people and processes.
The construction industry faces immense pressure to improve efficiency, visibility, and predictability while adhering to cost constraints. With more than 4,500 construction technology tools on the market, many organizations grapple with integrating these tools into their workflows. Edward noted that this complexity often creates silos and inefficiencies, making technology adoption an uphill battle. He challenged the audience to consider whether technology alone can address these challenges and offer a resounding answer: it cannot. The real solution lies in effective change management and aligning technology with the needs of people and processes.
In his presentation, Edward highlighted five critical ingredients for successful change management: vision, skills, motivation, resources, and an action plan. Without a clear vision, teams are left confused about the purpose of change. A lack of skills leads to anxiety among those expected to implement and use new systems. When motivation is absent, resistance builds, particularly if stakeholders fail to see the benefits of a new tool. Insufficient resources result in frustration, while the absence of a robust action plan leads to false starts and unsustainable change. By addressing these elements, organizations can significantly improve their chances of successful digital transformation.
Edward also shared Procore’s unique approach to supporting the construction industry’s digital evolution. Procore invests $300 million annually in construction-specific technology, ensuring that its platform remains user-friendly and adaptable to real-world conditions. Unlike platforms that attempt to be all-encompassing, Procore focuses on seamless integration with existing tools, offering over 400 pre-built connectors to integrate with essential systems like finance, ERP, and design software. This approach recognizes that no single platform can meet all needs and instead prioritizes collaboration across tools.
Throughout his talk, Edward emphasized the importance of putting people first. Digital transformation is not just about adopting the latest technology; it’s about empowering teams with the skills, motivation, and resources they need to thrive. Organizations that neglect the human aspect of change management risk undermining their efforts, no matter how sophisticated their tools may be.
Edward’s presentation offered a fresh perspective on navigating digital transformation, underscoring that people and processes are as critical as the technology itself. For organizations looking to drive meaningful change, his insights provide a roadmap for creating sustainable and impactful transformation.
Watch the full presentation to gain deeper insights into Edward Surgeon’s approach to digital transformation and how Procore is reshaping the construction industry’s future.
