ICTs are necessary tools for contractors

The world is no doubt changing faster than anticipated by most people, including contractors. Indeed, as times change so does the technology. This in turn creates more changes not only on the way we do things but the way we perceive them. Failure to embrace technology in appropriate use is fast creating a chasm between what is referred to as “briefcase” and tomorrow’s contractors.
One area that is witnessing an avalanche of changes is the construction industry that is being forced to grapple with customers who are more knowledgeable, exposed and sophisticated than those of the yore – customers who know precisely what they want in a house. Three inevitable aspects of tomorrow’s contractor that must be made to work in conjunction are enlisted below.

Information technology
Smart contractors of tomorrow are left with no option but to stretch their abilities and imaginations further than the traditional hammer and tongs construction methods and just a college degree in related field. They cannot ignore is the use of Information Technology in achieving their goals. Over years, the IT world has been undergoing tremendous changes, becoming highly specialized for many tasks. This not has only positively affected the speed with which projects are done, but also improved on the efficiencies and accuracies in accomplishing them. A good contractor must be able to work from anywhere and at any time. Use of modern gadgets such as laptops, digital cameras is a must, not forgetting internet. Internet connectivity should include bandwidth, backups and network services which are basic in any modern office setup and relatively easy to install. For those operating in far-flung sites, where hard wire access is not easily available, wireless and remote location systems are essential. Wireless systems will connect the contractor’s office to worksite at any time, day or night.

Outsourcing engineering work is successful by use of computers.

Software development
All the way from design to completion of any project, software has been developed that utilise methods of cost analysis processes by subdividing the costs of building into functional elements. Packages that are helpful to the draughtsman, structural engineer, physical and cost planning and many other aspects of building are in the offing today. Software packages integrate professional skills thus enabling the contractor to make concise construction costs in tabular and written forms for his understanding in different areas of construction such as, Concrete volumes, Structural elements – diameter of steel, Reinforcement and weight, Brick, plaster, flooring and skirting areas, Cost estimates for user provided item rates, Generation of visual 2D and 3D models, plans others.

Outsourcing in construction
Though the entire concept of outsourcing is catching up in Tanzania, and is being viewed as revolutionary but it is not a new concept elsewhere in the world. Indeed, we are a long way from the even understanding what it entails, let alone practicing it. It seems that increased tight budgets are forcing more construction companies to reassess the situation because among the most important aspect of construction business is cost cutting and the other is efficiency. Other than maintain multidisciplinary staffs in your company, say, plumbers, joiners, bricklayers, electricians, landscapers outsourcing such services will become popular with time. Outsourcing, which is referred in construction circles as “contracting out”, is a proven method not only cuts on the costs for the contractor but also improves the quality of the end product, providing the expertise and innovation not available with the in-house staffs. In the long run, by contracting out to public and other companies, stimulation of production occurs thus improving the tax base of the country

Customer care for “service is intangible”
During one of the Customer Care training attended by this writer in the past, the phrase that “service is not tangible” surfaced somewhere during the discourses. Unlike products that one can pick off the supermarket stalls, where it won’t matter so long as the product can work, presenting service to the customer must include an element of “personal touch” in it. Word of mouth spreads fast and no amount of advertising can save a contractor of interpersonal relationship between him and the customer is relegated to play the second fiddle. A recommendation by a satisfied customer to another prospective customer by word of mouth is perhaps one of the distinguishing factors of a good from a bad contractor. It therefore becomes imperative that while any contractor worth a salt pursues excellence in the look and quality of final products, the human touch should never be forgotten.