Last Friday, the #ConTechTrio aired episode 22 of the podcast in which James Benham (@jamesmbenham), Rob McKinney (@conappguru) and Josh Bone (@bim2thebone) discussed the latest construction tech news. Headliners last week included the 2016 JBKnowledge Construction Technology Survey launch, Hilti’s new BIM plug-in for mapping out required firestops, FAA’s new drone regulations and much more! Special guest @PhilOgilby, CEO of @STACKEstimating, also joined to discuss the changes in estimating and takeoff software.
The show kicked off with ConTechTrio news. James Benham reminded the audience that the ConTechTrio podcast now has its own app, which is available for download in the IOS store. In regards to JBKnowledge, a special announcement was discussed, the fifth annual 2016 Construction Technology Survey is now live! Take the 10 minute survey on how your construction company employs technology and receive a complimentary copy of the 2016 Construction Tech Report. Also in JBKnowledge news, James welcomed Kelly Doyle to our consulting team, who will be an asset to our professional services division, which aims at helping companies make better technology decisions. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the new JBKnowledge HoloLens and the augmented reality sandbox featured on the podcast.
The JBKnowledge Twitter poll question from last week’s episode, “Are you using a mobile app to track project issues?” – resulted in 54% Yes and 46% Yes. A new poll question was also highlighted on the show, that’s related to this week’s episode – “Do you perform your takeoffs with software or by hand?” The poll can be found on the JBK Twitter page and participants need only answer the single question with “Software” or “By Hand.”
Jumping into tech news, researchers from Mexico have found a way to create glow-in-the-dark cement, which will be able to light roads, sans electricity. ForConstructionPros.com recently referenced the 2015 Construction Technology Report in an article on how poor integration is stifling mobile technology in construction. For all the BIM architects out there, check out the 30 websites you should be visiting weekly featured on @Arch2O.
Also discussed on the podcast, breathing walls that can control your home’s temperature – yes you read that correctly. The tiny house movement is continuing to make headlines, Vesta, the 3D concrete printer, was used to build a “tiny house” in 24 hours. Construction Executive published an article highlighting the latest technology and software releases. In the world of BIM technology, @Hilti_BIM launched a plug-in for mapping out required firestops. James concluded his tech news announcements with new drone regulations, FAA has released a new bill that will transform how drones do business in the United States.
Josh and Rob went on to discuss their experiences at last week’s @DEWALTTough Media Day Event, highlighting their interactions with some of DEWALT’s new product releases, such as, the FlexVolt 60 Volt Battery System, a tool connect app to control and secure batteries, a dust management system for silica control and a BIM plug-in for @Revit. In other event news, @Redpointpos announced, at the first annual Forge Devcon, that it will be joining @Autodesk’s Forge platform to bring its GPS solutions to BIM applications. @Samsung is taking their relations with the Internet of Things to the next level by investing $1.2 billion in R&D. @Esri, the global leader in GIS solutions, announced the release of its CityEngine 2016 program which allows users to create smart 3D city models in minutes.
The “geek out” product of the week featured on the podcast, is a wearable keyboard from @TapWithUs that turns literally any surface into a keypad. Telecompaper.com reported that Smartwatches will make make up 62% of all wearables sold in 2016. The trio finished out their weekly tech news updates with a “Smart backpack” that helps you keep track of your things through a series of clips and cards that use RFID tech.
In the second half of the podcast, Phil Ogilby, CEO of STACK Estimating, joined the #ConTechTrio to discuss the changes in estimating and takeoff software and processes in the construction industry. Phil has an extensive background in construction. He got his start in construction technology from watching his son play a game on a PC, and came to the conclusion, he could create an estimating and bidding app using the same type of programming. Phil went on to create iSqFt and then later transitioned out of that side of the business, into focusing on the estimating and takeoff segment, thus founding STACK Estimating (formerly known as Cloud Takeoff). STACK Estimating is the industry’s first true cloud-based application that measures takeoff quantities, calculates material and labor costs, and builds custom formulas with just a few clicks. The ConTechTrio and Phil wrapped up their discussion with Stack’s new takeoff as a service offering and the software updates to come.
Tune into the #ConTechTrio podcast again this Friday for Episode 23. Until then, you can catch up on past episodes of our construction technology podcast and even check out some bonus episodes via the links below!
Listen to the ConTechTrio Podcast on iTunes
Listen to the ConTechTrio Podcast on Spreaker
Download the NEW ConTechTrio Podcast App
Listen to the ConTechTrio Podcast on SoundCloud
Listen to the ConTechTrio Podcast on YouTube
