It is always interesting when new reports come out about the state of construction technology. As we edge closer to the end of the year, we are going to start to see new predictions about what’s already here and what is coming for construction technology. While some of the reports maybe be ambitious, it helps us unpack the state of emerging technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence) and digest how to approach technology in the year ahead.
As a very recent example, Wipfli announced its 2025 state of technology in construction report, which surveyed 308 construction executives, and AI is front and center. Let’s unpack some of the numbers.
Roughly 82% of respondents say they use AI, but most are still at the entry level, using AI in limited ways rather than integrating it into strategic decision-making. I wonder if this is a dangerous place to be. We always say technology for the sake of technology is treacherous. Technology is only beneficial on a large scale if it is aligned with people and process. We need to have complete alignment if we want ultimate success with AI. The question then begs are we really leveraging AI to the fullest?
Still, let’s dig a little deeper into this report. We also see 66% of the smallest firms use AI and 43% of firms report full integration with advanced technologies. Also, one-third of companies have achieved realtime, automated decision-making with AI.
It’s honestly a mixed bag, isn’t it? Among companies with more than $250 million in annual revenue, 12% still rely on mostly manual reporting. Certainly, that percentage is much smaller than it was 10 years ago, but 12% still isn’t anything. There are still some companies relying on manual reporting to get the job done.
Where is your company in all of this? Are you still doing manual reporting? I would guess we are all putting our toes in the proverbial AI waters. But what does that mean for moving the needle? As I see it, that’s progress. Most companies, however, still are not implementing it with corporate strategies and aligning it with people and process? Do you even have a procedure and guidance around AI? Perhaps the most important question is this: Where would you like to be in 2026? Zig Ziglar said if you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time. We need clear objectives and goals as we move forward with technology in the year ahead.
With all the debate about how fast AI is being adopted, there are some cool innovations happening right now. Consider the example of the American Society of Safety Professionals, which launched its ASSP Safety Trekr AI this summer. The tool is designed to change how safety professionals access information.
Safety Trekr AI instantly scans and synthesizes the 1,330-page handbook to answer questions and provide precise safety guidance. Several universities use it as a classroom text, showcasing safety research, case studies, and practical applications from more than 90 industry experts.
Unlike open AI platforms, Safety Trekr AI is a closed model, ensuring complete accuracy, credibility, and transparency by only accessing trusted sources within the handbook and referencing them.
Certainly, this is only one example. Imagine the possibilities in your own business. I always wonder if we sometimes need to slow down in an effort speed up. If maybe sometimes we need to take more time to learn and understand. With new technologies, education is foundational. We need to take the time to learn about the long-term impact the technology will have—and how it aligns within our organization. What are your thoughts?
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