As contractors, we clearly understand how the Iron Triangle can affect the success of a project. An increase in the scope of work requires an increase in time and money, or quality will suffer. Most likely we deal with an increase in the scope of work by either increasing manpower, or working overtime. But higher wages and shortages in skilled labor make these options less desirable. So how do you stretch time without spending more money? By increasing productivity. As a manager, I prefer increasing productivity by 10 percent to increasing payroll by the same amount.
For decades, we have looked to technology as the primary source of increasing productivity. We’ve transitioned from 10-key calculators to computers and from walkie-talkies to smart phones. Some contractors have been taking advantage of the improved productivity brought by technology for years. And others are just now looking for ways to begin the transformation.