Building the Future: Why Construction Lags in Technology Adoption and How to Catch Up
Our Origin
The genesis of our company, Smart Labor Management, stems from a straightforward yet compelling conversation between one of our co-founders, a seasoned staffing industry professional, and a friend who runs a large, labor-intensive subcontracting firm. The pivotal question that sparked our journey was: "How can we improve the management of temporary labor in construction?" This question seemed simple but finding an existing market solution proved impossible.
The Inspiration
Reflecting on past experiences provided the insight needed to address this gap. Our co-founder had a significant history in the staffing sector, beginning in 2005 in Charlotte, NC, where he worked in bank and technology staffing. During this time, most clients utilized a vendor management system (VMS). Fast forward to 2010, when he launched a staffing firm in the healthcare technology sector, the landscape was remarkably different — initially, none of the healthcare clients used a VMS for managing temp labor. However, by 2013, nearly 90% of his business and orders were managed through a VMS technology and MSP service.
This highlighted a stark contrast: while sectors like banking and technology were pioneers in adopting innovative solutions, healthcare was initially slower but eventually caught up due to increasing demands for staffing and temporary labor.
The Challenge and Solution
When my friend from the construction industry sought a similar solution, a simple "Google it" approach led to a dead end — there was no VMS tailored for construction. Recognizing the opportunity, our entrepreneurial spirit kicked in, and we decided to build one.
Smart Labor Management: Custom-Built for Construction
Launched to specifically address the unique needs of construction companies, Smart Labor Management was developed from scratch. Although the adoption in construction has not been as rapid as it was in healthcare, the sector is on the brink of a transformative expansion. With the U.S. experiencing unprecedented growth in new construction projects, urban development, and investments in infrastructure, AI, data centers, and renewable energy, the demand for efficient labor management in construction is more crucial than ever.
In 2023, Smart Labor Management managed nearly 1 million man hours. This year, we're on track to manage nearly 5 million man hours for our clients, showcasing our rapid growth and expanding influence in the industry.
Embracing the Future
Echoing the wisdom of the ages, as noted in the Bible, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." Our mission at Smart Labor Management isn't about reinventing the wheel. Instead, we're adapting proven solutions from other advanced industries to one of the last sectors to embrace technological innovations.
By leveraging our deep industry experience and innovative spirit, we are not only catching up with technological advancements but are setting new standards in how construction projects manage and optimize temporary labor. As we move forward, Smart Labor Management remains committed to leading the charge in simplifying labor management, ensuring our solutions are as groundbreaking as the industries we serve.