Improving safety with real-time data
In this episode of Pave It Black, we’re joined once again by Tyler Hackman, of AlignOps, to discuss how real-time hauling data is shifting the day-to-day experience for paving crews across North America. With seven years of experience bridging the gap between field crews and digital solutions, Tyler explores the transition from using fragmented, bespoke tools to adopting holistic platforms that provide a clear window into the entire paving process.
Tyler discusses what it really takes to successfully implement technology in an environment where safety and production are the top priorities. He shares practical insights into how tracking inbound loads helps foremen reduce site clutter, manage truck queues, and eliminate the inefficient “learned behaviors” caused by a lack of visibility. Whether you are a seasoned contractor exploring smarter systems or a crew member wary of new digital tasks, this conversation demonstrates how “fully baked” technology can serve as a value-add that simplifies the equation for everyone on the job.
Here’s a sneak peek into this week’s conversation, but be sure to tune in to the full episode for all the insights. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts.
R: How have you seen technology shift the day-to-day experience on the job?
TH: There are a couple of perspectives there: the technology available, how companies are adopting it, and how people are using it. One of my hard and fast rules when implementing our solution with customers is that we never want to take technology to the job site until it’s fully baked. A lot of technology these days takes a while to get in place and get all the settings and data flowing how you want it to. When you think of that in the context of a job site, it’s already a dangerous place. The foreman and the superintendents are responsible for safety, quality, and production. If you bring them something that is input-heavy or viewed as an additional task or responsibility, it won’t be well-received. You want it to be viewed as a value add.
B: You’ve provided a lot of considerations for implementation. Do you have additional advice for contractors trying to balance the adoption of new technology with training their crews?
TH: I would say don’t overload your implementation docket. I’ve heard nightmare stories about implementing new ERP systems. We want to have an intentional plan. Even if things don’t go exactly as planned, a roadmap tells us what to do next when we catch curveballs. The training should be viewed as part of the process; those two initiatives should be baked together. Make sure whoever is consulting you through the sales or onboarding process gives you a comfortable understanding of the process and provides resources to support you when things go sideways.
Season 10 of Pave It Black is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps.
