Combining technology with traditional industries, such as construction, has been a challenge that’s plagued industries for years.
But for those industries typically lagging behind in adopting new technology, a new tide is coming where more are starting to turn towards it for better business management.
And in doing so, an emerging trend is challenging stereotypes and bringing a different kind of 21st-century business person.
According to a recent survey from Xero, more than 50 per cent of tradies take less than a year to implement technological software.
Alongside construction workers becoming more tech-savvy are wholesale traders and real estate agents.
For David Robbins, owner of Waste Deep Plumbing, embracing technology such as an iPad, iPhone and other cloud-based software have been game changers.
He said people had doubts as he was an early adopter in 2010, and his peers laughed at him until one pivotal realisation.
David and Chad go through their work schedule and jobs backed up in the cloud. (Supplied.) Source: Supplied
“They had no idea we were using it for the business and once we showed them that we could schedule work off the iPad and we started to raise a few eyebrows and they thought, ‘oh wow, maybe we should try and do that as well’.”
For Urban Impact builder Chad Lumley technology plays a big role in what is now a typical day on the job.
“Before it could take two to three days to move forward on some variations but now we can do it within hours if we need to, if not minutes,” Mr Lumley said.
Mr Robbins said large companies had been buying expensive operating systems to better manage their staff and business.
He was unable to afford the same approach, but having access to technology has levelled the playing field for small businesses.
Technology has become a common tool in running businesses. (Supplied.) Source: Supplied
Not only has technology simplified his business operations, it’s also saved him money and a full day each week he'd otherwise spend sorting out invoices and doing administration work.
He said it’s important for small business owners to be fluid and open to new approaches.
“For too long construction has been ‘our way or the highway’ and that’s got to stop and we’ve got to be more dynamic because we need to know what’s happening in the future with technology and how it can help us,” Mr Robbins said.
“A lot of tradies fall into becoming businessmen after they’re a tradesman, and I think it has a lot to do with the reputation tradies have where they might be really good tradesmen, but not so good businessmen.”
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