Table Of Content
With thousands of construction technology solutions flooding the market, how do large contractors separate signal from noise? Karel Van Eechoud, Head of Innovation at Implenia, offers valuable insights into evaluating and implementing construction technology effectively.
The Challenge of Choice
“We get a few [pitches] a week,” Van Eechoud notes. “If you include all the spam nowadays… I mean, I have the impression nowadays all this SaaS sales is automated. So you get like the most worthless emails with requests and semi-personalized email invitations.”
This flood of potential solutions creates a significant challenge for innovation leaders: how to identify truly valuable technologies while avoiding wasted time on misaligned solutions.
In this episode of BitBuilders, Karel Van Eechoud, Head of Innovation at Implenia, talks about the challenges of urban construction, the importance of material innovation, and the role of entrepreneurship in a large construction company.
Key Evaluation Principles
Layout errors don’t exist in isolation – they create a cascade of problems throughout the construction process:
Start with the Problem. The most successful implementations often start with clearly defined problems rather than solutions seeking problems. As Van Eechoud explains, “We’re shifting that. So we’re really trying to work more challenge and problem focused. So what are the pain points? What needs to be improved?”
Understand Company Context. Before approaching construction companies, solution providers must do their homework. “Read the website, check the kind of projects we do,” Van Eechoud advises. This basic research can save everyone time by ensuring basic fit.
Don’t Overpromise. A common pitfall is promising too many features without a working product. “We have highly expert specialist people… Sometimes it can be very simple. And I think don’t over promise, but bring something solid fast,” Van Eechoud emphasizes.
The Evaluation Process
Implenia’s approach to evaluating solutions involves several key steps:
Initial Filtering
• Map solutions against identified business unit pain points
• Consider strategic alignment with company direction
• Evaluate team and technology credibility
Validation
• Gather feedback from internal experts
• Consider implementation feasibility
• Assess potential value creation
Testing
• Run focused proof-of-concepts
• Validate assumptions
• Measure actual value delivery
Red Flags to Watch For
Several warning signs can indicate potential misalignment:
Lack of Research. Solutions providers who haven’t done basic homework about the company’s needs and operations often waste everyone’s time.
Generic Approaches. Mass automated outreach rarely leads to meaningful partnerships. Personal, targeted approaches work better.
Unrealistic Promises. Over-promising features without proven capabilities is a common red flag.
Building Successful Partnerships
For technology providers looking to work with large contractors, Van Eechoud offers several key pieces of advice:
Do Your Research. “Look for what the company is really trying to do and where they’re moving towards to,” he advises. Understanding the company’s strategic direction helps align solutions appropriately.
Be Patient. Enterprise partnerships take time. “You need to have a bit of patience… We are an enterprise. So things are slower and are sometimes a bit more cumbersome.”
Start Simple. Focus on solving specific problems well rather than trying to address everything at once. “Sometimes it can be very simple… bring something solid fast.”
The ROI Question
Return on investment remains crucial, but shouldn’t be viewed too narrowly. As Van Eechoud explains, “Innovation will never have a purely 100% return on innovation, meaning part of your activities will be indirectly contributing to this ROI.”
Consider both direct and indirect benefits:
• Direct cost savings
• Productivity improvements
• Cultural transformation
• Capability building
• Long-term strategic advantages
Looking Forward
The construction technology landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Success in this space requires:
Clear Problem Focus. Start with well-defined problems rather than solutions seeking problems.
Strategic Alignment. Ensure solutions align with company direction and capabilities.
Realistic Expectations. Understand that enterprise partnerships take time and patience.
Value Creation. Focus on delivering real value rather than just implementing technology.
The Future of Layout Accuracy
As construction technology evolves, new solutions are emerging to address these challenges. Automated layout systems, advanced measurement tools, and improved verification methods are helping reduce errors and their associated costs
The industry is moving toward more integrated solutions that bridge the gap between digital models and physical construction. This evolution is essential as buildings become more complex and tolerances tighter.
For construction companies, understanding and addressing layout accuracy isn’t just about cost savings – it’s about staying competitive in an evolving industry. As prefabrication and modular construction become more common, the ability to execute precise layouts will become increasingly critical to project success.
Conclusion
Finding the right construction technology solutions requires a structured approach focused on real problems and value creation. By following these principles and maintaining clear evaluation criteria, companies can better navigate the noise and identify truly valuable partnerships.
For technology providers, understanding this perspective helps create more effective partnerships. Success comes from thorough research, patient relationship building, and focused problem-solving rather than overselling features or rushing implementation.
