Toolbox Talk Series: Understanding Procore and Other Common Construction Applications

 

After a summer break, the Division 1 Toolbox Talk returned for an insightful presentation from Rawle Sawh of Gilbane Construction Co. and Andy Kunkle of ADJ Studios about the use of the various applications used in construction. Construction projects of all sizes and varieties rely in some part on project management platforms to track the project's progress. However, a project management platform is not the only data source for a project; modern construction projects rely on several databases both on the job site and far removed. From project management software on the jobsite tracking schedules and RFIs to back-office enterprise resource planning databases which power companies' financial systems, construction professionals operate on several platforms. Project management platforms such as Procore, while robust and offer a variety of tools and datapoint, do not track everything - leading to "data silos."

Enter Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, which have found their way into several aspects of life and work, including the construction industry and legal practice. Our presenters discussed how LLMs can "talk" across platforms and connect copious amounts of information across platforms quickly and in actionable ways. For example, a supervisor or foreman can access data on the jobsite from their smartphone instantaneously which only a few years ago would have necessitated a trip to the job trailer. 

With new technology comes growing pains and novel legal issues. The presenters discussed how attorneys both internal and external need to know what capabilities exist and what data can be retrieved before agreeing to e-discovery protocols. Knowing what data is available and where it is stored in advance can help minimize headaches for counsel and client alike. 

Thank you to Rawle and Andy for a timely and insightful presentation.