Roughly 78% of Associated Builders and Contractors members have implemented new technology in the past two years, with software platforms for project management and accounting as the prime focus of implementation teams, according to ABC’s first-ever construction technology report.

ABC released the report Thursday as part of its mission to study innovative technology and tools ABC contractor members are using “to be safer, more profitable and primed to win more work,” the organization said.

The report was based on a survey conducted from March through May of this year. The report details opportunities for construction contractors to improve their operations in project coordination, planning, estimating, production and scheduling.

“This report will provide construction leaders with a roadmap to understand how technology and innovation can help their businesses,” said Jack Hineman, vice president of business intelligence at Gaylor Electric Inc., Indianapolis, and chair elect of ABC’s Construction Technology and Innovation Committee. “Investing in construction technology will help construction companies innovate, differentiate themselves and attract and educate their top talent. Our industry is composed of problem solvers who build America. When a tool does not exist to solve a problem, our users put in the sweat equity to build a resource that resolves issues to the best of their ability.”

The report also found that 70% of respondents listed an operational issue as one of their top three challenges that technology can help solve.

More than half of respondents said they rely on project management software, with 68% using it for office management and 59% using it in the field.

Almost all respondents said they rely on specialized accounting and billing software.

“Executing world-class performance requires contractors to continuously innovate, and I am confident the 2021 ABC Tech Report will help contractors on their technology journey,” said Matt Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation. “If we choose to lead, commit and innovate, together we will create the conditions for all to do their work without incident, be more profitable and win more work.”