PRODUCTION NOTES
Simplifying eTicketing Solutions for Paving Contractors
State DOTs pave the way for improved construction material deliveries through eTicketing and contractors have easy options to comply
I
t is estimated that the IIJA (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) will create 2 million jobs over the course of a decade. The “Everyday Counts: Innovation Initiative” issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2017, combined eConstruction with
30
ASPHALT CONTRACTOR JUNE/JULY 2022
so-called Construction Partnering (aka E-C&P), is an effort to accelerate the adoption of electronic processes. E-C&P calls for training and aid for decision-makers and other key stakeholders, such as State DOTs, contractors and consultants. Electronic material ticket management systems automate manual practices across the industry, eliminating tangible paper tickets and addressing the challenges created by outdated methods for tracking materials and truck assets. Many successful pilots of eTicketing have occurred nationwide since the implementation of the “Everyday Counts” initiative, and the exchange of electronic ticket data has bridged the eConstruction gap that exists between public agencies and building materials suppliers. These regulatory changes require the construction industry to change and adapt. Companies are notified of the standard operating procedure for transactions before the ground even breaks. During the bid letting process, one of the requirements spelled out is to submit a line item that specifies that that the company can adhere to eTicketing requirements if they win the bid. From the time that the bid is awarded to the time that the project starts is usually plenty of time to get prepared and implement eTicketing capabilities. So, a company that is not currently set up for eTicketing might
make the choice to bid and work on getting the processes put in place at that time. However, most companies are actively investing in and implementing solutions that enable them to exchange electronic tickets because the IIJA includes money for advanced digital construction management systems and related technologies. The program is funded at $20 million per year, for a total of $100 million, over five years. This funding is a clear indication of the critical role that technology will play in designing and building better, costeffective infrastructure. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: A POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY eTicketing requirements, once seen as a regulatory necessity, have now shown to improve the visibility of trucking operations leading to more efficient hauler management and improved profitability. Stagnant productivity, low levels of digitization, and low profitability plagued the industry. Now, with the combination of new sustainability requirements, rising cost pressure, skilled labor shortage, and new process approaches and digital tools, companies are realizing that in order to maintain business continuity and stay competitive, digital backbones must be implemented into their operations. According to McKinsey & Company, R&D spending among the top 2,500 construction companies has risen globally by approximately 77% since 2013. Additionally, more than 50% of respondents’ companies have increased their overall technology investments. There’s been a productivity lag in the construction industry for decades – one
www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt
