Nobody Wants to Export Anymore: 3 Ways to handle data efficiently in a tight labor market

By now, it goes without saying that the construction industry is actively grappling with a persistent labor shortage - in both trade and back office positions. This isn't just what everyone has been feeling - there's plenty of data showing demand is higher than ever. According to FRED Economic Data (Published by the St. Louis Federal Reserve), the number of employees in construction careers is at an all-time high; nearly 300,000 employees more than pre-COVID numbers. The insatiable demand for labor (among other reasons) has increased average hourly wages by nearly 16% since 2020, from $31.40 to $36.29.

Rising demand and labor costs have made it even more crucial to leverage technology to streamline processes and to get the most out of every person's time. Tools like Procore have dramatically changed the way project teams share information in an effort to drive efficiency; however, one often-overlooked aspect of these software solutions is the ability to export & share data seamlessly. This can prove antithetical to teams' ability to "do more with less". With everyone so stretched thin for time, let's explore 3 ways your teams can help share Procore data more efficiently with Extracts Pro.

1. Closeout: Getting a Handle on Handover

With so few available resources, the need for streamlined exports becomes even more critical during closeout, when thousands of documents need to be backed out of Procore and returned to a client. Project-specific requirements can dramatically complicate this, especially when needing to pivot data around characteristics like Document Type, Spec Section, or Responsible Trade Contractor. Extracts Pro allows enabling teams to compile and review essential project data with ease. In automating closeout document compilation, Procore customers make the most of the limited workforce. This streamlining process not only ensures timely project completion but also maximizes employee productivity.

2. Legal Discovery: Precise Data Retrieval for Legal Support

The nature of the construction business is, unfortunately, litigious at times. Extracts Pro provides a lifeline during legal discovery by simplifying data retrieval. With highly granular data filters, it's now possible to turn over exactly what is requested by counsel - nothing more, nothing less. Precise control of what is delivered during discovery prevents legal costs from ballooning out of control.

Remember, each document has a cost associated - both as a result of the team retrieving and delivering the document ($) and counsel reviewing the document ($$$). With limited headcount, it becomes even more critical to efficiently comply with legal requests. Teams use Extracts Pro to help tailor exactly what needs to be shared. This streamlined approach saves valuable time and ensures that legal defenses are bolstered effectively - and hopefully helps end disputes quickly and cost-effectively.

3. Unique Project Requirements: The Client Wants What?!

The current labor shortfall necessitates careful allocation of resources and efficient communication. And sometimes, ad-hoc client requirements on projects can stretch teams even thinner. Whether it's photo documentation of all completed punch items, a folder of all photos organized by month, or daily delivery of an inspection report, these "small requests" can add up to a massive amount of administrative time.

With Extracts Pro, teams have another tool in their toolbox to rapidly deliver data to the client. Teams can customize data exports, ensuring stakeholders have access to their most critical data. This level of customization streamlines collaboration, maximizing the critical information productivity of the available labor force.

As the construction industry faces the challenges posed by a persistent labor shortage and rising costs, leveraging technology has become essential for success. It remains critical, however, to keep aware of where technology can prevent work from happening rather than support it.

Streamlined exports from Extracts Pro enable teams to overcome resource constraints and optimize their operations. By expediting closeout, facilitating legal discovery, and tailoring exports to specific project needs, construction professionals drive efficiency, save time, and make the most of the limited workforce. Embracing technology-driven solutions amidst the labor shortage allows the industry to continue thriving, delivering projects successfully, and meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving market.

More information about Extracts Pro, a Procore Partner, can be found on the Procore App Marketplace.