NOVEMBER 2023CONSTRUCTIONTECHREVIEW.COM19By Stephen King, Director of Information Technology, Irby Construction CompanyI work in an industry where the people I support are heroes and modern-day cowboys. I mean that as a compliment. These folks work in a profession that places them outdoors in all circumstances. Whether it is typical 100+ degree days in West Texas, -20 degree days in the middle of a blizzard in North Dakota, or riding out a hurricane in a bunker to step out as soon as it's safe and start restoring power in south Florida, these guys do what most people can't do and even fewer are willing to do. They chose to be lineman for a myriad of reasons. But one thing most of them have in common is they don't want to work indoors on computers. NOPE! Not what they signed up for! And, I get to hear that often. I love it. I enjoy every minute I get to hang out with them. But the power grid construction and maintenance industry is changing. Their jobs are changing. Today, our customers are asking us for quicker information, more accurate, and more complete. This industry and my company (Irby Construction & Quanta Services) are demanding improved safety in all aspects of our jobs. We have started placing `technology tools' in our field employee's hands just like impact wrenches and screwdrivers. In the past, a lineman could have been in trouble for having his phone in his pocket while he's working in the bucket truck. But, we're creating the technology to make a tool just like all the other tools and his work bucket. Technology is moving from distraction to dictate! HANDHELD APPLICATIONS IN POWER GRID CONSTRUCTIONCXO INSIGHTSStephen King
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