Page 5 - _Q3_2023 Corp Newsletter_Final

“If you think you are too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito.”

- Anita Roddick

appy Fall, Everyone! We’re approaching that time of We must be sure that every system or process we create is
year when everyone realizes that the holidays are rapidly comprehensive and straightforward, and that the “why” we
H approaching. We wonder how the year has gone by so create is very clear. For example, the dual-switched band saw
quickly and how we will get everything done before the year ends. we developed several years ago with DeWalt had a very clear
For most of us, that means we will push the “easy button” and and defined “why.” We improved a proven and decades-old tool
return to the tried and tested systems and processes that we use to be notably safer than ever before. The “why” is straightforward:
to complete our to-do lists and buy all those presents. But perhaps SAFETY. The tool was a very productive and widely used product.
this is the year we shake things up and try a new approach. A little Rosendin & DeWalt revolutionized it and made it safe.
change is always fun, right?
Some innovations can be unnoticeable at the outset. In
At Rosendin, we always look for ways to improve and change 2008, Rosendin did something briefly revolutionary: When
our industry. Our Strategic Plan states that we are going to our counterparts in the electrical industry were entrenched
revolutionize the entire construction industry. To revolutionize the with AutoCAD, Rosendin switched to REVIT. We built rigid,
construction industry, we must continually change, regardless of cumbersome processes to support our growing BIM needs
the time of year. We must constantly focus on developing better and were very successful. However, as time passed and
tools, systems, and processes; this can never stop. And, when you technology caught up to Rosendin, the REVIT world became
think of our BHAG and the plan to “revolutionize the construction more user-friendly and the industry standard. It did not take
industry while building an unparalleled legacy of opportunity for long for our revolution to become an industry evolution.
all,” I ask that you think about the HOW and the WHY associated
with accomplishing this goal. To better understand the how The goal of developing new tools, systems, or processes
and the why, we must realize that to revolutionize; we must is not to make our jobs more difficult. We are looking to
embrace change to create the future; change is inevitable. simplify tasks, create checklists for certainty, and build in
safety. A new approach could be as basic as a new way
We work in a very hands-on industry, and our strategic plan covers of pulling wire or coupling pipe. Or it could be AI!
a lot of truths that can mean something different to everyone.
From the engineers working in REVIT to the supervisors working We have had a team of people working with AI since 2018 on a
out on the job with their iPads or the wireman with their Fluke system that would predict our projects' financial outcomes. While
meters, tools, systems, and processes affect us all. The first we are not looking at AI to replace any of our current processes,
line stated in our Tools, Systems, Processes pillar is critical in we envision AI becoming our “Check Engine” light. You know that
understanding what we hope to achieve as we build on this pillar: annoying light that comes on when you think your car is running
“We will deliver simple, cutting-edge tools, systems, and processes great but ends up costing you thousands in repairs? We view AI
that enable teams to perform seamlessly at the highest levels.” as a way to help identify issues early and address them before
The key word in this statement is SIMPLE. We must ensure that they become significant problems. That may require a deep dive
whatever we develop or implement is simple and has a purpose! into aging change orders or labor overruns to stop the loss. AI
will support our team with identifying issues early and tell us
Twenty years ago, only the most senior personnel had where to look with just a few clicks of a mouse. This early warning
laptops. Now, laptops have replaced desktop computers, and system will allow our managers to act and limit our exposure.
the iPad is becoming as standard as a cell phone, which has
been a tremendous amount of change in a short time. As Let me be clear: we are not trying to light rings of fire like
we move forward, we must ensure we do not create a tool, they used to do for tigers in the circus, so our managers can
system, or process that will bog us down. We cannot have jump through hoops every time we institute a change. We are
a Foreman stuck sitting in their truck working on their iPad, creating change to help our people perform at a higher level.
adding endless data to an app so we can track production. To grow, we must streamline our processes and procedures.

Look at our recent past, when supervisors had to do timesheets So, as the year begins to wind down, I encourage you all to think
on a spreadsheet and fax them in. We gave them new software of ways to help streamline the processes in your own lives, not
and a laptop, and now they have an app that only works on a just at Rosendin. Seek ways to help YOU grow and perform at
mobile device. Technology has created positive change, but I feel your highest level.
the true revolution will come when a supervisor does not have - Mike
to sit down to do an individual’s timesheet. Instead, they will use
their iPhone to scan a worker’s RFID badge and a barcode on the
pipe they are installing to capture both time and production.

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