Conference Day 1 - Tuesday, February 25, 2025

7:00 am Check-In, Refreshments & Networking

8:00 am Chair’s Opening Remarks

  • Roberto Orlandi Director of Governance, Knowledge & Technology, Microsoft

Maximizing Efficiency & Technology ROI

8:10 am Evaluating Technology ROI Against Business Goals to Optimize Project Controls Workflows

  • Andrew Cowan Director of Project Controls, H+M Industrial EPC

Synopsis

  • Mapping out the processes you want to improve and selecting tools that fit business goals
  • Understanding what to consider before adopting a new tool, including data validation, system functionality, and who the system is designed for
  • Assessing the time and effort it will take to train personnel and successfully integrate the tool into the company

8:50 am Case Study: Integrating Artificial Intelligence to Increase Efficiency in Workflows

Synopsis

  • Leveraging AI for real-time progress tracking in the field for more accurate schedules
  • Validating AI-derived percentage complete data to avoid inaccuracies
  • Maximizing the benefits of AI tools without compromising on data privacy

10:00 am Morning Refreshments & Speed Networking

Track 1: Optimizing Project Control Workflows

Enhancing Coordination & Collaboration

10:40 am Case Study: Streamlining Cross-Department Coordination to Improve Project Management

  • Mary Nobe Scheduling Manager, Primoris Renewable Energy

Synopsis

  • Sharing cross-departmental information to boost efficiency and minimize future cleanup for project control teams
  • Integrating workflows such as change management, risk management, and budget tracking into project controls
  • Collaborating through group learnings and regular meetings to align on project timelines and address issues early 

11:20 am Collaborating with General Contractors & Trades During the Planning Phase for Effective Scheduling

Synopsis

  • Highlighting the benefits of involving trade partners early in the planning phase
  • Building a realistic schedule with input from all parties
  • Monitoring the progress of the schedule and adjusting based on input from GCs and trades

Track 2: Strategic Oversight

Ensuring Data Integrity

10:40 am Establishing a Data Governance Strategy to Ensure Consistent & Reliable Reporting

Synopsis

  • Creating a governance framework that ensures ongoing compliance and process improvement
  • Exploring different governance structures to understand the roles and responsibilities of each member
  • Developing a shared dictionary of terms and consistent naming conventions for effective data management 

11:20 am Optimizing Data Collection for Accurate Project Forecasting

  • Martin Lopez Director, Program Controls, Hill International

Synopsis

  • Ensuring that data entered is correct and complete to avoid inconsistencies
  • Collecting only the most relevant data and adapting processes to ensure alignment with evolving project needs
  • Adopting user-friendly technology solutions that automates data collection processes to save time 

12:00 pm Lunch

1:30 pm Case Study: Implementing Effective Training to Encourage Field Teams to Input Data Correctly

Synopsis

  • Training teams to be responsive and accurate in their updates to maintain data integrity
  • Introducing incentives for timely and accurate data submission
  • Adapting training to accommodate the needs of field-based workflows to ensure effective data contribution
  • Showcasing the value of their contribution by demonstrating its impact on project outcomes

Increasing Forecast Accuracy

2:10 pm Analyzing Key Variables to Predict Impacts on Productivity & Schedules

Synopsis

  • Gathering historical data from similar projects to help analyze trends for improved predictions
  • Taking into account variations in manpower and crew ratios and how that can impact productivity and schedules
  • Using trend analysis to predict project outcomes based on historical patterns and data points

2:50 pm Leveraging the Monte Carlo Method for Accurate Forecasting of Cost & Schedule

  • Kevin Miles Senior Engineer, Project Controls, Granite Construction
  • Joshua Woolley Director of Project Controls, Granite Construction

Synopsis

  • Reviewing traditional forecasting methods and their limitations in handling project uncertainties
  • Recognizing the value of probabilistic methods and predictive models that handle uncertainty
  • Scaling these methods to an enterprise level to improve cost and schedule estimates and forecasts  

1:30 pm Case Study: Sifting Through the Data Deluge to Track the Most Impactful Metrics for Project Outcomes

  • Jad Chalhoub Director - Business Analytics & Technology Solutions Implementation Lead, Rosendin Electric

Synopsis

  • Prioritizing what to track to overcome the disconnect between those who enter data and those who use it
  • Shifting focus based on the project phase to allow for flexibility in priorities
  • Anticipating future project needs to move beyond reactive management to proactive solutions

Enhancing Client Relations

2:10 pm Panel: Tailoring Project Controls to Meet Client-Specific Requirements to Drive Project Success Across Diverse Sectors

Synopsis

  • Ensuring that data entered is correct and complete to avoid inconsistencies
  • Collecting only the most relevant data and adapting processes to ensure alignment with evolving project needs
  • Adopting user-friendly technology solutions that automates data collection processes to save time

2:50 pm Case Study: Communicating How Owner Responsiveness Impacts Project Costs & Productivity to Imp

Synopsis

  • Identifying how delays in owner responsiveness to RFIs and design changes can disrupt workflows and increase costs
  • Using the “measured mile” method to quantify the impact of disruptions and demonstrate the true cost of delays
  • Communicating effectively the impacts of these disruptions to owners to enhance their cooperation 

3:00 pm Afternoon Refreshments

Maximizing Productivity

4:10 pm Balancing Speed, Training & ROI to Keep Up with Software Advancements

  • Megan Kelly Senior VDC Engineer, Gilbane Building Company
  • Kerri Estano Senior Engineer, Virtual Design & Construction, Gilbane Building Company

Synopsis

  • Transitioning to new software versions more quickly and efficiently to avoid delays in implementation
  • Managing the financial and operational challenges of staff training on new systems
  • Considering the benefits of new tools to justify the costs and efforts involved

4:50 pm Audience Discussion: Tracking Real-Time Labor Productivity for Improved Performance Monitoring

Synopsis

  • Providing tools that offer real-time tracking for when workers start and finish tasks
  • Managing potential risks such as system crashes or device issues
  • Ensuring seamless integration with project management systems for up-to-date reporting

5:30 pm Chair’s Closing Remarks