Hello, everyone.
This is Enta.
The other day, I watched a video on YouTube about a construction director.
After watching this video, the first thing I did was look up "Construction Director" lol
Well, I’d been hearing bits and pieces about it for a few years, so I had a general idea, but this is the first time I’ve really looked into it.
So, since I had a bunch of thoughts, I figured I'd write them down lol
I mean, both the good and the bad.
What exactly is a construction director, anyway?
It appears that the goal is to reduce the workload on engineers by utilizing digital tools and data organization.
Someone who can handle the general paperwork on-site, basically.
Benefits
Engineers“ ”Administrative Tasks" Are Reduced
Since directors can take on tasks such as document preparation, data entry, and electronic submission—that is, work other than “hands-on technical work”—engineers can focus on their core responsibilities.
This really helps reduce stress.
Increased Efficiency and Time Savings
Since digital tools help organize and process information, they reduce duplicate work and unnecessary waiting.
It also reduces the communication lag between the office and the field.
Developing Diverse Career Paths
Even for those who aren’t comfortable with on-site work or find it physically demanding, there are opportunities to thrive in the construction industry by leveraging their ICT and data-related skills.
It may be a good fit for women and young people as well.
Improving Flexibility in Work Arrangements
Since some aspects of ICT and administrative work can be done remotely, it is possible to combine office work with working from home.
This may help reduce attrition due to life events.
Focus on Quality, Safety, and the Passing Down of Technical Skills
If engineers can focus on their core technical skills, quality, and safety, the overall output of the site will increase.
Disadvantages and Drawbacks
Ambiguity and confusion stemming from this new field of work
"What to do and to what extent" varies from company to company.
The disconnect between expecting the director to go this far and finding out that wasn't the case.
The burden on the site representative who is in charge of preparing the documents is... (And since they aren't even on-site, does that mean a web conference every time?)
Cost of Acquiring ICT/Digital Skills
I have to learn how to use all kinds of tools, such as those for document and data processing, electronic submission, and 3D modeling.
The costs of implementing tools and providing training are also significant.
Systems vary considerably from company to company.
While the scope of responsibility is broad, there is a possibility that authority and compensation may not keep pace.
While the responsibility for document errors, missed deadlines, and incomplete data is significant, the workload only increases in workplaces where “decision-making authority,” “compensation,” and “evaluation” aren’t adequately established.
When I think about it, the site manager really has a lot of responsibility, lol.
Even if the construction director makes a mistake, it gets blamed on the site representative!
Conflicts with the Field / Communication Friction
I’m sure you hear things like, “Don’t butt in on that,” or “You don’t know what it’s like on the job,” from engineers and craftsmen quite often, don’t you?
Especially when I'm drawing blueprints or doing design work (do I actually do the design part too??)
It seems like there would be friction, especially with a director who has little on-set experience...
I suppose there’s a need to check out the actual site and get a feel for the atmosphere, right?
It’s pretty tough when your work is limited to just basic paperwork or just checking the quality of the finished product, isn’t it?
The Need for Tools and Infrastructure
This system is difficult to implement in organizations that lack ICT or data management systems, have outdated systems, or have inconsistent formats across different work sites.
Maintenance takes time and money.
Is this what you had in mind?
And there's also something called the Construction Directors Association—is it run by an IT company?
I was under the impression that a major general contractor or something like that was leading the project, but it seems to be run by a completely different company—one run by amateurs, perhaps?
What do you think of this, though?
I can't help but wonder, "Is this just another one of those government-affiliated agencies running a certification business?"
To get right to the point, it’s really tough to teach people about the field when you don’t know anything about it yourself, isn’t it?
When you think about it, it seems more efficient to give a raise to a capable office worker and have them handle it, doesn't it?
To begin with, with recent construction CALS-compliant systems, once you take as-built photos, the as-built control chart is automatically generated—so what’s left for us to do?
Is that how it works?
Maybe redrawing the blueprints?
Is that something an agent or representative can instruct someone to do?
As I think about all sorts of things, I end up wondering, "Just how far can I really go?"
That's what I end up thinking. I'm full of questions, lol.
In that case, should we drag out a retired site agent? (Forcing it a bit, lol)
That said, it seems like it might be difficult for now, but given the labor shortage, things are likely to get tough in the future if we don't keep at it.
I don't know what will happen from here on out, but I'll keep an eye on things.
Or maybe it would be a good idea to hire an outside contractor to serve as the construction director for the slope work!?
I'll provide the training, and the administrative staff will draw up the blueprints and post them on the bulletin board.
How about taking that on as a freelance gig? lol
Well, I guess this is the kind of era where even that can be a business, huh~
It's kind of like the old Construction CALS agency.
I suppose we'll end up doing it in-house eventually.
That construction director really gave me a lot to think about.
What do you all think?
By the way, even though I’ve only pointed out the downsides, I actually think we should keep doing more activities like this ^^
See you later.
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