Latest news with #Rampton
AU Financial Review
29-05-2025
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Investing in data strategy is key to unlocking AI in construction
With projects increasing in complexity and scale, companies are turning to digital platforms to consolidate their data, improve workflow management and make better decisions. But to reap the full benefits of AI, construction firms need more than just raw information - they need organised and accessible data that is seamlessly integrated into their daily operations. 'What we're doing now is using our learnings to add AI in a way that improves how our customers work, ensuring they have a robust data approach that underpins AI-driven decision-making,' says Skelton. The ability to quickly access accurate project information is critical. Many construction teams still spend excessive time searching for documentation instead of focusing on core tasks. Procore's industry transformation leader, Andy Rampton, says Procore research found that inefficiencies in data retrieval cost businesses valuable time. 'We surveyed over 1000 construction companies across all project types and stakeholders, and what we learned is that 18 per cent of their time was spent looking for documentation,' he says. 'That's almost a fifth of a working week that they effectively waste trying to find information.' Much of this information sits across multiple platforms, including communication tools, such as email, finance systems, design applications and construction management software, making retrieval cumbersome. 'On a typical project much of the information is spread across multiple applications that have traditionally been used in parallel with construction management tools, like Procore's own platform,' Rampton says. 'So what we try to do in our approach to delivering AI to construction is solve the problem of wasted time spent searching for documentation in those multiple systems.' Building a seamless data ecosystem The success of AI in construction depends on the ability to, as far as possible, standardise data across different projects and then consolidate it within a central platform. Procore's approach ensures that information is captured in an organised way from the outset, allowing AI to extract meaningful insights without the need for manual intervention. 'Because we are built on a single structured data platform, every piece of information entered into Procore is automatically configured in a way that allows AI to extract insights without needing to clean or reorganise the data,' says Rampton. Ensuring data is collected in a uniform manner also reduces errors and enhances collaboration across teams. Rampton says a key focus is making sure construction workers can easily input and access project information. 'We want to ensure that we can design a solution that allows construction workers to continue their work on-site or at head office without disrupting their process, making it easier for them to communicate, collaborate, and share data,' he says. AI in action - practical benefits on site While AI is often associated with futuristic applications, its real power in construction lies in practical, day-to-day efficiencies. 'As we're defining what the new world looks like for construction with the rapid acceleration of AI, we want to make sure that, first and foremost, it is practical, it is able to be used by our customers day in, day out,' says Rampton. This means embedding AI into workflows in a natural and intuitive way, avoiding unnecessary complexity, and helping customers define the questions that AI will address. Procore's AI tools are designed to surface critical information when and where it is needed, supporting accurate and efficient decision-making, without requiring workers to sift through vast amounts of data manually. 'We want to make sure that we can leverage AI to access key information on job sites, to surface information from various different data sources, and present that information in a way that saves time and helps deliver successful project outcomes,' Rampton says. The role of mobile-first technology One of the most significant shifts in construction technology is the move towards mobile-first solutions. Rather than relying on traditional office-based systems, workers can now input and retrieve data in real time using smartphones and tablets. 'Procore's mobile-first capabilities is one of the key ways the platform captures and uses data effectively. Workers on-site can use their devices to input and access data in real time,' says Skelton. This shift is helping bridge the gap between office teams and on-site workers, ensuring data flows freely between all stakeholders. 'The way the industry builds is changing. People on-site and in the office need a system that allows seamless data sharing between both, and with the extended supply chain,' Skelton says. By making AI-driven insights available on mobile devices, companies can make faster, more informed decisions without delays. 'Our mobile-first approach makes it easy for workers to capture data on-site, in real time, without slowing down their work or requiring additional tools or systems,' says Skelton. A sophisticated data strategy is no longer optional in construction - it is essential for maximising AI's potential and driving better project outcomes. Adrian Gilmore, contracts manager at Alchemy Construct, has seen firsthand how structured data can unlock AI-driven insights, transforming decision-making and efficiency on-site. 'AI is only as good as the data it's built on. A well-structured data strategy ensures that we're collecting, organising, and storing data in a way that AI can actually use. It's not just about having data; it's about having the right data and in the right format,' Gilmore says. 'This approach allows companies to move beyond reactive decision-making and instead use predictive analytics to anticipate challenges, optimise resource allocation, and improve project performance.' Having a unified data strategy is particularly crucial in construction, where multiple stakeholders generate their own data. Gilmore says breaking down silos and making insights accessible to all parties is a game-changer. 'A comprehensive data strategy fosters a culture of data-driven decision-making. AI can integrate diverse data streams, providing a complete view of project status and performance,' says Gilmour. Procore's data management framework has been instrumental in enabling Alchemy Construct to leverage AI-driven insights. 'Procore consolidates all our project data - drawings, budgets, quality reports, and more - into one platform,' says Gilmour. 'This centralisation is critical for AI because it eliminates the need to chase down data from isolated systems or spreadsheets. With Procore, we can feed clean, standardised data into analytic tools, which then deliver insights we can trust.' Despite the benefits of AI and data analytics, Gilmore acknowledges the industry's challenges in standardising and integrating data. 'One of the biggest hurdles we faced was getting everyone using the platform. Subcontractors, for example, often have their own ways of tracking data, and integrating that into a centralised system can be a challenge.' Alchemy Construct has tackled these challenges by focusing on training and change management. 'We've worked hard to create a culture where data is seen as an asset, not a burden,' says Gilmour. Looking ahead, Gilmore is excited about AI's potential to automate decision-making in construction. 'AI agents are a game-changer. These systems don't just provide insights but take action on your behalf - whether it's adjusting schedules, ordering material, or flagging safety risks,' says Gilmour. 'This level of automation will make how we manage projects significantly more efficient, freeing up time for strategic decision-making.' AI's integration into design, estimating, and procurement is another development Gilmore is closely watching. 'Once fully integrated with AI, these areas will vastly improve the accuracy and efficiency of the construction lifecycle. We'll see fewer delays and more stable project costs,' says Gilmour. 'Right now, these aspects require significant manual input, which naturally leads to human error under tight deadlines. The old saying still holds true - time is money - and AI will help us save both.' Emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) will also have a major impact, Gilmore says. 'AR allows workers to visualise project plans in real time on-site, minimising errors and clashes. That means cost savings and fewer delays. The potential is enormous,' says Gilmour Gilmore believes that companies investing in data strategies and AI today will have a significant competitive advantage in the future. 'The construction sector has been slow to adopt technology, but the tide is turning,' he says. 'Companies that invest in data strategies and AI now will be ahead of the game. It's not about replacing people; it's about empowering them with the tools to do their jobs better. 'At Alchemy, we've seen firsthand how adopting technology improves our everyday tasks, and I encourage others to take the leap.'
Associated Press
11-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Galorath Appoints David Rampton as Director of AI-Driven Cost Engineering and Analysis to Support AI Platform Deployment
Strategic Supply Chain and Manufacturing Visionary Brings Aerospace and Defense Industry Expertise Along with Deep SEER-SEM™ Experience LONG BEACH, Calif., March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Galorath, the premier provider of digital engineering solutions and consulting services for project estimation, planning, and should-cost analysis, today announced David Rampton is rejoining its team as Director of AI-Driven Cost Engineering and Analysis. As a strategic supply chain and manufacturing leader with extensive experience in SEER® for Software (SEER-SEM™), Rampton returns to Galorath to lead its AI platform deployment and consulting engagement to ensure alignment between client's technical and business goals. Rampton previously supported Galorath as a manufacturing expert, contributing to initiatives like the SEER-MFG™ Additive Manufacturing cost models. With his previous SEER experience and proven success in developing and implementing supply chain solutions, as well as driving the adoption of advanced software tools across aerospace and defense industries, Rampton will be essential in the deployment of Galorath's industry-first artificial intelligence SEERai™, aligning consulting and AI development teams, and ensuring positive customer experiences for long-term success. 'Client support for AI strategy and implementation will be crucial to the success of both the SEERai ecosystem and our customers' experience with AI,' said Matt McDonald, Chief Service Officer at Galorath. 'David's expertise in supply chain, manufacturing, and Galorath's SEER suite will be critical in the short- and long-term integration of SEERai as the team focuses on delivering measurable improvements through strategic AI implementations.' For the last 15 years, Rampton has focused on optimizing supply chain management for aerospace and defense manufacturers. Before returning to Galorath, Rampton led supply chain solutions for Provenance Chain® Network (PCN) in Portland, expanding its presence in the defense sector and securing multiple U.S. Space Force contracts. Prior to PCN, he worked for Raytheon as supply chain manager and later launched his own consulting firm, which provided technical and operational consulting services for manufacturing, supply chain management, and software development. 'Combining decades of proprietary data with cutting-edge AI, SEERai is well positioned to transform how Galorath customers approach cost, schedule, project planning, and risk analysis,' said Rampton. 'Ensuring the right training, resources, and support are in place is crucial for successfully integrating and maximizing SEERai's potential while also tailoring it to each customer's needs and strategic objectives, and I'm excited to lead this initiative.' About SEER® and SEERai Galorath's flagship product, SEER ®, offers unparalleled capabilities in project cost forecasting, risk mitigation, and actionable insights, making it the go-to platform for project cost planning for hardware and software development, systems engineering, aerospace, and manufacturing companies. SEERai stands distinct as a first-of-its-kind generative AI for digital engineering support. Combining its connection with the knowledge bases of SEER, along with secure, isolated integration of an organization's backend systems, processes, databases, and projects, SEERai allows cost and project estimation professionals to use natural language to instantly generate actionable information and data for project and cost estimation, from Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) to project and cost estimation guidance and much more. For more information, visit About Galorath Incorporated Leveraging four decades of in-market experience and success, Galorath transforms cost, scheduling, should-cost analysis, and project estimation, optimizing outcomes and achieving unparalleled efficiencies for public and private sector organizations worldwide. SEER®, Galorath's flagship digital engineering platform, is trusted by industry giants like Accenture, NASA, Boeing, the U.S. Department of Defense, and BAE Systems (EU). SEER® accelerates time to market, dramatically enhances project predictability and visibility, and ensures project costs are on track and on budget. For more information, visit All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
