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Unlike firms that handle only part of a technology initiative, Wipfli offers holistic technology consulting services, from planning and infrastructure design to cloud applications, enterprise integration and AI. We’re ready to help you go beyond implementation to use technology to increase efficiency and insights, reduce costs and sustain success.
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Construction technology ROI: Maximizing your investments
Construction companies are facing a challenge: How do they justify and measure their technology spends return on investment (ROI)? For an industry that has faced numerous challenges, such as labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, technology helps firms adapt to these challenges by improving efficiency and enabling new business models. The benefits of digital transformation are clear, but firms often struggle to quantify the impact of their tech investments. This hesitation can put them at a competitive disadvantage. With the right approach, though, even modest technology budgets can make an impact. Forward-thinking construction firms recognize that strategic technology investments can drive efficiency, improve project outcomes and ultimately increase profits. The key is to understand how to measure and maximize the ROI of these investments. What is construction technology ROI Construction technology ROI measures the financial and operational return a firm gains from its technology investments relative to the costs of acquiring, implementing and maintaining them. In construction, a “return” is not limited to direct revenue. It also encompasses reduced expenses, time savings, risk mitigation and improved project outcomes. Unlike a simple profit calculation, technology ROI accounts for both tangible gains, such as reduced labor hours or fewer change orders, and intangible gains, such as improved client satisfaction or stronger data visibility. Understanding ROI gives decision-makers a structured way to evaluate whether a technology investment is delivering value and where future spending should be directed. How to measure the ROI of construction technology To measure the ROI of their technology investments, construction companies need to identify the most important KPIs before adopting new tech. Measuring construction ROI helps justify spending and guides future decisions. Construction companies should focus on these key areas: Cost savings The most straightforward way to measure ROI is by calculating the cost savings achieved through technology investments. This can include reductions in labor costs, material waste and project delays. Productivity gains Mobile apps and cloud-based tools allow for real-time data collection and sharing , reducing delays and improving decision-making. To measure productivity gains, compare the time taken to complete tasks or the number of projects completed in a given time frame before and after implementing new technology. Revenue growth Digital tools that improve bid accuracy or allow a firm to take on more complex projects can win more contracts and lead to higher-value work. Track your bid win rate and the average value of contracts before and after implementing new technology to gauge this impact. Quality improvements Tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems can catch design flaws early, preventing expensive rework down the line. Monitor metrics like the number of change orders, rework instances and client feedback to assess quality improvements. Safety enhancements Wearable devices, sensors and AI-powered analysis can significantly improve job site safety. The ROI here comes in the form of reduced accidents, lower insurance premiums and less downtime due to safety incidents. Track incident rates, insurance costs and lost time due to accidents to quantify these improvements. Customer satisfaction Satisfied customers are more likely to return for future projects and refer your company to others. Surveys and feedback forms can help quantify customer satisfaction levels. Data-driven decision-making Access to real-time data and analytics can lead to better project management and resource allocation. By tracking metrics in these categories, construction firms can gain a comprehensive view of their ROI. For instance, cost savings might be reflected in reduced labor hours or decreased material waste. Productivity gains could be measured by comparing project completion times before and after implementing new tools. Revenue growth may be evident in an increased bid win rate or higher-value contracts secured. The construction industry technology spending standard can vary widely depending on company size, project scope and specific technology needs. However, construction companies typically allocate a percentage — around 1% to 5% — of their annual revenue to technology investments. Spending usually covers project management software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and other digital tools. How to calculate construction technology ROI The standard formula for calculating ROI on a technology investment is: ROI (%) = [(net benefit − total investment cost) ÷ total investment cost] × 100 In this equation: Net benefit = the total value generated by the technology (cost savings + productivity gains + revenue increases + risk reduction) Total investment cost = all costs associated with the technology, including software licensing, implementation, training and ongoing maintenance A positive ROI indicates the technology is generating more value than it costs. A negative ROI signals that the investment has not yet paid off, though some technology investments, particularly large platform implementations, may take more than a year to reach a positive return. Here’s an example A contractor invests $50,000 in a cloud-based project management platform. After 12 months of use, the firm documents the following measurable outcomes: Benefit Value Reduced rework costs (fewer change orders) $30,000 Labor hours recovered through automated reporting $15,000 New contract value from improved bid accuracy $20,000 Total net benefit $65,000 The formula gives us the following result: ROI = [($65,000 − $50,000) ÷ $50,000] × 100 = 30% This means for every dollar invested, the firm returned $1.30 in measurable value within a single year. While not every benefit will be this straightforward to quantify, even partial measurement gives leadership a defensible basis for technology decision-making. How to maximize the ROI of construction technology Construction companies with limited budgets can still make impactful technology investments. Consider the following strategies: Prioritize essential tools: Focus on technology that addresses critical needs first. Project management software, CRM systems and accounting software provide the most immediate benefits. Embrace cloud solutions: Cloud-based software typically offers lower upfront costs than on-premises solutions and can be scaled as the company grows. Invest in training: Ensure your team can effectively use new tools. Proper training maximizes ROI by helping ensure tools are used effectively. Outsource IT services: This can be more cost-effective than hiring full-time IT staff and can provide access to expertise that might otherwise be out of reach. Seek vendor discounts: Some technology vendors offer discounts for industry-specific solutions. Plan for incremental upgrades: Rather than overhauling all systems at once, plan for incremental upgrades. This approach spreads costs over time and gradually improves your technology infrastructure. Monitor and evaluate: Regularly monitor the performance of your technology investments and evaluate their impact on your operations. This ongoing evaluation helps inform future decisions and ensures you are getting the best return on your tech spending. Even modest technology investments can yield significant benefits in efficiency, productivity and profitability. By carefully selecting and implementing the right tools, small firms can position themselves for growth and success. State of technology in construction report How are other construction firms utilizing technology? To get answers, Wipfli surveyed 308 construction and real estate executives to understand their technology progress, pain points and strategic priorities. Download our 2026 state of technology in the construction industry report to gain insights from other construction leaders. Read more The AI data center construction trends shaping the next decade Data lakehouses: The key to scalable AI in construction AI Agents in construction: The new path to operational efficiency
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Does your business need a fractional chief AI officer?
Within mid-market firms, there’s been much talk about AI as a potential pathway to increased productivity and more effective use of resources. But while many businesses have begun exploring AI tools, one study found that 95% of companies that implemented generative AI pilots said those pilots failed to generate growth . What’s causing this disconnect? Too often, businesses don’t have a real AI strategy to guide where and how they implement AI, which means that AI is often introduced haphazardly and without the focus needed to drive results . What is a fractional chief AI officer? A fractional chief AI officer (CAIO) is an executive-level AI leader who works with an organization on a part-time, interim or flexible basis to help develop and execute its AI strategy. Unlike a full-time chief AI officer, a fractional CAIO provides strategic leadership and hands-on guidance without the cost and long-term commitment of a permanent executive hire. A fractional CAIO helps organizations move beyond AI experimentation by aligning AI initiatives with business goals, identifying high-value use cases, establishing governance frameworks and guiding implementation. The role is especially valuable for organizations that need experienced AI leadership but lack the budget, internal expertise or immediate need for a full-time executive. Roles and responsibilities of a fractional chief AI officer A fractional chief AI officer serves as both a strategic advisor and an execution partner, helping organizations adopt AI responsibly and effectively. Key responsibilities typically include: Developing an AI strategy and roadmap aligned with business objectives, operational priorities and growth goals. Identifying and prioritizing AI use cases that offer the greatest potential for efficiency, innovation and return on investment. Assessing AI readiness across people, processes, data and technology to identify gaps and opportunities. Establishing AI governance and policies to support responsible, secure and compliant AI adoption. Guiding AI implementation and adoption , including technology selection, pilot programs and scaling successful initiatives. Building AI literacy and organizational capability through leadership coaching, employee education and change management. Measuring performance and business impact to ensure AI investments deliver meaningful outcomes and ongoing value. By combining strategic oversight with practical execution support, a fractional chief AI officer helps organizations accelerate AI adoption, reduce risk and create a clear path from AI experimentation to measurable business results. Who needs a fractional chief AI officer A fractional chief AI officer (CAIO) is ideal for organizations that want to capitalize on AI opportunities but do not yet need, or cannot justify, a full-time executive dedicated to AI strategy and governance. This model gives businesses access to experienced AI leadership at a fraction of the cost of a permanent C-suite hire while providing the strategic guidance needed to move from experimentation to measurable business outcomes. Fractional CAIO services are particularly valuable for mid-market organizations, growing companies and mission-driven organizations that need executive-level expertise to develop an AI roadmap, establish governance, prioritize investments and oversee adoption efforts. They can also benefit organizations facing limited internal AI expertise, unclear ownership of AI initiatives or pressure to implement AI without a clear strategy. Several industries can realize significant value from fractional AI leadership: Construction firms can use this to better allow the back office to organize field data and field employees to understand back office financial data. Manufacturing organizations can leverage AI for production optimization, predictive maintenance, supply chain visibility and operational efficiency improvements. Healthcare providers and healthcare-related organizations can benefit from AI-enabled insights, workflow automation, data management and operational modernization initiatives. Higher education institutions can apply AI to student engagement, administrative efficiency, academic support and institutional decision-making. Nonprofit organizations can use AI to strengthen fundraising, donor engagement, reporting, program delivery and resource allocation while maintaining responsible governance practices. Financial services and other data-intensive organizations can benefit from improved analytics, automation, governance and AI-driven decision support. Organizations typically gain the most value from a fractional CAIO when they are ready to move beyond isolated AI experiments and need strategic leadership to align AI investments with business goals, establish responsible governance and create a scalable foundation for long-term success. Comparison of fractional CAIO vs. a full-time CAIO vs. an AI consultant Fractional CAIO Full-time CAIO AI consultant Best fit Organizations that need executive-level AI leadership but do not need a permanent C-suite role. Large or highly complex organizations with enough AI activity to justify a dedicated executive. Organizations that need help with a specific AI project, assessment or implementation need. Business scale Often ideal for mid-market companies, growing businesses and organizations building AI maturity. Best suited for enterprise-scale companies with broad AI teams, multiple business units and ongoing AI transformation needs. Can support businesses of many sizes, especially when the scope is narrow or project-based. Primary focus Aligns AI strategy, governance, use cases and adoption with business goals. Owns enterprise AI strategy, investment decisions, teams, governance and long-term transformation. Provides specialized expertise around a defined AI challenge, technology or implementation project. Engagement model Part-time, interim or flexible leadership role embedded enough to guide strategy and accountability. Permanent executive position with day-to-day ownership of AI strategy and execution. Limited-term advisory or project support, usually tied to specific deliverables. Key advantage Provides strategic AI leadership with more flexibility and lower cost than a full-time executive. Offers continuous leadership and deep organizational accountability for AI transformation. Brings targeted expertise quickly when the business needs support in a specific area. Potential limitation May not be necessary if the organization has very limited AI activity or needs only one narrow technical project. Can be costly and may exceed the needs of organizations still building their AI foundation. May not provide the ongoing executive ownership needed to drive firmwide AI strategy and adoption. When should your business consider hiring a fractional chief AI officer? A fractional chief AI officer can help when your organization is investing in AI but lacks the strategic leadership to turn that investment into measurable business value . Here are signs you may need fractional AI leadership: Low ROI on AI investments: You’ve invested in AI tools, but they aren’t improving performance because they aren’t connected to a clear, organization-wide strategy. Poor-quality AI insights: Your AI-powered analytics produce inconsistent results, potentially because you lack a unified data strategy and reliable, high-quality data. Unfocused AI initiatives: You’re adopting AI to keep pace with competitors rather than identifying specific business problems it can solve. Low employee adoption: Your team is expected to use AI without the skills, training or guidance needed to integrate it effectively into their work. A fractional chief AI officer can help align your technology, data and workforce around a practical AI strategy without the commitment of hiring a full-time executive. Benefits of hiring a fractional chief AI officer For large firms, hiring a full-time CAIO makes sense, as there will be more than enough work to justify adding the position. But many middle-market businesses will find that hiring a fractional CAIO hits a sweet spot from a cost-benefit perspective. Here’s what a fractional CAIO can bring to the table: 1. Strategic leadership The overarching responsibility of a fractional CAIO is to help your business use AI to drive results. From a strategic leadership perspective, a CAIO can set specific goals and create a roadmap to help your business achieve them. Your CAIO can also drill down into specific AI tools that will actually provide value, helping you avoid costly mistakes, and play a major role in communicating your AI goals and creating buy-in within your team. 2. Problem-solving focus AI works best when it’s used to solve specific problems that your organization needs to overcome. A fractional CAIO can help not just identify those problems, but also prescribe which AI tools make the most sense for solving them. This kind of problem and solution focus can help make your AI efforts much more successful. You’ll also have the insight to concentrate your investments on where they will create the largest impact. 3. Governance and collaboration Your AI strategy needs buy-in and collaboration from across your business. Your CAIO can create governance structures like an AI oversight committee to lead AI implementation and raise awareness among stakeholders. Plus, this sort of process will help an outsourced CAIO, who doesn’t work in your business full-time, collaborate more effectively with team members who do and ensure that you integrate AI into your core workflows. 4. Innovation culture AI won’t do much for your business if your team doesn’t embrace it . To really make the most of AI, you need to foster a culture of innovation where your whole team, not just your C-suite, is encouraged to talk about problems and explore new solutions. Your CAIO can help lead this innovation culture by establishing lines of communication, empowering change champions to experiment with AI at lower levels of your organization and identifying specific KPIs to help your team assess AI’s impact on their work. How a fractional CAIO builds an AI roadmap A fractional CAIO helps turn AI ambition into a practical roadmap your organization can execute. Rather than starting with tools, the roadmap begins with business priorities: Where can AI improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making, reduce risk or create new value? From there, the CAIO helps leaders identify the highest-value use cases, assess data and technology readiness, and sequence initiatives so AI investments support measurable goals. A strong fractional AI roadmap typically includes four connected workstreams: AI strategy: Define the business problems AI should solve, prioritize use cases by value and feasibility and align AI investments with growth, margin, productivity and risk-management goals. AI implementation: Move priority use cases from concept to pilot to scale, including tool selection, vendor evaluation, workflow design, integration planning and performance measurement. AI governance: Establish the policies, oversight structures, data controls and decision rights needed to support secure, ethical and compliant AI adoption. AI adoption: Build employee confidence through training, change management, leadership communication and clear guidance on how AI should be used in day-to-day work. By connecting strategy, implementation, governance and adoption, a fractional CAIO helps organizations avoid scattered experimentation and build a disciplined path for scaling AI responsibly. The costs of not having an organization-wide AI strategy In an era of economic uncertainty, mid-market firms often think twice before investing in new hires, even fractional ones. But consider that the expense of onboarding a chief AI officer may be significantly lower than the cost of not filling the position. If you don’t have a firmwide AI strategy led by someone who understands how to implement AI technology inside a business, you’re almost certainly going to waste money on AI solutions that don’t pan out. When you do find the right AI tools, you’ll struggle to use them effectively. And you’ll likely lack the strong data foundation you need to generate high-quality AI outputs. Without an organization-wide AI strategy, businesses may face costs such as: Wasted spend on disconnected AI tools: Without a clear strategy, firms may invest in platforms or pilots that do not solve meaningful business problems or deliver measurable ROI. Lower return on the tools that do work: Even successful AI solutions can fall short if employees do not have the processes, training or leadership guidance needed to use them effectively. Poor-quality AI outputs: AI depends on reliable data. Without a strong data foundation, organizations risk inconsistent insights, inaccurate recommendations and limited trust in AI-enabled decisions. Costly rework and course correction: It is often harder and more expensive to unwind poorly planned AI initiatives than to build the right strategy, governance and implementation roadmap from the start. Change fatigue across the organization: Pushing new AI tools without a clear purpose or roadmap can frustrate teams, slow adoption and make future transformation efforts harder. Leadership hesitation around AI: When early AI efforts disappoint, leaders may become reluctant to make future investments, even when stronger opportunities emerge. In other words, inaction on AI leadership and strategy is expensive. It’s harder and more costly to undo your mistakes around AI than it is to get it right the first time, and you’ll also begin to struggle with change fatigue or leadership hesitation if you continue to push AI tech on your organization without a clear roadmap for doing so. Read more AI checklist: Scaling AI in the mid-market What misaligned data is really costing you Surfing the AI tsunami: Scaling AI in the mid-market
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AI for Tribes: Managing risk and maximizing impact
Explore AI for tribes, including practical use and automations, future opportunities and strategies to manage risk while protecting tribal data and culture.
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Technology consulting FAQ
Technology consulting services help organizations use technology to change how they operate and stay competitive. In addition to helping you select and implement new solutions, technology consulting focuses on helping you develop a digital strategy and manage change in your organization so that your people can adapt to new tools and processes successfully.
Wipfli’s digital transformation framework is tailored to each client; however, we always keep our support rooted in your organization’s specific needs.
Our approach includes:
- A deeper understanding of your organization: We focus first on understanding how you operate, including critical processes and strategic direction, so that your IT vision is aligned with organizational priorities. We then provide technology initiative assessments and readiness benchmarking to help you understand your current state and create an actionable roadmap for advancement.
- A focus on value: At Wipfli, we know technology initiatives are about more than just updating your tech stack. Our services focus on measurable results, with comprehensive support that not only helps you select and adopt systems but also ties them to real outcomes.
- Strategic advisory: We work alongside your teams in an advisory relationship, leveraging human-centered design and incorporating organizational strategy to keep investments aligned with future goals and processes. We also embrace continuous improvement, helping you maintain your environment, optimize solutions and scale systems to match organization growth.
- Holistic support: Every innovation brings new processes, new ways for employees to approach their roles and a new strategic direction for your organization. Wipfli helps you master the operational side of technology adoption, addressing not just technical implementation but also the workforce, cultural and strategic impacts of your solutions. From change management to training and education, we help ensure your people have the support they need to use technology effectively.
How digital transformation will impact your existing tech stack depends on your current IT maturity, as well as the solutions you want to implement.
Wipfli can help you determine an effective way to see faster impact while working with your current state. We also guide you in prioritizing projects, so you adopt new technology in the right sequence to support your organization’s planned growth.
Our approach helps ensure that every step is intentional and supports long-term value.
The level of investment you need to make in new technology depends on where your organization is in its digital journey. From reimagining AI as a strategic differentiator to embracing smarter staffing models and unified data strategies, today’s technology trends are pushing organizations to make more intentional, insight-driven decisions.
Wipfli’s digital technology consulting applies our experience with a wide range of sectors to help you understand the right investments for your industry and organization. Our digital strategy consulting assesses your current IT capabilities and defines a clear roadmap for how technology can support your organization’s long-term goals — helping you adapt even as innovation and AI accelerate.
Adopting new digital solutions begins with understanding your industry benchmarks and your organization’s unique needs.
With extensive experience across a wide range of industries, Wipfli can help you understand what digital investments look like at an industry level, so you know if your organization is advancing at a competitive pace. We then apply that insight to evaluate technology adoption through the lens of your operational objectives and organizational context. The outcome is a targeted, data-driven strategy that aligns the right technologies with your organization’s unique goals and challenges.
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