Technology has transformed construction in the past decade. Building Information Modeling (BIM), construction management software, drones, wearables, and project controls platforms have created new capabilities and new management requirements. For construction CEOs, technology presents an interesting delegation challenge: it is too important to ignore and too technical to personally manage.
Building an effective technology and BIM delegation system allows construction companies to leverage technology’s full potential without requiring the CEO to be the technology leader.
The Construction Technology Landscape
Construction technology includes:
- BIM and 3D modeling (Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, Trimble)
- Project management platforms (Procore, Autodesk Build, PlanGrid)
- Estimating software (ProEst, Sage Estimating, Accubid)
- Scheduling platforms (Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, ALICE Technologies)
- Financial management systems (Sage 300, Viewpoint, CMiC)
- Field reporting and documentation tools (Raken, Fieldwire, Plangrid)
- Drone and aerial imaging
- Reality capture (laser scanning, point clouds)
- Prefabrication and modular coordination technology
- Wearables and safety technology (hard hat sensors, proximity alerts)
Each of these technology areas requires someone with specific expertise to implement, manage, and train the team.
The Technology Delegation Structure
- CTO or VP of Technology (at larger firms): owns the overall technology strategy and digital transformation roadmap
- BIM Manager: owns BIM standards, model management, clash detection, and BIM execution planning for projects
- IT Manager: owns hardware, software licensing, network, cybersecurity, and technical support
- Technology Champions (department-level): support adoption of specific platforms within their departments
- Project BIM Coordinators: implement BIM requirements on individual projects
- CEO: sets the technology investment strategy, approves major technology investments, champions innovation culture
The CEO does not manage software licenses or run BIM coordination meetings.
What to Delegate in BIM and Technology
BIM Execution Planning
BIM Execution Plans (BEPs) for each project should be developed by the BIM Manager in collaboration with the PM, following the company’s BIM standards and the project-specific owner requirements. CEOs do not develop BEPs.
Clash Detection and Coordination
The weekly or bi-weekly clash detection and model coordination process should be managed by the BIM Coordinator or BIM Manager. This is technical work that happens at the project level.
Software Implementation
Implementing a new construction technology platform (configuring Procore, setting up Sage, deploying a scheduling system) is an IT and technology champion function, with input from the relevant department heads. The CEO approves the investment; the team manages implementation.
Technology Training
Training the team on construction technology platforms is a technology champion, IT, or vendor-supported function. CEOs participate in training for tools they personally use; they do not train others.
IT Infrastructure Management
Network management, hardware deployment, software licensing, and technical support are IT department functions. These never reach the CEO’s desk in a well-organized company.
Drone Program Management
If the company uses drones for site photography and progress tracking, managing the drone program (FAA compliance, equipment maintenance, flight scheduling, data management) is a technology department or safety function.
What CEOs Should Keep
Technology Investment Strategy
Deciding which technology investments to make, how much to invest in digital transformation, and which platforms to adopt company-wide are strategic CEO decisions. These are resource allocation decisions with significant organizational implications.
Technology Culture Leadership
CEOs who embrace technology, use mobile project management tools, and talk about innovation create organizations that are more receptive to technology adoption. The CEO’s personal relationship with technology sets the cultural tone.
Major Platform Decisions
Choosing a company-wide ERP, selecting the primary project management platform, or making a significant investment in BIM capability are strategic decisions that belong with the CEO. These choices affect the entire organization.
Innovation Agenda
Deciding to pilot emerging technologies (AI-assisted project management, digital twins, augmented reality in construction), pursuing industry innovation leadership, or partnering with technology providers on development are CEO-level strategic decisions.
Building the Technology Delegation System
Hire a BIM Manager or Technology Leader
The most important step in technology delegation is having a designated technology leader. For companies doing significant BIM work, a dedicated BIM Manager is essential. For broader digital transformation, a VP of Technology or CTO may be appropriate.
Develop a Technology Roadmap
Create a 3-year technology roadmap: which platforms will be implemented when, what capabilities will be built, what the investment profile looks like. This roadmap is the CEO’s strategic technology vision, translated into an implementation plan that the technology team executes.
Standardize the Technology Stack
Technology adoption is inconsistent when each PM uses different tools. Standardize the company’s core technology stack and enforce adoption. When everyone uses the same platforms, data is comparable and training is consistent.
Create Technology Champions in Each Department
Identify and develop technology champions in each functional area: a PM who is the Procore champion, an estimator who owns the estimating platform, a superintendent who is the field app champion. These people support adoption and are the first line of support for their peers.
Track Technology ROI
Measure the impact of technology investments: BIM coordination hours versus field change order cost, drone inspection time versus manual walk time, platform adoption rates versus reporting quality. When technology ROI is visible, investment decisions become more strategic.
For more on construction-wide delegation strategies, see construction CEO delegation and the construction delegation guide.
Conclusion
BIM and technology delegation requires a qualified technology leader, a strategic technology roadmap, standardized platform adoption, and CEO leadership of the innovation culture. When this system is in place, the construction company leverages technology effectively across all projects, driving better outcomes and competitive advantage, without the CEO personally managing technical implementations or BIM coordination meetings.
Related Reading
For further context, explore Delegation Guide for Affordable Housing Nonprofit CEOs and Delegation Guide for Automotive CEO: Brand Management.