In this episode, I talk with Eric Helitzer, LEED AP, founder and CEO of SubBase, about the significant challenges in civil engineering procurement, the game-changing impact of centralized systems and automation, and how cutting-edge tools are seamlessly revolutionizing operations.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Eric:
- What are the primary challenges that contractors and distributors encounter in managing procurement workflows, and why is it crucial to address these inefficiencies in civil engineering?
- When did you first realize the severity of these issues in procurement management, and what motivated you to take action?
- Considering the benefits of centralizing procurement, how do lead times and vendor schedules contribute to the efficiency of this process?
- Can you provide specific examples of how enhancing material procurement efficiency has streamlined your projects?
- How is technology transforming procurement operations in civil engineering?
- Aside from AI, what other technological trends or advancements do you see shaping the future of material procurement in civil engineering?
- How can civil engineers ensure that their procurement processes adapt to evolving project needs and technologies?
- What final piece of advice would you offer to civil engineers and construction professionals aiming to use technology to optimize their operations and remain competitive?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About High-Tech Tools That Deliver Powerful Results for Civil Engineering Procurement:
- Contractors and distributors encounter significant challenges in managing procurement workflows due to the complexity of handling diverse material requests and varied distributor offerings. Streamlined data management and efficient organization are essential for the success of civil engineering projects, as delays can lead to substantial financial impacts.
- The realization of the severity of procurement issues often arrives with experiences using digital platforms like Procore, which illustrate the substantial benefits of digitizing traditional workflows, reducing reliance on physical documents, and enhancing overall project efficiency.
- Centralizing procurement enhances efficiency and proactivity by allowing real-time tracking and better decision-making. The critical nature of lead times and vendor schedules ensures that all materials meet project requirements in a timely manner, thus reducing delays and errors and significantly contributing to project success.
- Enhanced material procurement efficiency is clearly demonstrated by centralized hubs that facilitate the aggregation of requests and management of materials. This organization ensures timely procurement and reduces manual errors, streamlining project execution and minimizing delays.
- Technology, especially artificial intelligence, is transforming procurement in civil engineering by automating operations and minimizing manual tasks. This advancement leads to faster and more accurate material ordering and tracking, greatly improving project efficiency.
- Beyond artificial intelligence, the digitization of construction interfaces is revolutionizing material procurement by creating more user-friendly platforms tailored to specific trades. This trend is vital for boosting adoption rates and simplifying procurement processes, thereby enhancing overall project management efficiency.
- Civil engineers ensure their procurement processes remain adaptable by conducting thorough geotechnical assessments and proactive site evaluations. These practices anticipate and mitigate potential complications, ensuring that procurement strategies align with evolving project needs and technologies.
- Field experience is invaluable; it enhances engineers’ practical understanding of construction, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge more effectively. Young engineers are encouraged to engage directly on-site to gain a deeper understanding of project intricacies and leverage technology to optimize operations and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
More Details in This Episode…
About Eric Helitzer, LEED AP
Eric Helitzer is a visionary entrepreneur and accomplished leader in the construction industry with a legacy as a third-generation builder. An alumnus of the University of Florida’s Rinker School of Building Construction, Eric is a proud “double Gator,” combining a deep foundation in building construction with a passion for innovation.
Early in his career, Eric gained invaluable experience working on high-profile projects across South Florida with Baker Concrete. These projects sharpened his expertise in construction operations and project management. In 2014, he joined GRYCON as a senior project manager, where he contributed to the company’s success at the executive level while driving technological advancements as the leader of the technology committee.
With over $250 million in construction operations under his belt and a portfolio that includes some of South Florida’s most iconic buildings, Eric has made a transformative impact on the industry. As the founder and CEO of SubBase, Eric is revolutionizing material procurement for specialty contractors and material distributors. SubBase streamlines workflows with powerful tools that connect the field, office, and vendors, creating unprecedented efficiency and reconciling tens of millions of dollars in invoices within months.
Through Eric’s leadership, SubBase has become a trusted solution in the construction industry, bridging the gap between technology and construction to empower professionals with innovative procurement solutions.
About the Host: K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E., is a licensed professional engineer and an associate vice president at Verdantas, an emerging environmental, engineering, and technical consulting company with a green, sustainable, and people-first approach in the foreground. James has over 17 years of experience in civil engineering in land development and municipal fields. Land development services include the design of subdivisions and site plans for compliance with local codes and ordinances, civil/site engineering, stormwater management, road design, and utility design. James has served as a project manager since 2018. In 2021, James was recognized with the Outstanding Project Manager Award at Duffield Associates (now Verdantas) for outstanding performance as a project manager and his consistent display of leadership traits valued by the company, including scheduling, management, proactive communication, collaboration, responsiveness, and client-focused service.
James was selected as the 2021 Young Engineer of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Delaware Section and served as the President of the Delaware Engineering Society and the New Professionals Director on the NSPE Board of Directors from 2021-2023
Sources/References:
SubBase
Procore
Connect with Eric Helitzer, LEED AP, on LinkedIn
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on high-tech tools that deliver powerful results for civil engineering procurement
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