As winter fades and temperatures rise, the construction industry springs to life. Contract locators across the country face increased demand as infrastructure and development projects surge. Preparing your operations now is essential to staying competitive and maintaining safety and efficiency during this busy season.
The Associated General Contractors of America’s (AGC) Underground Damage Prevention Survey offers valuable insights into the challenges affecting the 811 system. Among its findings, response delays remain a significant concern, with telecom companies contributing to 49% of these delays, compared to 24% attributed to water utilities.
According to the latest DIRT (Damage Information Reporting Tool) report from the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), excavators face a coin-flip—50-50 odds—of being able to legally start their work on time due to untimely utility locates. These delays not only disrupt project timelines but also create a domino effect of inefficiencies across multiple industries.
The utility industry has long grappled with the complexities of damage prevention. As construction projects multiply and infrastructure ages, the risks have only escalated. But for professionals in the damage prevention space, these challenges are nothing new.
Accurate utility mapping is non-negotiable — it’s the backbone of infrastructure planning and maintenance. Things are no different in the telecommunications industry. Proper utility mapping and damage prevention efforts are becoming more important each year. The slightest inaccuracy can disrupt entire networks, leading to service outages, costly repairs, and customer dissatisfaction. According to a report by the Common Ground Alliance, there were approximately 532,000 excavation-related damages to underground facilities in 2022 in the U.S., with a large portion attributable to inaccurate or incomplete mapping of utilities. Precise mapping isn’t just best practice—it’s an absolute necessity.
As in any industry, effective communication within municipal damage prevention is essential for productive and efficient processes. With so many moving parts and stakeholders involved, from asset owners to locators, excavators, and contractors, getting everyone on the same page can be a real challenge. But as we all know, the better the communication, the better the outcomes. Let’s explore some key strategies that can help municipalities optimize communication and keep their projects running smoothly.
KorTerra, a leading provider of innovative damage prevention software, is pleased to announce the promotion of Natalie Boehne to the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Written by: Jim Plasynski, Chief Revenue Officer, KorTerra
In the dynamic landscape of underground utility operations, where precision and safety are paramount, the difference between success and setbacks often lies in the ability to make informed decisions. With the advent of advanced technologies and the expanding importance of data, underground utility businesses are discovering new avenues to enhance profitability through data-driven decision-making, particularly in the realm of damage prevention. In this blog, we will delve into the transformative power of leveraging data for better decision-making, exploring how it can lead to increased profitability.
Successful damage prevention means staying ahead of the curve with technology and going beyond standard diligent work in the field. It demands a comprehensive understanding of your operations, constant refinement of strategies, and data-driven decision-making. Tracking specific data metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can help to drive growth and make strategic decisions. Some of which include: