Our annual Leaders Forum asks experts to look ahead to 2024. Today we’re talking about technology with Mike Milne.
Mike Milne is the founder and CEO of Synergy Group, a company whose activities range from positioning to robotics, construction equipment to road construction, civil engineering and more.
Spatial source: Labor supply issues have dominated discussions in recent years. Do you think enough is being done?
Mike Milne: While some efforts are underway to address labor supply issues in the AECM sector, more needs to be done. Governments and industry organizations should work together to promote STEM education in schools and universities, including through funding programs, providing scholarships, and building partnerships with STEM companies.
Companies should develop training and apprenticeship programs to help employees acquire the necessary skills. These programs must be accessible to workers of all ages and backgrounds. You also need to offer competitive pay and benefits and create a positive work environment. This helps attract and retain workers. And governments need to reform immigration laws to facilitate the immigration of skilled workers.
SS: What other challenges does the industry face and what are the solutions?
Hmm: In addition to labor supply issues, the AECM sector also faces several other challenges, including rising costs, supply chain disruptions, sustainability concerns, and digital transformation.
Businesses can address rising costs by improving efficiency, negotiating better prices with suppliers, and passing some of the costs on to customers, while governments can subsidize companies that adopt energy-efficient technologies. You can help by providing. Businesses can respond to supply chain disruptions by diversifying their supply chains, building inventory, and developing contingency plans. Governments can help by investing in infrastructure and supporting companies developing new technologies to improve supply chain efficiency.
Companies can address sustainability concerns by using sustainable materials, designing energy-efficient buildings, and investing in renewable energy. Governments can help by offering tax breaks and other incentives to companies that adopt sustainable practices. Businesses can undertake digital transformation by investing in training and education and partnering with technology providers. Governments can help by investing in research and development and supporting the development of new technologies.
SS: What technologies and innovations will be hot in 2024?
Hmm: FARO Technologies will make its mark in 2024 by helping address the challenges facing the AECM sector. The FARO Orbis Laser Scanner allows you to quickly and efficiently create high-precision 3D scans of large areas, reducing project time and costs and improving the quality of your work. GeoSlam technology allows companies to create mobile 3D scans of indoor and outdoor environments, helping companies better plan, execute, and maintain projects.
FARO is developing a new reality capture platform that allows companies to create digital twins of buildings and other structures. We are also developing new solutions for other industries, such as building digital twins of transportation infrastructure. Overall, FARO Technologies invests heavily in research and development and works closely with its customers to understand their needs.
SS: What are your customers and collaborators looking for in 2024?
Hmm: They are looking for innovative solutions to help them address the challenges they face, as well as partners who can help them implement new technology and improve their operations. Specifically, we aim to reduce project costs, improve the quality of work, improve operational safety and efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and introduce new technologies.
FARO and GeoSlam are committed to providing our customers and collaborators with the innovative solutions they need to succeed. Both companies invest heavily in research and development and work closely with customers to understand their needs.
Customers and collaborators also want to be able to trust the companies they work with. They want companies that are transparent about pricing, products and services, and business practices. We are also increasingly looking to work with companies that are committed to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact, and making a positive difference in the communities in which they operate.