Harry Rogers has been the backbone of the IT department at WPC for the past 30 years. With his exceptional technical expertise and leadership skills, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's success in the commercial construction industry. Harry's long-standing tenure at WPC has enabled him to witness and lead the company through the ever-evolving landscape of internet and computer technology. Under his guidance, the IT department has been at the forefront of innovation, leveraging cutting-edge tools and technologies to drive business growth. Harry's unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in WPC's continued success, and he remains an invaluable asset to the company.
Harry started as an IT consultant for WPC and eventually came on full time under WPC Founder Tracy Forrest – who was one of the first in the industry to recognize the value that technology would play in the construction industry. WPC was connected to the internet before the world wide web existed, had one of the first commercial websites and was the first construction company in the USA to have a website.
Harry recalls a time before websites, WPC had one computer that was rolled around on a cart and was used mostly for project managers to work on spreadsheets. When asked to describe his value to WPC, Harry shares, “It’s about information – really, providing access to information in safe, reliable, and streamlined way – that’s what I’m here to do.”
The last 30 years have witnessed a tremendous impact of the internet and information technology on the construction industry. From design and planning to project management and delivery, IT has revolutionized the way construction projects are executed. With the advent of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), architects and engineers can now create detailed 3D models of buildings, enabling better visualization and coordination of projects. Cloud computing has facilitated real-time collaboration between teams working on projects across different locations, while mobile apps have made it easier to manage construction sites remotely. Additionally, the use of drones, sensors, and IoT devices has enabled better monitoring of construction sites, enhancing safety and efficiency. Overall, IT has transformed the construction industry, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable building practices.
When asked what excites him most about the future for IT in the construction industry, Harry shared this:
“AI will revolutionize the construction industry by streamlining project planning and management, optimizing designs, automating labor-intensive tasks, and improving quality control. By leveraging AI-driven insights, contractors can make informed decisions on resource allocation, budgeting, and risk management, resulting in increased efficiency and cost savings. The integration of AI with robotics and autonomous equipment will also enhance productivity and reduce workplace injuries, while advanced analytics will enable predictive maintenance and supply chain optimization. Ultimately, the adoption of AI technologies will empower general contractors to deliver projects on time, within budget, and with higher quality standards, driving overall growth and competitiveness in the industry.”
And then told us that the above paragraph was written by an AI.