Prepare Your Locating Operations for the Spring Construction Boom: Tips to Stay Competitive
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.
With 46,155 damages attributed to locating as a root cause (according to DIRT data), proactive preparation is critical. Contract locators need actionable strategies to optimize their damage prevention processes and ensure a successful spring construction season.
Why Spring Preparation is Critical for Contract Locators
The spring construction boom presents both opportunities and challenges for contract locators. As project volume increases, companies must handle more locate requests while navigating resource constraints and weather conditions. Staying competitive requires efficient processes, workforce readiness, and strong partnerships with utility companies and municipalities.
Effective preparation not only ensures smoother operations but also helps reduce damages and improve customer satisfaction, setting your company apart in a competitive landscape.
Key Steps to Optimize Damage Prevention Before the Boom
1. Assess and Upgrade Technology Tools
- Invest in Advanced Locating Technology: Use modern tools that offer precision and real-time data to improve the accuracy of locates.
- Adopt Digital Management Platforms: Streamline workflows and track requests efficiently with software that optimizes route management and reporting.
2. Workforce Readiness
- Conduct Training Sessions: Ensure your team is up to date on the latest best practices and safety protocols.
- Evaluate Staffing Levels: Plan to secure adequate personnel to meet the anticipated Q2 demand spikes.
3. Review and Refine Damage Prevention Processes
- Audit Current Processes: Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements to streamline operations.
- Standardize Protocols: Develop clear guidelines for handling locate requests, verification procedures, and communication with stakeholders.
4. Strengthen Collaboration and Communication
- Enhance Partnerships: Work closely with utility companies and municipalities to ensure seamless operations.
- Improve Communication: Establish open lines of communication to address challenges and coordinate locate requests efficiently.
Regional Focus: Special Considerations for High-Construction States
Different regions across the country present unique challenges during the spring construction boom. In Florida, for instance, the high water table levels and rapid infrastructure expansion require contract locators to invest in advanced technologies that can handle complex subsurface environments. Training locators on these specific challenges is also essential for success.
Meanwhile, California poses its own difficulties, with earthquake-prone zones and stringent construction regulations. Locators operating in this state should prioritize accurate mapping and adherence to regional regulations to ensure smooth operations.
Other states experiencing rapid development or infrastructure updates may also require additional planning to handle increased locate requests. Tailoring strategies based on local regulations and environmental factors is key to maintaining efficiency and avoiding damages.
Using Technology to Strengthen Customer Relationships and Build Credibility
Contract locators play a vital role in maintaining safe and efficient construction environments. Using a ticket management system like KorTerra can significantly enhance relationships with customers and bolster your credibility in the industry.
- Improved Transparency and Communication: A robust ticket management system allows you to provide customers with real-time updates on the status of their locate requests. This transparency builds trust and keeps projects on track.
- Faster Response Times: With a centralized system to manage and prioritize tickets, contract locators can handle requests more efficiently, ensuring timely responses that exceed customer expectations.
- Accurate Reporting: Detailed reporting features help contract locators maintain accurate records and provide customers with valuable insights into their locate requests and damage prevention activities.
- Enhanced Credibility: By leveraging advanced technology, contract locators demonstrate a commitment to best practices and operational excellence. This not only strengthens relationships with current customers but also positions your company as a trusted and reliable partner for new opportunities.
Incorporating a ticket management system like KorTerra into your operations isn’t just about improving efficiency—it’s about setting your business apart in a competitive market and ensuring long-term success.
Act Now for a Successful Spring Season
Spring is just around the corner, and the time to prepare is now. By assessing your operations, upgrading technology, and ensuring workforce readiness, you can position your company for success during the construction boom. Don’t wait until the season is in full swing — act today to stay competitive and protect underground infrastructure.
Ready to optimize your locating operations? Contact our team to learn more about solutions that can help you prepare for a successful spring season.
About KorTerra, Inc.
KorTerra is the leading provider of damage prevention software, protecting billions of dollars in underground infrastructure. For over 30 years, the leading stakeholders in gas distribution, pipeline operation, telecommunications, electric distribution, contract locating, and city, county, and state governments have trusted KorTerra as their damage prevention solution. KorTerra helps mitigate risk and ensure the safety of field personnel by providing secure software platforms for processing 811 locate tickets, tracking and reporting asset damages, meeting regulatory compliance, and more. Explore additional solutions at korterra.com and follow KorTerra on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Paige Nygaard – KorTerra, Inc.
952.368.1911
marketing@korterra.com