Transforming Construction Collaboration with Digital Collaborative Planning
For construction professionals, effective collaboration has always been a challenge. Traditional methods—sticky notes plastered on trailer walls, cluttered whiteboards, and lengthy in-person meetings—often lead to inefficiencies, lost information, and miscommunication.
Touchplan® is changing that. By bridging the generational gap and modernizing knowledge transfer, digital construction planning solutions are revolutionizing how teams work together. Moving from outdated manual systems to a centralized digital platform improves efficiency, strengthens teamwork, and fosters a true culture of collaboration.
To dive deeper into how digital collaborative solutions are transforming the industry, we spoke with Layne Hess, Corporate Director of Planning and Scheduling at Jacobsen Construction, and Sean Perry, Account Operations Manager at FLUOR Plant and Facility Services. They shared how Touchplan is improving construction collaboration while making project execution more efficient.
From Sticky Notes to Simplified Collaboration
Before adopting Touchplan, construction teams worked together, but their methods lacked efficiency. Hess recalls a time when job sites relied heavily on physical planning tools like trailer walls covered in sticky notes. “We had collaboration, but it wasn’t effective,” Hess explained. “We had 30-foot-long rooms with sticky notes on them, and somebody would open the door on a windy day, and they’d blow away.”
Realizing the inefficiencies of these outdated processes, Hess initially tried to build his own digital planning system. However, after attending a construction conference, he discovered Touchplan—a solution that could transform how teams coordinate work.
Perry also remembers a time when collaboration meant rooms packed with whiteboards and crowded meetings. “We can show you pictures of rooms covered wall-to-wall with whiteboards, filled with people,” Perry recalled.
While these meetings were essential, they had a major flaw. If a key stakeholder was absent, progress stalled. Important decisions got delayed, and teams struggled to stay aligned.
Touchplan changed this dynamic. Instead of relying on static, location-based meetings, teams could now collaborate in real time from anywhere. Whether on-site or remote, everyone could contribute and stay up to date.
More Than Just Efficiency—A Cultural Shift
Beyond saving time and improving coordination, Touchplan has redefined how teams communicate and work together.
Traditionally, construction followed a top-down hierarchy, where information flowed from experienced professionals to junior team members. With Touchplan, knowledge is now shared more openly, creating an environment where both younger and senior professionals can learn from each other.
This shift has led to a more inclusive and engaged workforce. Instead of isolated trade groups working independently, teams now collaborate across disciplines, breaking down silos that once existed.
Perry has noticed this change firsthand, especially in lunchrooms at job sites. “Before Touchplan, trade groups sat separately. Now, you see them engaging in open discussions, relationship-building, problem-solving across disciplines.”
These casual interactions may seem small, but they have a big impact—strengthening collaboration beyond scheduled meetings and fostering better teamwork.
Less Chaos, More Productivity
One of the most significant benefits of Touchplan is the reduction of workplace chaos. Instead of reacting to problems as they arise, teams can now plan proactively, leading to a smoother, more structured workflow.
Perry recalls a client asking, “How do you quantify removing chaos from the environment?” While metrics like cost savings and schedule efficiency provide measurable outcomes, the true impact is often felt in the work atmosphere.
Before Touchplan, job sites were disorganized, stressful, and reactive. Now, teams feel more in control, and projects run with fewer surprises.
“A lot of the feedback I get when I visit job sites is that the quality of life for a foreman, the quality of life for a General Superintendent is improving,” Perry shared.
Workers have personally thanked Perry and his team, expressing how Touchplan has reduced stress and improved their day-to-day experience. “They shake our hand and say, ‘Thank you for providing these systems that remove the chaos that used to eat at our professional lives.’”
This impact extends beyond the workplace, improving overall well-being and work-life balance.
A More Connected and Happier Workforce
Touchplan is more than just a digital planning solution—it’s a culture shift. By replacing outdated methods with a collaborative, structured approach, it’s helping construction teams:
- Improve efficiency with real-time collaboration
- Break down barriers between trade groups and experience levels
- Reduce stress by creating a more organized work environment
- Strengthen teamwork through open communication
As the construction industry continues to evolve, effective collaboration will help define success. Touchplan is leading the way, helping teams build a stronger, more connected workforce that’s ready to tackle modern construction challenges.
Ready to transform your team’s collaboration?
See how Touchplan can simplify your workflows and improve project efficiency. Contact us today to take the first step toward a more connected and productive workplace.
